The Somatic Strength Collective

In this third episode in our Becoming an Evidence Informed Yin Teacher or Student, I'll be reviewing some actual papers for you that are not directly about Yin Yoga but instead about an important component of our practice, stretching. 

In this third episode in our Becoming an Evidence Informed Yin Teacher or Student, I'll be reviewing some actual papers for you that are not directly about Yin Yoga but instead about an important component of our practice, stretching. 

I'll demystify the effects of stretching on muscle hypertrophy and performance. And address the common belief that pain is always a result of tightness. We'll shed some light on the connection between static stretching and heavy resistance training. All by reviewing a selection of studies, highlighting the role and benefits of stretch training in reducing muscle loss, stimulating muscle growth, and enhancing strength and performance.

But there's more to stretching than meets the eye. We'll explore how it can mitigate inflammation and aid in tendon repair. We'll discuss the challenge of measuring tension and strain, the impact of resistance training on tendon stretching, and the value of referencing research in yoga teaching. 

To keep the conversation going, join us on our Facebook group 'Movement for Healing'.

And don't forget to tune in next week as we dive into topics like nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and their role in pain care.

Become an evidence informed Yin teacher or student, enroll in my Yin Yoga Teacher Training Module I: https://yoga.mandyryle.com/yin-teacher-training-module-i/

Join the conversation in my FREE Facebook group, Movement for Healing https://www.facebook.com/groups/710104050217437/

Transformational Self Care
A Late Winter Wellness Retreat in the Dominican Republic
March 3-10, 2023

Join me for a 7 day Caribbean wellness retreat. Each day we will focus on a pillar of self care. By the end of the week you will have a group of new friends, some unforgettable memories and a personal self care strategy to enhance your life back at home.  Learn More 

Let's connect! Follow me on:
Facebook
Instagram
TicToc
YouTube

Free Resources:
Master the Yin Yoga Pose Repertoire: 7 Day Email Course
Introduction to Pain Care Yoga
Practice Gallery Workbook - 6 go to sequences with pictorial instructions

Ready to level up your Yin Yoga teaching or practice? We're back with part two of our enlightening series, and this time, we're demystifying the process of reading research. In this solo episode,  I'll guide you to improve your research literacy, ensuring you can critically evaluate studies and make sure that the research you read is relevant to you or your students. We will also explore ways to ensure that the research you are reading is credible. To demonstrate how and why, we will look at an acclaimed study from a few years back that claimed that just 12 minutes of daily Yoga can reverse osteoporosis. The study was bogus but the damage is done. Many teachers and students have fallen into the trap of crappy research. I'll show you how to know if what you are reading is actually reputable!

This series is a guided journey to becoming an evidence-informed Yin Yoga teacher or student.  Consider this series your essential guide.

Become an evidence informed Yin teacher or student, enroll in my Yin Yoga Teacher Training Module I: https://yoga.mandyryle.com/yin-teacher-training-module-i/

Join the conversation in my FREE Facebook group, Movement for Healing https://www.facebook.com/groups/710104050217437/

Transformational Self Care
A Late Winter Wellness Retreat in the Dominican Republic
March 3-10, 2023

Join me for a 7 day Caribbean wellness retreat. Each day we will focus on a pillar of self care. By the end of the week you will have a group of new friends, some unforgettable memories and a personal self care strategy to enhance your life back at home.  Learn More 

Let's connect! Follow me on:
Facebook
Instagram
TicToc
YouTube

Free Resources:
Master the Yin Yoga Pose Repertoire: 7 Day Email Course
Introduction to Pain Care Yoga
Practice Gallery Workbook - 6 go to sequences with pictorial instructions

In this solo episode I share invaluable insights that will empower both teachers and practitioners to deepen their understanding of Yin Yoga, as well as underscore the importance of employing research-backed knowledge for the betterment of physical and mental health.

I'll share the top reasons why Yin Yoga is the perfect canvas for evidence informed practice and teaching. I'll also teach you how to find research that is relevant to your needs as a student or your niche as a teacher.

By the end of this episode you will know the main types of research that will be useful to you as a  Yin-thusiast and some handy use cases for each. My intent is to make the transition to evidence informed practice as simple as possible.

In our exploration, we also delve into the realm of anatomy and pain care in relation to Yin Yoga and the critical role randomized control trials (RCTs) play. But I don't just leave you with the theory, I show you how to practically apply this knowledge, addressing topics like exercise recovery, research bias, and the significance of lifestyle changes for those with chronic pain. To demonstrate how vital understanding where to find research and read it really is,  I expose some truths about knee arthroscopy and spinal surgery.

So, buckle up! Whether you're a yoga teacher seeking to expand your knowledge, or a student looking to deepen your practice, this eye-opening episode is a must-listen. Let's be seekers of truth in the world of Yin Yoga together!

Become an evidence informed Yin teacher or student, enroll in my Yin Yoga Teacher Training Module I: https://yoga.mandyryle.com/yin-teacher-training-module-i/

Join the conversation in my FREE Facebook group, Movement for Healing https://www.facebook.com/groups/710104050217437/

Transformational Self Care
A Late Winter Wellness Retreat in the Dominican Republic
March 3-10, 2023

Join me for a 7 day Caribbean wellness retreat. Each day we will focus on a pillar of self care. By the end of the week you will have a group of new friends, some unforgettable memories and a personal self care strategy to enhance your life back at home.  Learn More 

Let's connect! Follow me on:
Facebook
Instagram
TicToc
YouTube

Free Resources:
Master the Yin Yoga Pose Repertoire: 7 Day Email Course
Introduction to Pain Care Yoga
Practice Gallery Workbook - 6 go to sequences with pictorial instructions

So many of us suffer with hip flexors that feel stiff, tight, sore or even painful. it's not uncommon for me to encounter clients and students that are even plagued with a reduced range of motion and trouble fully extending the hip.

So it makes sense to just stretch right?

Though it seems plausable that lenghening what feels tight is the best course of action, the hip, the self are far to complicated to reduce this experience to just the state of our biological tissues.

So in this practice we will observe the biopsycosocial-spiritual nature of self. Rather than some stretches for the sensitive area, we will activate to release. In your practice, you will engage in myofascial release techniques, mobility drills and yes, yin yoga poses, to embed a profound sense of safety into the hips as well as a new confidence.

Props needed: Bolster, Blocks, Blanket

Learn to create Yin Sequencing Poetry
Click for a replay of my masterclass webinar to make your next sequence, your best sequence. https://yoga.mandyryle.com/creating-yin-sequencing-magic-masterclass-replay/

Transformational Self Care
A Late Winter Wellness Retreat in the Dominican Republic
March 3-10, 2023

Join me for a 7 day Caribbean wellness retreat. Each day we will focus on a pillar of self care. By the end of the week you will have a group of new friends, some unforgettable memories and a personal self care strategy to enhance your life back at home.  Learn More 

Let's connect! Follow me on:
Facebook
Instagram
TicToc
YouTube

Free Resources:
Master the Yin Yoga Pose Repertoire: 7 Day Email Course
Introduction to Pain Care Yoga
Practice Gallery Workbook - 6 go to sequences with pictorial instructions

In this episode we peel back the layers of Eastern wisdom with our esteemed guest, Josh Summers.  Seasoned Yin teachers and novice practitioners alike will benefit from Josh's perspective in this fascinating discussion.

Josh generously shares his insights on how Yin Yoga, when melded with TCM, can prepare the mind and body for deeper meditation. But we also recognize the challenges teachers face when trying to assimilate and impart this knowledge. Josh gives some great advice for teachers  who wish to honor this philosophy with authenticity while staying within their scope of practice.

In the final stretch of our conversation, we delve into the potent biopsychosocial model of pain in Chinese Medicine. We discuss how it addresses physical pain, often rooted in emotional trauma, and honors both physical and inner subjective experiences. We also illuminate how the practice of Yin Yoga can enhance the function of our integrated systems, improve circulation, reduce stress, and foster feelings of peace and joy. Lastly, but certainly not least, we examine the power of storytelling in Yin Yoga. Join us for this engaging conversation with Josh Summers, as we explore Yin Yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Transformational Self Care
A Late Winter Wellness Retreat in the Dominican Republic
March 3-10, 2023

Join me for a 7 day Caribbean wellness retreat. Each day we will focus on a pillar of self care. By the end of the week you will have a group of new friends, some unforgettable memories and a personal self care strategy to enhance your life back at home.  Learn More 

Let's connect! Follow me on:
Facebook
Instagram
TicToc
YouTube

Free Resources:
Master the Yin Yoga Pose Repertoire: 7 Day Email Course
Introduction to Pain Care Yoga
Practice Gallery Workbook - 6 go to sequences with pictorial instructions

Though the front of the neck and throat are only a  very small part of the physical body, they have an oversized role in self hood. This practice is amazing for my listeners with neck pain, but especially valuable for those of us who hold stress in the throat area.

In this gentle practice you will cultivate a benevolent awareness for the front of the neck and throat. My goal is to provide a profound sense of safety for any and all movements of the neck and expressions that come from the throat. You will also find that this class is incredibly soothing. Every time I teach it live, students fall asleep! So I can guarantee that the movements and breathing practices have a powerful effect on your parasympathetic nervous system.

If you have been looking for yoga for neck pain, be sure to save this practice!

Learn how to Create Yin Sequencing Poetry
Click the link for a recorded masterclass webinar to introduce you to my sequencing model. This is the model that I use to sequence my classes and that I teach to my Yin Teacher Trainees. https://yoga.mandyryle.com/creating-yin-sequencing-poetry/

Transformational Self Care
A Late Winter Wellness Retreat in the Dominican Republic
March 3-10, 2023

Join me for a 7 day Caribbean wellness retreat. Each day we will focus on a pillar of self care. By the end of the week you will have a group of new friends, some unforgettable memories and a personal self care strategy to enhance your life back at home.  Learn More 

Let's connect! Follow me on:
Facebook
Instagram
TicToc
YouTube

Free Resources:
Master the Yin Yoga Pose Repertoire: 7 Day Email Course
Introduction to Pain Care Yoga
Practice Gallery Workbook - 6 go to sequences with pictorial instructions

You might think you know the intricacies of your shoulder anatomy, but this practice will take you to a depth of understanding that you've never reached before. We're not just talking about the surface-level stuff; we're diving right into the complex details of your shoulder anatomy. We're also discussing how increased blood flow, nervous system benefits, and a temporary effect of increased muscle extensibility are the real benefits of the techniques we explore in this pod practice. In essence, we're debunking some myofascial release myths while embracing the REAL benefits of these practices.

We're breaking down the anatomy of the shoulder, using traditional Yin Yoga postures, self  myofascial release techniques and breathing exercises, all designed to help you release tension gently through embodied awareness. For the the Yin Yoga teachers out there, this practice will amplify your knowledge of the shoulder anatomy in ways that reading a text book never could.

So join me for this pod practice and allow me to guide you on this intriguing exploration of your body's shoulder anatomy through the lens of Yin Yoga and self-myofascial release techniques.

Join me for a Masterclass Webinar, Creating Yin Sequencing Poetry. https://yoga.mandyryle.com/creating-yin-sequencing-poetry/

Transformational Self Care
A Late Winter Wellness Retreat in the Dominican Republic
March 3-10, 2023

Join me for a 7 day Caribbean wellness retreat. Each day we will focus on a pillar of self care. By the end of the week you will have a group of new friends, some unforgettable memories and a personal self care strategy to enhance your life back at home.  Learn More 

Let's connect! Follow me on:
Facebook
Instagram
TicToc
YouTube

Free Resources:
Master the Yin Yoga Pose Repertoire: 7 Day Email Course
Introduction to Pain Care Yoga
Practice Gallery Workbook - 6 go to sequences with pictorial instructions

Ever felt frustrated with persistent hip tension that just won't go away? Ever wondered if there's a simpler, more holistic way to relieve that discomfort? Today, we're using the healing power of awareness in movement: Yin Yoga, to bring radical acceptance and relief to our bodies.  I'll equip you with practical strategies to maximize your relaxation and release built-up tension not just for today, but more and more over time.

As you practice the postures, we'll be using a simple breathing protocol to soothe and befriend your hips. By the end of our practice together, you'll have developed a more comprehensive understanding of your hip tension and some strategies to overcome it. 

Props Needed: Bolster, blocks, blanket

Transformational Self Care
A Late Winter Wellness Retreat in the Dominican Republic
March 3-10, 2023

Join me for a 7 day Caribbean wellness retreat. Each day we will focus on a pillar of self care. By the end of the week you will have a group of new friends, some unforgettable memories and a personal self care strategy to enhance your life back at home.  Learn More 

Let's connect! Follow me on:
Facebook
Instagram
TicToc
YouTube

Free Resources:
Master the Yin Yoga Pose Repertoire: 7 Day Email Course
Introduction to Pain Care Yoga
Practice Gallery Workbook - 6 go to sequences with pictorial instructions

Register for my Yin Masterclass: Creating Yin Sequencing Poetry.
Join me live on September 11, 2023 at 2 pm CT (USA) or request the recording after 9/11 at https://yoga.mandyryle.com/creating-yin-sequencing-poetry/

Join us as we unravel the intriguing five element theory with Dr. Melissa West, a pioneer of Yoga on YouTube since 2009. Learn how to apply this theory to your everyday life and to your Yin Yoga practice. This podcast will provide some great insights for you on how we might live more in harmony with the seasons and throughout each stage of life.

As our enlightening dialogue progresses, we navigate through the fascinating complexities of the fire element season and its unique divergence from Ayurveda. Armed with Dr. West's insightful knowledge, we'll shed light on how these elemental associations can enhance not just our Yoga practice, but our overall well-being. But it doesn't stop there! We also dive into the practicalities of the five element theory, discussing how it can inform our personality traits and elemental constitutions.

And for all you budding Yoga teachers out there, we cap things off with some invaluable tips on teaching yin authentically. So, ready for a transformative journey guided by the wisdom of Dr. Melissa West? Tune in and let's explore the power of the five element theory together!

Register for my Yin Masterclass: Creating Yin Sequencing Poetry. Live on September 11, 2023 at 2 pm CT(USA) or request the recording after 9/11 https://yoga.mandyryle.com/creating-yin-sequencing-poetry/

Find and Follow Melissa West:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmelissawest/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drmelissawest

Recommended Resources:
Holding Space: A Guide to Supporting Others While Remembering to Take Care of Yourself First
Melissa's Book: https://melissawest.com/book/ 
Get your own chart of the 5 Elements

Let's connect! Follow me on:
Facebook
Instagram
TicToc
YouTube

Free Resources:
Master the Yin Yoga Pose Repertoire: 7 Day Email Course
Introduction to Pain Care Yoga
Practice Gallery Workbook - 6 go to sequences with pictorial instructions

Ever wondered why tension seems to build up in certain areas of your body, like the front of your pelvis and groins? This episode of the Yin Yoga Pod-practice aims to provide answers to this question while helping you find a solution through mindful movement. education and of course, stretching. We unravel the profound connection between your daily habits, lifestyle, and the discomfort you feel in these areas, developing a comprehensive understanding of these correlations. 

The goal here isn't just to stretch these sensitive areas, it's to help you understand the gripping and holding patterns in your body, and how to befriend them. We also delve into the emotional states that contribute to tension in the front pelvis and groin providing insights into how you might use these techniques to overcome this pain long term.

Transformational Self Care
A Late Winter Wellness Retreat in the Dominican Republic
March 3-10, 2023

Join me for a 7 day Caribbean wellness retreat. Each day we will focus on a pillar of self care. By the end of the week you will have a group of new friends, some unforgettable memories and a personal self care strategy to enhance your life back at home.  Learn More 

Let's connect! Follow me on:
Facebook
Instagram
TicToc
YouTube

Free Resources:
Master the Yin Yoga Pose Repertoire: 7 Day Email Course
Introduction to Pain Care Yoga
Practice Gallery Workbook - 6 go to sequences with pictorial instructions