Why so many people are talking about “holding trauma in your jaw” right now
The discussion around the concept of 'holding trauma in your jaw' has gained traction, particularly on social media. Many people are sharing experiences of emotional releases during buccal massages, which target deep facial muscles. While jaw tension is a common issue, experts suggest that the intense emotional reactions seen online are not typical in real-world scenarios.
- ▪Buccal massages are gaining popularity for their purported ability to release stored emotions in the jaw.
- ▪Social media has amplified discussions about the connection between jaw tension and emotional stress.
- ▪Experts note that while jaw pain is common, the emotional responses observed in viral videos are relatively rare.
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LifeWhy so many people are talking about “holding trauma in your jaw” right nowUnclench your jaw and unlock your emotions?by Allie VolpeMay 27, 2026, 3:00 PM UTCShareGiftWhy are we talking about the jaw? Getty Images/CSA Images RFAllie Volpe is a correspondent at Vox covering mental health, relationships, wellness, money, home life, and work through the lens of meaningful self-improvement.If you’ve ever taken a yoga class or gotten a massage, you may have heard that stress is stored in specific parts of the body: Emotion in the hips. Strain in the shoulders. Anxiety in the gut. And, it seems lately, particularly online, trauma in the jaw.On social media, videos abound of young women laying face up on massage tables with someone’s hands in their mouths.
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