Myofascial release + Yin Yoga for Neck & shoulders

Whenever I feel overwhelm creeping up, my neck and shoulders become tense. As if all energy is stuck in the head and cannot flow back into the body.

This is when my Myo-Yin practice is super helpful: roll & release tension using tennis balls or Yoga blocks. Paired with soothing Yin poses, my system realigns and tension melts away.

This is also what I offer my students in their Yin classes and they do love it.

Why myofascial release and Yin Yoga work well together

Repetitive movements and high stress levels (amongst other causes) can lead to stiffness, tension and chronic pain in our tissues. The fascia can get tight, thickened and we feel this as the energy can’t flow freely.

Myofascial release (MFR) 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. You can use tools such as foam rollers, balls or blocks to compress or roll your tissues. Since you do this it is called self-MFR, instead of receiving a deep tissue massage from a therapist for example.

Self-MFR by itself is a great practice, but in combination with Yin Yoga you can deepen the effect on your fascial system and directly speak to your nervous system.

Yin Yoga with its long passive holds can have beneficial effects on the myofascial system, increasing range of motion and hydrating your tissues. In Yin Yoga we slow down the pace of life, we create space in our day and in our body, which is positively impacting your nervous system. In a slow paced class you can easily add self-MFR tools to further enhance the effect on the fascial system, release tension and enhance relaxation. This will also get students in touch with their bodies.

self-MFR + Yin Yoga to release tension from neck & shoulders

20min practice to combine self-MFR + Yin Yoga to release tension from neck and shoulders. We roll & compress two specific points that are recognized as acupressure points by Traditional Chinese medicine. Tap into the world of fascia! You will need: myofascial balls /tennis balls + Yoga block.

Acupressure points of the Wood element

The two potent acupressure points Gallbladder 20 and Gallbladder 21 are great to release stress, tension headaches and to create space in the neck and shoulder area.

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!

Curious to explore this more? If you wish to learn 3 self-MFR techniques you can add to any Yoga class, the download my Free Workbook HERE.

It feels good to roll :-)

I hope the article/video helps to release some tension from your head and neck area.

Best, Simone