Fascia Myths & Fascia Facts Part 2: Yin Yoga, Myofascial Release, & More

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the topic of fascia in part 2 of a 2-part series. This second episode of this 2-part series focuses on the questions:

1) Does Yin Yoga target fascia?

2) Does myofascial release work?

(Part 1 of this series focused on the questions: What is fascia? And: Can we train fascia through active movement?)

Points of discussion in this episode include:

• A review of the definition of fascia
• What claims does Yin Yoga make about fascia?
• What is Yin Yoga?
• What’s the difference between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga?
• What are the viscoelastic properties of connective tissue, and what role do they play in Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga?
• Does Yin Yoga specifically target fascia?
• What specific fascial tissue does Yin Yoga claim to target?
• What biomechanical effect does Yin Yoga claim to have on fascia?
• Does Yin Yoga target the joints and not the muscles?
• Does Yin Yoga “stress” the connective tissue of the joints?
• What is myofascial release?
• What is a trigger point (a.k.a. a knot or adhesion)?
• What effects does myofascial release have on the body?
• What is a pain pressure threshold?
• Does myofascial release actually release myofascia?
• …And much more!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Jenni’s email newsletter

Strength for Yoga Remote Group Training – ongoing, interactive monthly strength program for yogis designed by Jenni & Travis

Article: Redefining Self-Myofascial Release

Research article: Do Self-Myofascial Release Devices Release Myofascia? Rolling Mechanisms: A Narrative Review 

Online yoga class library & yoga anatomy workshops with Jenni

Strength for Yoga email newsletter

To find out more about Travis Pollen: website / Instagram

Music used with generous permission from Dischord A Cappella.

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