Self-Myofascial Release
A simple self-massage to release daily tension in your neck and shoulders.
Why it works
Massaging out accumulated tension can help you unwind at the end of the day—or even midday, if done during your lunch break.
How to practice
- Make a soft fist with your right hand and gently press against the largest muscle on the right side of your neck, beginning under your ears. Draw the tissue back and slowly rotate your head to look over your left shoulder.
- This can also be combined with the "single-breath hum" or physiological sighs. You may also explore self-massage for other trigger points on your body that tend to accumulate tension.
Good to know
A related practice that's great for getting in the body and finding calm is through lengthening the spine (e.g., through forward-folds or hanging from a bar). When you do this, you stimulate the parasympathetic nerves that run along your spine.
Get the full library
One-time $49 unlocks all 54 protocols and guided audio.