Exploring Shoulder Anatomy

Back, Chest, Low Intensity, Myofascial Release, Pain Care Yoga, Shoulder, Thoracic Spine, Upper Body | 0 comments

Yin & Myofascial Release

Exploring Shoulder Anatomy: A Deep Dive into Yin Yoga and Myofascial Release Techniques

You might think you know the intricacies of your shoulder anatomy, but this practice will take you to a depth of understanding that you’ve never reached before. We’re not just talking about the surface-level stuff; we’re diving right into the complex details of your shoulder anatomy. We’re also discussing how increased blood flow, nervous system benefits, and a temporary effect of increased muscle extensibility are the real benefits of the techniques we explore in this pod practice. In essence, we’re debunking some myofascial release myths while embracing the REAL benefits of these practices.

Anatomy Of The Shoulder – Experientially

We’re breaking down the anatomy of the shoulder, using traditional Yin Yoga postures, self myofascial release techniques and breathing exercises, all designed to help you release tension gently through embodied awareness. For the the Yin Yoga teachers out there, this practice will amplify your knowledge of the shoulder anatomy in ways that reading a text book never could.

So join me for this pod practice and allow me to guide you on this intriguing exploration of your body’s shoulder anatomy through the lens of Yin Yoga and self-myofascial release techniques.

Props needed: bolster, blocks, blanket

Thoracic Nerve Flossing

Back, Low Intensity, Pain Care Yoga, Podcast, Somatic Education, Spine, Thoracic Spine, Upper Body, Yin & Somatics | 0 comments

Yin & Somatics

Thoracic Nerve Flossing

Yoga is a bit preoccupied with muscles, Yin perhaps a bit too preoccupied with joints and connective tissues. But there is another element to healthy movement that is being influenced in our practice, in all of our movement really… that’s the nerves.

This practice puts the other tissues in a supporting role in favor of mobilizing, and gaining awareness of our nerves. Especially the ones that exit the thoracic region of the spine. We will use somatic and a bolster to gently mobilize the nerves and soften the experience of the spine.

This is a wonderful practice to return to if you frequently have a stiff or painful upper back.

Props needed: bolster, block(s), blanket

Yin & Pranayama: Expand Your Breathing Options

Audio, Chest, Low Intensity, Podcast, Pranayama, Side Body, Somatic Education, Thoracic Spine, Upper Body, Yin & Pranayama | 0 comments

Yin & Somatics

Thoracic Expression

This practice is a blend of Yin Yoga and pranayama with a bit of somatic work sprinkled in. We will explore a breathing practice that I learned from my mentor Neil Pearson that I call, Expand Your Breathing Options.

As you engage in movement and awareness you will also contemplate the gift of breath. This is a practice that is ripe with opportunities to learn and grow.

Props needed: Bolster, blocks and blanket

Thoracic Expression

Low Intensity, Pain Care Yoga, Podcast, Somatic Education, Thoracic Spine, Upper Body, Yin & Somatics | 0 comments

Yin & Somatics

Thoracic Expression

The upper back is an area that can be a big source of tension and even pain. We also have a fair amount of cultural baggage around the appropriate way to hold our upper back. Even in the Yoga world, we tend to favor a stiff and straight upper back above other shapes. But the upper back is capable of so much more, and I believe we suffer when we get locked in to a specific posture or expression.

In this practice, we explore the capacity of the upper back to generate movements, sensations and even emotions. We will use a somatic lesson adapted from Feldenkrais Method® supported by familiar Yin Poses. Your upper back and neck will really benefit from this practice.

Yin& Meditation: Your Shoulder Without Agenda

Low Intensity, Meditation, Pain Care Yoga, Podcast, Shoulder, Thoracic Spine, Yin & Meditation | 0 comments

Yin & Meditation

Your Shoulder without Agenda

This gentle but powerful practice explores a concept as well as the shoulder through movement and mindfulness. Your practice will be supported by a simple task, moving from a place of curiosity rather than agenda. You will have an opportunity to explore how your beliefs shape your impressions of your shoulder as well as your movments. This is a very deep and satisfying practice that may just transform how you experience your shoulder and even the world itself.

Props needed: A blanket

Yin & Meditation for Acceptance

45 Minutes Class, Back, Chest, Compassion, Meditation, Podcast, Shoulder, Thoracic Spine, Yin & Meditation | 0 comments

Yin & Meditation

for Acceptance

When most of us hear the word acceptance, we think of giving up or giving in. Our culture makes a virtue of resisting, fighting, wriggling out of difficult circumstances. But there is enormous value in the practice of accepting first. Acknowledging is the first step in self compassion.

This pod-practice is about moving forward with compassion, rather than squashing our feelings or disappointment or grief. We will explore poses that focus on the shoulders, chest and upper back as we progress through a gentle meditation. Our meditation is loosely based on the Tonglen or Lions’ Roar practice from the Tibetan Buddhism.

Props needed: Soft block, thick blanket and maybe a bolster or pillow if your shoulders are a bit stiffer.

Thank you to my model Rachel for demonstrating these poses!

The information on this podcast is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this podcast is for general information purposes only. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS podcast.