What is Intra-oral Massage?

Intra-oral massage is a type of bodywork or manual therapy that involves working on the muscles and tissues inside the mouth. This technique is often used by therapists, such as craniosacral practitioners or massage therapists, to release tension in areas like the jaw, neck, and head.

Who is Intra-oral Massage for?

Anyone with:

TMJD (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction
Chronic jaw pain or tension
Headaches or migraines
Facial tensionNeck and shoulder pain
Grinding or clenching teeth (bruxism)

What are the benefits?

Intra-oral massage is a specialized technique that involves massaging the muscles inside the mouth. This therapy is often used to relieve tension and pain, particularly in the jaw, face, and head. Here are some key benefits of intra-oral massage:

Relieves Jaw Tension and TMJ Disorders
Intra-oral massage can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. By massaging the muscles around the jaw and inside the mouth, it can reduce muscle tension, improve alignment, and enhance joint mobility.
Reduces Headaches and Migraines Tension in the jaw, face, and neck can contribute to chronic headaches and migraines. By relaxing the muscles in these areas, intra-oral massage may decrease the frequency and intensity of headaches.
Eases Facial Muscle Tension
Many people unknowingly carry stress in their facial muscles. Intra-oral massage can target deep muscle layers that are difficult to access externally, releasing tightness and promoting relaxation in the face and neck.
Improves Oral Health and Function
It can improve circulation in the mouth, aiding in better overall oral health. This may be especially beneficial for individuals who experience tightness or soreness from clenching or grinding their teeth (bruxism).
Enhances Speech and Breathing
The muscles involved in speaking and breathing can be relaxed and rebalanced through intra-oral massage, potentially improving these functions. This can be particularly useful for singers, public speakers, or individuals who have undergone dental work that impacts these areas.
Promotes Relaxation and Reduces Stress
Like other forms of massage, intra-oral massage can trigger the relaxation response, helping to reduce overall stress and promote a sense of calm.
Reduces Sinus Congestion
In some cases, intra-oral massage can help clear sinus congestion by relieving pressure around the nasal passages and jaw, enhancing drainage and reducing discomfort.
Intra Nasal work is also offered for sinus issues.

Helps with Post-Dental Work Recovery
It can assist with recovery from dental procedures by relieving soreness and tension in the jaw and surrounding muscles. This is especially helpful after treatments that involve long periods of jaw immobilization, such as wisdom tooth extraction or braces installation.

FAQ

What is intra-oral massage?

Intra-oral massage is a specialized technique that involves massaging the muscles inside the mouth, focusing on areas like the jaw, cheek, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It's often used to release tension, alleviate jaw pain, and improve overall muscle function.

Is intra-oral massage painful?

Is intra-oral massage painful? While it can be slightly uncomfortable at first, especially if there's a lot of tension in the jaw or facial muscles, it shouldn't be painful. Most clients report feeling a deep sense of relief as the muscles begin to relax during and after the session.

Rates

-The cost is $125.00 for a 70 minite session.

-At this moment we do not take Insurance.

-We can take FSA/HSA

-Personal injury insurance will often cover Rolfing.We can also write you a super bill to send to your insurance company and get reimbursed.

Things to know for your first visit.

You will need to fill out an intake form. This is so that we can provide the best possible treatment and care. During your first consultation, we will discuss any health-related issues and concerns. Due to the proximity of a Practitioner to a Client, please be mindful of your hygiene. It is advised to shower before or on the day of your session. Please also avoid using lotions, oils, or scented perfume before your session and drink plenty of water leading up to and following your sessions.

Do I need to prepare anything for an intra-oral massage?

No special preparation is required. However, it's a good idea to brush your teeth before the session for comfort and hygiene purposes. You can also let your therapist know if you're experiencing any specific areas of discomfort.

Does it hurt?

Rolfing got a rep for being painful from the early days when it was being born. Rolfing should feel good. It may be intense at times but should be a good intense. Think of that scratch that you just can't reach.

What should I wear?

During the session, which focuses on the neck, head, and mouth, you are welcome to wear whatever clothes make you feel most comfortable. Blankets will be available, as well as a table warmer for added comfort.

Is intra-oral massage safe?

Yes, intra-oral massage is safe when performed by a trained therapist. Your therapist will wear gloves during the session to maintain hygiene, and they will work within your comfort level, checking in regularly to ensure you're feeling relaxed and comfortable.

DR. Ida P. Rolf

Founder of the Rolf Method of Structural Integration

Ida P. Rolf, born in 1896 was an American biochemist and the founder of Rolfing, also known as Structural Integration. She developed the Rolfing method based on her understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and the relationship between structure and function. Dr. Rolf believed that manipulating the body's fascia could improve alignment, posture, and overall well-being. Her work has had a lasting impact on the field of bodywork, with Rolfing becoming a recognized form of therapy for addressing chronic pain, movement restrictions, and emotional tension.

"Rolfing is a journey of self-discovery; as the body realigns, so too does the mind, leading to greater awareness and well-being."

-Dr. Ida P. Rolf

Nicholas Wasierski

Founder of Wandering Bear Wellness

My name is Nicholas Wasierski. I have dedicated my life to the practice of empowering humans to live an embodied life. I currently hold a license to practice Structural Integration which I gained through The Guild for Structural Integration from the original teachings of Dr. Ida P. Rolf. I am a certified Holistic Health Lifestyle and Integrative Movement Coach through the Chek Institute and I guide wilderness-based rites of passage to assist people with life transition.

I was born in Western Alaska during a winter storm on the Kuskokwim River steeped in the wisdom of knowing where my food comes from - catching salmon, gathering berries in the summer, and hunting Caribou and Moose in the fall and winter.

For many years I lived as a wanderer, finding work as a carpenter, welder, and mechanic throughout the West until I stumbled upon The Wilderness Awareness School which grounded me and reminded me of the old ways of living. Remembering that my purpose for being on this planet was to bring ceremony back to his lineage.

I found a home in Sequim Washington where I am currently reside, and work as a Structural Integrator (Rolfer), Holistic Health Coach, and a Rites of Passage guide running Wandering Bear Wellness.

In my spare time, you can find me singing rain down from the sky, meditating, studying, fishing, and midnight flower picking.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Nicholas is a fantastic practitioner and is extremely knowledgeable about many different areas of holistic health - body, mind and spirit. As a manual therapist, he has a confident hands, a very calm presence and knows how to create a very healing environment. As a lifestyle and movement coach, he understands the importance of foundations of health and how to empower his clients to make powerful change in their lives. I cant recommend working with him enough!

-Nick Kundrat

I had the good fortune of meeting Nicolas Wasierski. I have been disabled all my life. Nicolas was able to work around my conditions with his Structural Integration. I was very pleased and appreciate all his hard work. I really feel better after going through his sessions. I would highly recommend “Wandering Bear Wellness”!

-Lori Jacobs

Port Angeles Washington

I just wanted to share my experience working with Nicholas at Wandering Bear Wellness with structural integration. I have had bilateral frozen shoulders for over two years which is beyond challenging and painful with caring for my two little kids. Even with working with physical therapy for a year, one shoulder was still a bit stuck. After one session of structural integration with Nicholas, I was able to have considerable more range of motion in the stuck arm. My neck and shoulder tension has melted away and tension headaches have resolved. The following sessions have occurred after a long 10 hour work day on my feet as a nurse. Post session I did not have the leg, mind, and body fatigue as I did before my session. Nicholas passion and knowledge of health and wellness for his clients is beyond anything I have ever experienced. Absolutely life changing!

-Dulcenea Garcia

Sequim Washington