Whenever I feel overwhelm creeping up, my neck and shoulders become tense. That wishful thought of a massage almost causes more stress as I don’t know when to accomodate another appointment in my busy day.
But I can roll & release at home! Self-MFR of two specific points that are recognised as acupressure points by Traditional Chinese medicine does the trick. Paired with Yin Yoga stretches, tension melts away!
What is Myo-Yin Yoga aka roll and release?
Repetitive movements and high stress levels (amongst other causes) can lead to stiffness, tension and chronic pain in our tissues.
Myofascial release is a great way of manipulating your myofascia (myo= muscles + fascia = connective tissues), improving circulation of blood and fluids and breaking up any debris whilst releasing tension. If we use tools such as foam rollers, balls or blocks we do it ourselves - so this is called self-MFR instead of receiving a deep tissue massage for example.
You can use self-MFR by itself or in combination with Yin Yoga (= Myo-Yin), to deepen the effect and to allow your nervous system to reset.
Yin Yoga with its long passive holds can have beneficial effects on your myofascial system, increasing your range of motion, hydrating your tissues. In Yin Yoga we slow down the pace of life, which is picked up and sensed by your nervous system, which also slows down.
Explore self-MFR + Yin Yoga to release tension from neck & shoulders
Join me for this 20min Myo-Yin Yoga session where we combine self-MFR + Yin Yoga to release tension from neck and shoulders:
What you will need for this 20min Myo-Yin Yoga class: myofascial release balls or tennis balls and a Yoga block.
We will to work on two potent acupressure points: Gallbladder 20 and Gallbladder 21.
These gallbladder points are great to release stress, tension headaches and to create space in the neck and shoulder area. The practice will conclude with some restful Yin Yoga stretches.
We will to work on two potent acupressure points: Gallbladder 20 and Gallbladder 21 (see image on right).
These Gallbladder points are great to release stress, tension headaches and to create space in the neck and shoulder area. The practice will conclude with some restful Yin Yoga stretches.
Please be advised that these points are contraindicated in pregnancy! If you have any pre-existing condition or health issues, consult your health practitioner to clarify whether this practice is suitable for you.
Interested in learning more about self-myofascial release in combination with Yin Yoga?
Check out my Free guide + Video where I explain the concepts and take you through a short experience. It feels good to roll :-)
I hope the article/video helps to release some tension from your head and neck area! Let me know how it felt :-)
Best, Simone