Massage Tutorial: Myofascial Release basics (sloth-style)

My new book is out! It's called Massage Is Weird: https://massagesloth.com/book/
What is myofascial release, and how is it different from other styles of massage? In this video, I give you my interpretation of how this slow, gentle modality works, and how to go about adding its influence into your existing massage repertoire.

0:00 Introduction
1:01 Self-demonstration on the lateral face/skull
2:40 What is fascia?
8:23 Demonstration with a client
8:40 The myofascial angle
9:45 The myofascial speed
11:00 The myofascial intent: Allowing change to happen
13:52 MFR FAQ: "What direction should I go?"
15:55 MFR FAQ: "How much pressure should I use?"
16:57 MFR FAQ: "What is the 'release' in 'myofascial release'?"
18:38 Technique demonstration

Myofascial release is mostly a change of focus. Instead of targeting specific muscles and giving them a good squeeze, we're grabbing the broad sheets of fascia and taking them for a ride. We create traction in the fascia by engaging it at an angle, dragging it along like a rumpled bedspread that needs smoothing.

Of course, the tissue itself doesn't need to be smoothed out, and that's not something that we can accomplish with our hands. Instead, we're smoothing out the nervous system. We're using the fascia as a lever, dragging it slowly along, and allowing the body and brain to get a picture of its own connectedness. We're also engendering an increase in local blood flow and a reduction in muscle tone.

I failed to mention this in the video, but... myofascial release also feels good! It's a very interesting and soothing way to have someone work with your body, not only giving you a sense of how you're put together, but also giving you a wonderful feeling of freedom when you stand up from the table.

Do you have anything that you'd like to add? Questions about how to incorporate it with your specific style or routine? Let's talk about it in the comments!

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