Somatic Practice: Your Daily Routine for Stiff Upper Back and Neck

In this solo discussion episode, we'll explore the three intertwined modes that constitute our very existence, the Gunas. This enlightening discussion will offer a fresh perspective on the intense sensations and fluctuations experienced in a yin practice, allowing you to cultivate a deeper understanding of your own nature. But we don't stop at the yoga mat. Imagine applying these timeless lessons to your everyday life - finding meaning in the changing seasons, and adopting an attitude of curiosity and joy instead of fixating on a particular state or rejecting others. Fascinating, isn't it? We also delve into the intriguing biological component of this experience, using the stress-strain curve of connective tissues as an analogy. For those among us grappling with pain, we offer a unique perspective on its understanding and a potential path to alleviate it. So, if you're curious about how ancient philosophy intertwines with contemporary yoga and life, join us on this journey of discovery. Get your FREE Practice Gallery Workbook: https://yoga.mandyryle.com/greatest-hits-practice-gallery-gallery-workbook/Ready to apply your practice to healing your pain issue? Schedule a FREE discovery call to chat about your options: https://yoga.mandyryle.com/appointments/Transformational Self CareA Late Winter Wellness Retreat in the Dominican RepublicMarch 3-10, 2023Join me for a 7 day Caribbean wellness retreat. Each day we will focus on a pillar of self care. By the end of the week you will have a group of new friends, some unforgettable memories and a personal self care strategy to enhance your life back at home.  Learn More Let's connect! Follow me on: FacebookInstagramTicTocYouTubeFree Resources:Master the Yin Yoga Pose Repertoire: 7 Day Email CourseIntroduction to Pain Care YogaPractice Gallery Workbook - 6 go to sequences with pictorial instructions

In this episode you will meet Nikki Hajitoma, a renowned Yin Yoga teacher and trainer.  We delve into Nikki's unique approach to yoga, where Western anatomy meets Eastern philosophy, and how this fusion supports psycho-spiritual development. In our conversation, we discuss some misconceptions about Yin Yoga, a practice often misunderstood as 'easy' or 'just for beginners'. On the contrary, Yin Yoga requires mental fortitude and physical resilience, offering immense benefits in terms of emotional strength and mindfulness. We discuss Nikki's experiences teaching Yin Yoga in Hong Kong and Singapore, where Yin is gradually gaining recognition. We'll give you a primer into functional yoga, a practice model that values individuality, one that uses stress as a tool for growth, and a mindful approach to movement. We also tackle the evolution of yoga alignment models, underscoring the importance of comprehending anatomy in yoga and the need for continuous learning. We challenge the traditional 'one-size-fits-all' alignment mindset, advocating for a shift towards functional movement and an understanding of individual biomechanics. Join us for a conversation that will enlighten, inspire, and broaden your perspective on yoga and its untapped potential in our lives.Transformational Self CareA Late Winter Wellness Retreat in the Dominican RepublicMarch 3-10, 2023Join me for a 7 day Caribbean wellness retreat. Each day we will focus on a pillar of self care. By the end of the week you will have a group of new friends, some unforgettable memories and a personal self care strategy to enhance your life back at home.  Learn More Let's connect! Follow me on: FacebookInstagramTicTocYouTubeFree Resources:Master the Yin Yoga Pose Repertoire: 7 Day Email CourseIntroduction to Pain Care YogaPractice Gallery Workbook - 6 go to sequences with pictorial instructions

Experience the profound connection between the universe within you and the world around you as we journey through an exquisite exploration of yin yoga, mindfulness, and the incredible power of gratitude. This is a 90-minute yin yoga practice that fosters a profound sense of appreciation for your body. Designed to bring tranquility, connection, and a space exclusively for you, we anchor our attention on the breath and the internal movement of light within the rib cage.In this episode we unravel the marvels of cellular respiration, the universe within your cells. With each breath, nourish and support the teeming life within you, The experience of cellular respiration, will profoundly deepen your sense of self and body connectivity. With each pose, take a moment to appreciate the sensations, the echoes of movements and the hard work of your cells. We conclude with a reflective Shavasana, inviting you to contemplate the remarkable journey of evolution, and your place in the universe. This practice is a loving reminder of the miracles within us and our bodies' phenomenal ability to evolve, exist, and flourish. Tune in for this enriching adventure of self-discovery and appreciation.Transformational Self CareA Late Winter Wellness Retreat in the Dominican RepublicMarch 3-10, 2023Join me for a 7 day Caribbean wellness retreat. Each day we will focus on a pillar of self care. By the end of the week you will have a group of new friends, some unforgettable memories and a personal self care strategy to enhance your life back at home.  Learn More Let's connect! Follow me on: FacebookInstagramTicTocYouTubeFree Resources:Master the Yin Yoga Pose Repertoire: 7 Day Email CourseIntroduction to Pain Care YogaPractice Gallery Workbook - 6 go to sequences with pictorial instructions

Ever felt like you needed some extra TLC for your upper back, neck, and shoulders? You're not alone. Come along as I guide you through an enriching somatic session, inspired by Feldenkrais method. This is a sublime practice that will not only bring a peaceful awareness to these often cranky areas, but also provide some valuable somatic learning. Healthy human movement is variable, and the most sophisticated movers have the capacity to move globally. This practice will help you to cultivate both for comfortable movement and posture. You will need a blanket and a bolster or pillow.Become a Patron!Support the content you love AND get access to my full video practice library. Inside you will find a huge collection of pain care resources as well as a new section of experiential anatomy practices. Become a patron today: https://theshiftschool.com/patron-membership/Transformational Self CareA Late Winter Wellness Retreat in the Dominican RepublicMarch 3-10, 2023Join me for a 7 day Caribbean wellness retreat. Each day we will focus on a pillar of self care. By the end of the week you will have a group of new friends, some unforgettable memories and a personal self care strategy to enhance your life back at home.  Learn More Let's connect! Follow me on: FacebookInstagramTicTocYouTubeFree Resources:Master the Yin Yoga Pose Repertoire: 7 Day Email CourseIntroduction to Pain Care YogaPractice Gallery Workbook - 6 go to sequences with pictorial instructions

Ready to revolutionize your relationship with your pelvic floor? This enlightening episode is like a road map to pelvic health, guiding you through gentle practices and their benefits, understanding the intricacies of your pelvic anatomy, and effective ways you can manage pelvic pain. I'll give you a primer on the the science behind pelvic floor dysfunction and I'll teach you a breathing technique to restore peace and harmony to this area.This episode is a treasure trove of insights and practices that can help you cultivate a sense of comfort and safety within your pelvis. So join me, open your mind to new knowledge, and take control of your pelvic health.Transformational Self CareA Late Winter Wellness Retreat in the Dominican RepublicMarch 3-10, 2023Join me for a 7 day Caribbean wellness retreat. Each day we will focus on a pillar of self care. By the end of the week you will have a group of new friends, some unforgettable memories and a personal self care strategy to enhance your life back at home.  Learn More Let's connect! Follow me on: FacebookInstagramTicTocYouTubeFree Resources:Master the Yin Yoga Pose Repertoire: 7 Day Email CourseIntroduction to Pain Care YogaPractice Gallery Workbook - 6 go to sequences with pictorial instructions

Become a Patron of the Yin Yoga Podcast! Just $15/month for access to premium, exclusive content and courses. Learn MoreIn this practice, we unravel the potential an often overlooked and misunderstood part of our bodies. We'll delve deep into the anatomy and function of the trapezius muscles, introducing you to a range of exercises that help you understand and experience these muscles in a whole new way. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, we're sure you'll find this exploration fascinating and useful.In this experiential anatomy approach, I'll guide you through a series of poses and mobility drills designed to familiarize you with the sensation of your trapezius muscles engaging and releasing. I'll show you how to actively engage both the lower and upper trapezius muscles and teach you some innovative ways to to experience your shoulder blades, spine and neck. All you need is a bolster, a couple of yoga blocks, a blanket, and an open mind.Transformational Self CareA Late Winter Wellness Retreat in the Dominican RepublicMarch 3-10, 2023Join me for a 7 day Caribbean wellness retreat. Each day we will focus on a pillar of self care. By the end of the week you will have a group of new friends, some unforgettable memories and a personal self care strategy to enhance your life back at home.  Learn More Let's connect! Follow me on: FacebookInstagramTicTocYouTubeFree Resources:Master the Yin Yoga Pose Repertoire: 7 Day Email CourseIntroduction to Pain Care YogaPractice Gallery Workbook - 6 go to sequences with pictorial instructions

Are you ready to unlock the power of evidence-informed Yin Yoga in managing chronic pain? This fascinating episode wraps up our four-part series, illuminating how Yin Yoga can help regulate the nervous system and promote mindfulness. We journey through the meditative stages of a typical Yin class, revealing the transformative impact it can have on those grappling with persistent pain. A captivating discussion awaits you, exploring the role of Yin Yoga in overcoming pain and fostering a positive relationship with the body.Imagine if there was a way to untangle the knot of chronic pain from our self-identity. A groundbreaking study from 2003 used fMRI imaging to gain insights into this, revealing a compelling method known as a 30-second interoceptive exposure task. The process decouples pain from the self, leading to a remarkable reduction in pain intensity, duration, and associated anxiety. We delve into the fascinating findings of this study, shedding light on how it employs strategies that Yinsters are already using. Though perhaps with this information we can support those with persisting pain even better.We also dissect the influence of kinesiophobia or the fear of movement in managing chronic musculoskeletal pain. Drawing from a systematic review in 2018, we highlight the correlation between kinesiophobia, escalated pain intensity, and disability. The critical role of yoga teachers in shaping a positive environment and nurturing a supportive relationship with the body is emphatically discussed.  Join our vibrant Facebook community where we continue this enlightening conversation, sharing evidence, asking questions, and growing together. Engage in the exploration of Yin Yoga's benefits, especially for special populations like those dealing with chronic pain. Tune in to this episode – a treasure trove of knowledge for teachers and students alike!Transformational Self CareA Late Winter Wellness Retreat in the Dominican RepublicMarch 3-10, 2023Join me for a 7 day Caribbean wellness retreat. Each day we will focus on a pillar of self care. By the end of the week you will have a group of new friends, some unforgettable memories and a personal self care strategy to enhance your life back at home.  Learn More Let's connect! Follow me on: FacebookInstagramTicTocYouTubeFree Resources:Master the Yin Yoga Pose Repertoire: 7 Day Email CourseIntroduction to Pain Care YogaPractice Gallery Workbook - 6 go to sequences with pictorial instructions

In this third episode in our Becoming an Evidence Informed Yin Teacher or Student, I'll be reviewing some actual papers for you that are not directly about Yin Yoga but instead about an important component of our practice, stretching. In this third episode in our Becoming an Evidence Informed Yin Teacher or Student, I'll be reviewing some actual papers for you that are not directly about Yin Yoga but instead about an important component of our practice, stretching. I'll demystify the effects of stretching on muscle hypertrophy and performance. And address the common belief that pain is always a result of tightness. We'll shed some light on the connection between static stretching and heavy resistance training. All by reviewing a selection of studies, highlighting the role and benefits of stretch training in reducing muscle loss, stimulating muscle growth, and enhancing strength and performance.But there's more to stretching than meets the eye. We'll explore how it can mitigate inflammation and aid in tendon repair. We'll discuss the challenge of measuring tension and strain, the impact of resistance training on tendon stretching, and the value of referencing research in yoga teaching. To keep the conversation going, join us on our Facebook group 'Movement for Healing'.And don't forget to tune in next week as we dive into topics like nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and their role in pain care.Become an evidence informed Yin teacher or student, enroll in my Yin Yoga Teacher Training Module I: https://yoga.mandyryle.com/yin-teacher-training-module-i/Join the conversation in my FREE Facebook group, Movement for Healing https://www.facebook.com/groups/710104050217437/ Transformational Self CareA Late Winter Wellness Retreat in the Dominican RepublicMarch 3-10, 2023Join me for a 7 day Caribbean wellness retreat. Each day we will focus on a pillar of self care. By the end of the week you will have a group of new friends, some unforgettable memories and a personal self care strategy to enhance your life back at home.  Learn More Let's connect! Follow me on: FacebookInstagramTicTocYouTubeFree Resources:Master the Yin Yoga Pose Repertoire: 7 Day Email CourseIntroduction to Pain Care YogaPractice Gallery Workbook - 6 go to sequences with pictorial instructions

Ready to level up your Yin Yoga teaching or practice? We're back with part two of our enlightening series, and this time, we're demystifying the process of reading research. In this solo episode,  I'll guide you to improve your research literacy, ensuring you can critically evaluate studies and make sure that the research you read is relevant to you or your students. We will also explore ways to ensure that the research you are reading is credible. To demonstrate how and why, we will look at an acclaimed study from a few years back that claimed that just 12 minutes of daily Yoga can reverse osteoporosis. The study was bogus but the damage is done. Many teachers and students have fallen into the trap of crappy research. I'll show you how to know if what you are reading is actually reputable!This series is a guided journey to becoming an evidence-informed Yin Yoga teacher or student.  Consider this series your essential guide.Become an evidence informed Yin teacher or student, enroll in my Yin Yoga Teacher Training Module I: https://yoga.mandyryle.com/yin-teacher-training-module-i/Join the conversation in my FREE Facebook group, Movement for Healing https://www.facebook.com/groups/710104050217437/Transformational Self CareA Late Winter Wellness Retreat in the Dominican RepublicMarch 3-10, 2023Join me for a 7 day Caribbean wellness retreat. Each day we will focus on a pillar of self care. By the end of the week you will have a group of new friends, some unforgettable memories and a personal self care strategy to enhance your life back at home.  Learn More Let's connect! Follow me on: FacebookInstagramTicTocYouTubeFree Resources:Master the Yin Yoga Pose Repertoire: 7 Day Email CourseIntroduction to Pain Care YogaPractice Gallery Workbook - 6 go to sequences with pictorial instructions

In this solo episode I share invaluable insights that will empower both teachers and practitioners to deepen their understanding of Yin Yoga, as well as underscore the importance of employing research-backed knowledge for the betterment of physical and mental health.I'll share the top reasons why Yin Yoga is the perfect canvas for evidence informed practice and teaching. I'll also teach you how to find research that is relevant to your needs as a student or your niche as a teacher. By the end of this episode you will know the main types of research that will be useful to you as a  Yin-thusiast and some handy use cases for each. My intent is to make the transition to evidence informed practice as simple as possible. In our exploration, we also delve into the realm of anatomy and pain care in relation to Yin Yoga and the critical role randomized control trials (RCTs) play. But I don't just leave you with the theory, I show you how to practically apply this knowledge, addressing topics like exercise recovery, research bias, and the significance of lifestyle changes for those with chronic pain. To demonstrate how vital understanding where to find research and read it really is,  I expose some truths about knee arthroscopy and spinal surgery. So, buckle up! Whether you're a yoga teacher seeking to expand your knowledge, or a student looking to deepen your practice, this eye-opening episode is a must-listen. Let's be seekers of truth in the world of Yin Yoga together!Become an evidence informed Yin teacher or student, enroll in my Yin Yoga Teacher Training Module I: https://yoga.mandyryle.com/yin-teacher-training-module-i/Join the conversation in my FREE Facebook group, Movement for Healing https://www.facebook.com/groups/710104050217437/Transformational Self CareA Late Winter Wellness Retreat in the Dominican RepublicMarch 3-10, 2023Join me for a 7 day Caribbean wellness retreat. Each day we will focus on a pillar of self care. By the end of the week you will have a group of new friends, some unforgettable memories and a personal self care strategy to enhance your life back at home.  Learn More Let's connect! Follow me on: FacebookInstagramTicTocYouTubeFree Resources:Master the Yin Yoga Pose Repertoire: 7 Day Email CourseIntroduction to Pain Care YogaPractice Gallery Workbook - 6 go to sequences with pictorial instructions