Unclench your jaw and unlock your emotions?

Why everyone is talking about “holding trauma in your jaw” right now.

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June 2, 2026 4:45pm EDT

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Matte tone:

After many years of yoga classes, I’m very familiar with the notion that “emotions are stored in the hips.” While I’ve certainly experienced a flood of feelings after hitting pigeon pose, this idea never really made sense to me. What do you mean emotions are “stored” in the hips?

The 2026 version of this: Trauma is stored in the jaw. There are videos all over social media showing people having a huge, intense reaction after having their mandibles massaged. Watching these clips, it’s hard not to wonder: Is this in any way legitimate?

Vox’s Allie Volpe is on the case. She spoke to a few different experts, who told her that the relief is likely real, but the underlying theory — that it’s the result of “trauma” being let out — is probably not. If your jaw is giving you trouble, it’s worth paying attention to and treating the underlying cause. Just don’t expect a facial massage to heal your inner child.

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