Yin Yang for Tight Shoulders: A Harmonized Approach to Release Tension
Shoulder tension is an all-too-common issue in today’s world. The root causes can range from long hours at a desk to stress, physical strain, or even a lack of movement. To address tight shoulders, integrating the principles of Yin and Yang through a balanced approach can be highly effective.
In Taoist philosophy, Yin represents stillness, depth, and surrender, while Yang signifies activity, strength, and dynamism. Balancing both can help release tension in the shoulders by targeting muscles, connective tissue, and mental patterns that often keep us locked in cycles of tightness.
Why Yin and Yang?
Approaching shoulder tightness through both Yin and Yang allows us to work not only on the surface muscular layers but also on deeper connective tissues. The combination of longer, gentle holds in Yin poses and moving Yang movements helps alleviate physical tension and can even address the mental stressors behind tight shoulders.
Step 1: Yang – Gentle Movement to Mobilize
We will start with some active, Yang-inspired movements. These will increase circulation, build strength, and reinforce the mobility needed to maintain shoulder health in the long term.
Step 2: Yin – Deep Release and Relaxation
Yin Yoga focuses on passive, longer-held poses that stretch and nourish the deeper connective tissues. Practicing Yin postures to target the shoulders helps release habitual tightness by encouraging the body to relax into each pose, softening over time.
When I take requests in my Yoga classes, shoulders are always in the top three requested body areas that need extra love.
Before I became a Yoga teacher, I was a hairstylist, so I know a thing or two about tight shoulders.
My favorite way to practice releasing tight shoulders is a yin-yang practice, a combination of movement and stillness.
So, if you need regular practice to help after a long day of work, please, this class is for you!
Join me as I take you through a therapeutic yin-yang practice (movement and stillness) focused on releasing tension in the shoulders and upper back.
If you do this video practice three to four times a week, I have no doubt you’ll get some relief in even the tightest shoulders.
Equipment needed for this practice:
- Strap (or a bathrobe tie)
- Blocks
- Blankets
Video: Tight Shoulders – A Yin-Yang Practice
Happy Practicing,
nyk
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