Myofascial release, Acupressure and Yin

aef013
Mar 3
3 min read

The fascia is a multi layer connective tissue. In my layman's terms "it shrink

wraps your muscles and organs". For a long time it was considered unnecessary, surgeons were known to throw it away during surgery. It transmits signals and when healthy it is supple and moves with the muscles and tendons. When it isn't it becomes thick, sticky and dry.

The fascia is often responsible for pain in the body that can't be pinpointed or diagnosed. Fascia is made of collagen and has hyaluronan liquid between the layers. When this liquid dries up the fascia becomes dry and can seize up around muscles forming knots.

Dried up fascia is referred to as fascia adhesions, and can be caused by

lack of physical activity
repetitive movements of the same body part
surgery or injury

Pain in the fascia is hard to diagnose and can be mistaken for muscle or joint pain, the difference being that the fascia pain gets better with movement.

There are many ailments related to the fascia, plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulder being well known and common ones.

If you have fascia pain that isn’t going away with stretching, try to loosen trigger points by trying the following:

Heat therapy. Take a hot shower or bath or place a heat source on the uncomfortable area.
Yoga. Consult a yoga therapist for yoga poses that focus on relieving pain in your affected fascia.
Using a foam roller. Give yourself a massage by using a foam roller to help your body get rid of tension.
Massage therapy. Get a series of massages that can release pressure from trigger points. Myofascial release is a specific massage method that can release tension in your fascial tissues.
Acupuncture. Get acupuncture from an acupuncturist, who’ll place needles in your affected fascia to help connective tissue relax.
Physical therapy. See a physical therapist for a special type of massage, called a scar tissue massage, to break down adhesions that may be caused by scar tissue.
Cold therapy. Apply ice or other types of cold therapy to lessen pain and inflammation.
Fascia blasting. With fascia blasting, a wand-like tool is used to loosen fascia. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-fascia

I have completed training in the MFR (Myofascial release) and Acupressure points combined with Yin stretches. Over the two days we studied the fascia trains, trigger points and the use of balls and rollers combined with Yin type stretches to release the fascia, easing pain and improving mobility, and leaving you feeling relaxed and delicious :)

What to expect in a MYR Yin class:

As normal we start with some breath and grounding, then depending on the target area of the class I will guide you to find the points and gently introduce the tools to the trigger points them combining movement and holds for certain times depending on the area then after releasing embracing a complimentary stretch and then a relaxation period. Then finish with Savasana.

You will feel some discomfort, the pressure points can be very sensitive, the key thing to remember is that you are in control of how much pressure, how long etc. You should feel relaxed by the end and may feel a little sore for a day or so afterwards, similar to a deep tissue massage. You can also experience some emotional release during or after the class.

The Benefits of Releasing Fascia

Releasing fascia isn’t just about feeling looser; it delivers a cascade of measurable benefits that ripple through the entire body.

Better Mobility and Flexibility: When fascia glides freely, joints can move through their full range without resistance. You might find you can squat deeper or touch your toes with greater ease after regular fascia work.
Pain and Tension Relief: Fascia is packed with nerve endings. When it’s tight, it can amplify pain signals. Releasing these restrictions can reduce headaches, neck stiffness, and back pain.
Enhanced Performance and Recovery: Supple fascia transmits muscular force more efficiently, making movements more powerful. It also improves circulation, speeds up recovery after exercise, and reduces muscle soreness.
Improved Posture and Movement: Freeing your fascia can correct imbalances and help you stand taller. This leads to less strain on your joints and better energy efficiency in daily activities.
Stress Reduction: The slow, mindful pressure of fascial release can shift your body from a “fight or flight” state to one of “rest and digest,” lowering stress hormones and promoting mental clarity.