Yoga for Fascia

Written by Cherivic Paculaba, Yoga Instructor

Think about a slab of butter placed into a warmed pan, how it ever so slowly M E L T S until it goes from solid to liquid, that is my favourite moment in Myofascial Yin Yoga; when you feel your body melt like butter into your mat and feel completely safe in your body.

You breathe deeply in and out to let go of any further tension or stress.

Imagine the peace and stillness you would create in your body.

Myofascial Yin Yoga is the best way to release areas of restricted fascia that can hold you back from getting a deep breath in, cause crushing pain for nerves and muscles, reduce the ability of the brain vital organs to operate optimally creating headaches, and chronic health conditions.

This practice is a slow-paced practice, holding each pose anywhere from 2 minutes to even 10-20 minutes long. By holding the various poses, your body has enough time to settle in, release, and restore balance within our bodies.

The practice is based on ancient Chinese philosophies and Taoist principles which believe there are pathways of Qi (energy), or in traditional yoga (prana), that run through our bodies. By stretching and deepening into poses, it opens any blockages and releases that energy to flow freely.

Myofascial Yin Yoga targets the connective tissues, aka the fascia. Poses are generally on the floor using props to support the body and focusing on that “melting” release of the body in each pose. It’s a slower and more meditative practice, giving you space to turn inward and tune into both the physical sensations of your body and your mind.

As you are guided into each pose by the yoga instructor, one of the three main principles of yin is to find the first barrier of tension; that first feeling of lengthening or stretch. Props such as bolsters, blocks or straps are encouraged to help support and ease the body into the pose so it does not feel difficult to hold. At times we tend to want to go as far as we can, feeling the need to push ourselves past the limit. This puts our body in defense mode and our bodies start to tense rather than relax to protect ourselves from injury. With the use of props and easing into the pose then stopping and holding at the first barrier of tension we create a safe space for our body to trust the process, relax into the pose and release restricted fascia.

Once you get into the pose the next main principle of yin is to find stillness in the pose, which can be the most challenging. Our mind is constantly active throughout our day, thinking about what happened yesterday or what is next on our to do list. Finding stillness in the mind and body as you hold the pose brings you into a more meditative practice as you focus on your breath and bring awareness to the sensations within, therefore connecting the body and mind.

As you hold the pose, around the 2–3-minute mark you will begin to notice the sensation of “melting”. If you’ve ever had a Myofascial Release treatment session in our clinic, you’ll be familiar with the sensation of melting, the releasing of the fascia. This is where the magic happens.

The fascia that was once stuck down is rehydrated; the body moves from a plastic to a more elastic state and your connective tissue becomes more fluid through movement.

As you slowly come out of the pose it is time for the final principle of yin yoga which is to rest for a few cycles of breath. Allowing your mind to come back into your physical self and then taking a moment to check in with yourself. Rest can be either resting in stillness, or movement; allowing your body to move in what ever way feels right. This moment allows you to get in touch with what your body needs; learning to self soothe.

Myofascial Yin Yoga is a practice of self-awareness by listening to your body, looking within, not only physically but mentally and emotionally. It is a practice that can be carried with you off your mat and into your everyday life. A true feeling of wholeness and comfort within your body.

Ready to give Myofascial Yin Yoga a try? Join us for a free class and soundbowl session on Saturday March 12th, 2022 at 10am & 11am. Register here.