The soul grows by subtraction, not addition.”

―Henry David Thoreau

Self Myofascial Release for Yin Online Training

  • Session 1 Connect

    The feet are our foundations. They are both tender yet strong. They stand under us so the ‘understand us” as Ida Rolf says.

    In this session we will tend our roots. Learn techniques to incorporate fancy foot work, massage and SMFR nto your classes matched wth yin poses. that focus on the feet and ankles and lower legs.

    Lecture: Fascia overview. Formation of fascia (embryology). What is myofascial release? Trigger points explained.

  • Session 2 Rise

    From the feet the trees trunks grow. Today we explore the mandala of the legs, inner legs, outer legs, front of the thigh and back of the thigh. Our legs hold us up in life and also propel us forward. We will work with the adductors, hamstrings, It band and quads and since life can bring us to our knees we will do some work in this area..

    Lecture: Tensegrity. Techniques for SMFR

  • Session 3 Soften

    From the legs we move into our core. the very centre of our being. The core can be related to the Earth Element in TCM in which every other aspect of our life blossoms. We will use SMFR to soften into the core, expand it and breathe into it. We will work into the pelvic floor, abdominals, QL, and the diaphragm.

    Lecture: Anatomy and physiology of Fascia. Fascia in layers. Rules of working with SMFR

  • Session 4 Release

    The pelvis is filled with potential. It houses our reproductive organs, signaling our ability to create and bring new life into the world and ourselves. Often tightly bound with connective tissue the pelvis and sacrum need to move freely for us to step out into our life. We will work with the connective tissue and muscle group around the glutes and sacrum area.

    Lecture: Emotions and energy body

  • Session 5 Flow

    The spine is our information highway and is said to house the chakras in subtle energy work. We work with the muscles down either side of he spine and low back which are like our work horses that support the trunk and keep us upright. This class will also include gentle fascial movements

    Lecture: Fascial Water. Keeping your fascial body healthy. Inflammation and stress on the fascia.

  • Session 6 Expand

    The organs of the chest are tightly housed within the thoracic rib cage. To breathe well and be open in this area we will release into the thoracic ribs upper chest, sternum and work into the biceps and triceps. We will finish with some work on the forearms and a seated or lying meditation.

    Lecture: Stress and the nervous system

  • Session 7 Fly

    The arms are the wings of the heart.

    Today we will open our collar bone, sternum, shoulders and the small muscles between the ribs which ultimately will open our heart. We will also send love to our pecs, lats and serratus via the side body.

    Lecture: Teaching Considerations What and why are we doing this?

  • Session 8 Settle

    Today we will work with the small muscles in the face, jaw and head and hands. Feel deep release to these small, hardworking muscles, which, when worked with, bring about a sense of calmness and clarity. We will gently massage into these hot spots to bring vitality and increase circulation to the skin.

    Lecture: Sequencing

The Schedule and Booking

Please note I live in New Zealand so we are ahead of the rest of the world. For a lot of you it will show as the day before my time. It is important you select your time zone when you book.

If you click on the book button below it will bring up the times and dates in NZT. When you choose your time zone it will schedule in your time zone.

The Classes are offered Monday and Thursday NZT 8am-10am starting May 12th over a 4 week period.

Tools for SMFR

Balls: tennis balls, SMFR balls, small balls, peanut-style (conjoined) balls, and larger, softer inflatable balls for tender areas such as the abdomen. I like these ones RAD ROLLER referral link with $5 discount code.

Towels: Rolled-up towels support parts of the body or engage in SMFR. Towels also help to lessen the sensation of harder blocks or balls.

Blankets: These are used to lie or sit on. They can provide support and gentle release into areas such as the stomach.

Blocks: soft foam blocks and harder cork blocks are two types. Depending on your sensitivity and the area you are working on will determine which block is best suited.

 Feet and hands: Body parts can be used as massage tools. Hands can massage and hold, and feet can massage the lower legs.

 Yoga mats: Rolled yoga mats, which act as soft rollers, can be an option for parts of the body.

 Soft rollers: choose rollers with some give or pad them or pad them with a blanket.

 Bolsters: Yoga bolsters have a variety of uses. In yin, they can intensify or de-intensify the pose. In restorative yoga, they are more often used to prop the body to eliminate physical sensations completely. In SMFR classes, they help prop the body while massaging or releasing another part of the body. point.