70: Yoga & MFR: Fundamentals to Get the Most Out of Your Practice

We’ve gone in depth in previous episodes on the topic of myofascial release or MFR, so today hosts Tiffany and Rachel take a step back to focus on the basics. In this episode, we give tips for implementing MFR in your practice, what to pay attention to, why we love it, how we use it, and how our practices have changed over the years.

Listen in to learn what we love about myofascial release, common pitfalls, and tips for practicing MFR before, during, and after more traditional yoga practices.

“It’s quick, easy, feels good; and it’s really easy to get people to commit to that routine.” – Tiffany Cruikshank

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“It can be a really powerful bridge from a led practice to a self-practice.” – Rachel Land

Show Notes:

• Tiffany’s background in MFR [3:49]
• What’s to love about MFR [5:17]
• Cultivating interoception and assess soft-tissue tension with MFR [7:08]
• A tool for empowerment: self-regulation and self-soothing [10:56]
• How our own MFR practice and teaching has changed over time [14:40]
• Exploratory, invitational language is key for teachers of MFR [14:57]
• Therapeutic use of MFR benefits from a one-on-one approach [18:16]
• Tips for teachers introducing MFR [21:59]
• MFR as a bridge to self-practice [23:13]
• MFR as preparation for active yoga or movement practice [25:10]
• MFR during active yoga practice [29:54]
• MFR to down-regulate after active yoga practice [35:14]
• MFR paired with Yin yoga [38:02]
• Touching on acupressure points and MFR [40:41]
• The impact of intention on MFR outcomes [43:10]
• Favorite parts of the body for MFR [45:00]
• Common pitfalls and cautions [49:41]
• Key takeaways [56:45]
• Further resources [58:39]

Links Mentioned:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Myofascial Release Teacher Training
• Yoga Medicine Podcast Episode 39: MFR Applications and Research
• Myofascial Release Bundle Online Course
• Yoga Medicine Online Resources:
  • Foundations: Intro to MFR
  • Tutorial: Myofascial Release Sheering

“There’s a real area of fun in myofascial release to kind of play with the intention that you’re putting into the practice.” – Rachel Land