jaw release sessions
Release the tension your jaw holds
Somatic jaw release and facial tension therapy in Victoria, BC. For those ready to soften the armour, reclaim their natural expression, and feel like themselves again.
We assess the 5 layers of jaw tension:
PHYSICAL
emotional
energetic
Habitual
Structural
Your jaw is the command centre of tension.
The jaw is one of the most powerful muscles in the body, and one of the most emotionally loaded. It's where we store frustration, suppress feelings, and hold back the things we can't say.
A chronically clenched jaw tightens the neck and pulls everything with it, so your whole face feels like it's bracing.
We assess the layers of your jaw tension. We trace the patterns and connections to find out where it begins. And we release tension with gentle, precise, nervous-system-led touch.
The whole system shifts.
"This was one of the most relaxing treatments I have received..."
Jessie W.
01
Release Tension
For those navigating jaw tension, clenching, grinding, jaw clicking, tension headaches, and chronic neck and shoulder tightness.
02
Reclaim Your Expression
When your jaw releases, tension you'd stopped noticing starts to ease. Smiling can feel less effortful. Many clients say their face feels lighter and more like their own.
03
Reset Your Nervous System
The jaw is deeply wired to your fight-or-flight response. Releasing it sends a profound signal to your entire body. Clients often notice improved sleep, reduced tension, and a deep sense of calm.
SESSIONS
The Signature Soft Hour
Duration: 60 minutes
what a few sessions can do
What Softens When You Let Go
Less holding through the jaw and face, less puffiness, and the settled feeling of a nervous system that's stopped bracing.
Before
After
Results from a Soft Hour jaw release client
MEDIA
The Face Up™ Method, in the media
Click to read the featured articles about The Face Up™ Method and jaw release.
JOURNAL
Field notes on the jaw and nervous system.
How tension gathers in the face, why posture, breath and old emotion are part of the same pattern, and what softening actually feels like. Written from the table in Victoria, BC.
Common Questions
Everything You Need to Know
Find clear answers to help you feel confident that a Jaw Release Session is a fit for you.
Who is this session for?
This session is for anyone navigating jaw tension, clenching, or grinding patterns; tension headaches; a face that feels heavy or stressed; or those who simply want the experience of a fully relaxed, expressive face. It is a wellness and somatic bodywork session. For diagnosed TMJ conditions, we encourage you to work alongside your healthcare provider.
Is this a facial? What should I expect?
It isn't a facial, it's closer to a massage. It's full-body somatic bodywork that centres on the jaw but works with tension through the whole body. Because tension travels through the fascial system, a session may include the feet, calves, glutes, traps, and diaphragm alongside the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders. Come prepared as you would for a massage: you'll be invited to undress to your comfort level and will be draped throughout.
What are symptoms of jaw tension?
Many clients experience one or more of the following: frequent headaches or migraines, facial puffiness and swelling, pelvic floor tension, insomnia or restless sleep, grinding teeth, anxiety or heightened stress, jaw clicking or limited opening, shallow breathing or low energy, and chronic neck or shoulder pain.
What is intra-oral massage, and is it required?
Intra-oral massage involves working on the muscles inside the mouth using sterile gloved hands. It can be highly effective for reaching the deep masseter and pterygoid muscles associated with clenching and grinding. It is entirely optional. We can work purely externally if that feels most comfortable.
What is the Face Up™ Method?
Face Up™ is a globally recognized somatic facial therapy method created by Olga Newman, featured in Vogue, Elle, and Marie Claire. Unlike conventional massage, it approaches jaw tension as a systemic issue — addressing physical, emotional, and structural layers. Jenalee is certified in the Face Up™ Jaw Release specialization.
How is this different from Botox or a regular facial?
Botox works by relaxing the muscle's ability to contract. It doesn't change the underlying holding pattern. A regular facial works on the skin's surface. Face Up™Jaw Release works within the muscular and fascial system to address the root of tension, so the changes are build on a strong foundation.
How many sessions will I need?
Jaw tension usually builds over years, so it rarely lets go in one visit. Most clients commit to a series of 6–8 sessions to build lasting change, supported by simple at-home exercises and small habit shifts between visits. The work in the room matters and so does what you do between sessions. That's where results hold.
Can I claim jaw release on my health insurance?
Jaw release isn't traditional massage therapy. Although professionally trained in the FACE UP™ method, Jenalee isn't an RMT, so it won't qualify under a standard health spending account. If your workplace offers a wellness spending account (separate from a health spending account), it may apply there. Check with your benefits provider to confirm.
Ready to Start?
