Yoga and Fascia: practices and knowledge for pain relief

People come to yoga practice for many reasons. Stress relief, pain relief, mental health, spiritual practice, physical wellbeing and flexibility are some common motivations, among others. In this post, we’ll be exploring the physical aspects of yoga through the lens of fascia, its impact and function in the body, and how working mindfully with fascia can improve all aspects of yoga practice.

What is fascia?

Fascia is the connective tissue in the body. It wraps throughout the body in both loose and dense fibrous structures, around each muscle, bundle of muscle fibers, and even individual muscle fibers. It connects muscles to tendons and tendons to bones, and makes up ligaments and joint capsules. It gives the body its shape by holding muscles at a particular length and level of tension. It’s also built to hold water and help tissues glide along each other as we move, and it is closely tied into the nervous system and our sense of proprioception (where we are in space). There is also a lot of research emerging that points to fascia as a storehouse for our past experiences and emotions.

Fascia is always being broken down and remade in the body based on how we move and stretch. Over our lives, we develop patterns of tension and habits of movement that become imprinted on the fascia. Depending on how these patterns form, they can create an imbalance of tension on joints, leading to joint pain and injury over time. Places that don’t regularly move, or tissues that become dehydrated can also become dry and stuck, creating areas of chronic pain and tension.

yoga and fascia

When we practice yoga asanas (yoga poses), or movement of any type, we are working with fascia. Mindful yoga practice can help to reorganize these fascial patterns over time to balance tension on the joints and support healthier patterns of movement throughout the body. Different types of yoga affect fascia in different ways. In more active practices, we stretch tight areas, we strengthen muscles, and we work with a variety of load bearing positions. In restorative yoga, we support the body into shapes of ease and relaxation, allowing fascia to slowly loosen and let go of held tension at deeper layers. However we move, fascia will restructure slowly over time to reflect our habits and patterns, whether functional or dysfunctional.

However, sometimes yoga asana alone isn’t enough to address areas of particular pain or tension in the body, especially in cases where there is scar tissue or long standing injury. What do we do then?

Melt method, bodywork, and fascia

Yoga practice can be much more effective for physical wellbeing when paired with other forms of fascial work like bodywork, and MELT Method. MELT Method uses foam rollers and massage balls combined with specific movements and practices to help break up areas of adhesion (stuck-ness) and rehydrate tissues. When these tissues have good hydration they can move more smoothly, and friction, inflammation, pain, and injury are greatly reduced.

MELT Method has been shown now to help relieve low back pain, frozen shoulder syndrome, hip pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and plantar fasciitis, among many others. Research shows regular MELT work can decrease the density and thickness of fascial sheaths, leading to increased circulation, flexibility, and less tension. Working this way with fascia and MELT Method can also improve overall body awareness and nervous system regulation, as the myofascial system is interwoven with the nervous system.

melt method and yoga

Yoga and MELT Method are both proven disciplines that help us to improve our physical and mental wellbeing. They are even more effective when applied together. At Yoga Luna, we have implemented our Melt and Yoga classes to support wellbeing through the combination of MELT Method practices of myofascial release and Yoga practices for mindfulness, breath, and awareness. We hope you find these classes therapeutic, nourishing, and supportive along your journey.

You can find our complete class schedule HERE and book a class HERE.

As always, we’ll close with great respect and love, and with wishes for the wellbeing of all.

Namaste