After practicing yoga for the last four years (and MFR for 10), there are a couple of things one could mention about yoga in relation to MFR. The yogic movements appear to be designed to elongate and loosen all the muscles while also tightening them to enhance toning, covering a wide array of the body’s potential ranges of motion.
Engaging in self-treatment is a common practice. Areas that feel tight and sore are often targeted for treatment. Upon starting yoga, previously unnoticed parts of the body become apparent, sometimes inaccessible due to their deep location or being concealed by tight tissues. Thus, yoga brings awareness to unexplored regions. By addressing these areas, a deeper self-connection is achieved, often accompanied by a rapid improvement in range of motion.
Another noteworthy connection arises between MFR and Restorative Yoga. The concept revolves around creating and sustaining pressure within the body to facilitate release. Achieving a mental state where analytical thoughts recede and focus is redirected towards the body is crucial. Restorative yoga embodies this principle. Positions generating tension are assumed, and through appropriate props, the tension is maintained while all muscles are allowed to completely relax. In a restorative class, each pose is sustained for 3 to 5 minutes. Personal restorative practice at home entails changing positions when the internal signal arises, akin to the idea of “pressure and time” correlation.
Recently, there was a day off, during which an 8-position set of yin (hip) yoga was completed, spanning 3.5 hours, resulting in a liberating sense of release. Transmitting the skill of self-treatment to clients and emphasizing the benefits of partaking in restorative yoga classes is a focus of teaching, with an open invitation for further inquiries and learning