By: Rebecca Rondone
Owner of Pura Vida Yoga
& Physical Training
Ever feel tight in your shoulder, lower back, or even have stiff feet or hands? Or possibly suffer from arthritis, fibromyalgia, or an auto immune. The power and beauty of rolling with self cannot be captured in words really.
Grab a tennis ball, bouncy ball, or even some marbles and try. You will find myofascial release, compression therapy, core strengthening, self massage and relaxation all Rolled Up into this.
It reeducates muscles and stimulates bone, creating positive, permanent changes in your body. The final result is visibly longer, sleeker muscle and the experience of increased range of motion and flexibility.
The connection begins at the superficial level, where the balls, your body (the skin in particular), and the floor meet. This action stimulates sensory
input to the nervous system, preparing the connection between body and mind.
Next, you breathe in (creating tension and compression) and then, out (releasing tension, allowing the body ‘drop’, stretch, relax to the floor); with this, another level of awakening occurs. This is the exact moment of mind-body connection.
A series of internal events begin to click off like a domino effect… fascia stretches, blood and lymph move, synapses fire, the parasympathetic nervous system (rest & digest) kicks in and we are free. A brief, yet absolutely delicious freedom in the body is experienced.
Mold this self care practice to yourself. You can choose the pressure, ball, and time rolling.
Now get rolling!
