Fascia Foam Rolling & Gentle Movement

Foam rolling is an easy way to give your sore muscles and aching joints the care they need.  I discovered it about eight years ago, when I first started feeling the negative effects of a thyroid imbalance.  My body was in pain constantly as my muscles and joints everywhere in the body would flare up with an intense inflammatory response.  I wanted a massage every week, and found that this was not economically feasible.  To my horror, this made it difficult to massage out my own kinks, due to weakness and severe discomfort in my wrists and hands.  During a trip to Eugene, I visited a MELT Method class (foam rolling), and found a way to easily massage myself.  When I walked out, I nearly cried with relief, as I felt like I just walked out of a wonderful massage session!  
Since then, I have been rolling often, as well as studying the fascia system.  I have realized how much more effective yoga and stretching is once I foam roll.  The reason for this is the fascia is a system designed to protect every muscle, bone, artery, organ, etc, in the body.  
If there is something out of balance in, lets say, the hamstrings, the autonomic nervous system tells the fascia to hug it, protect it, tighten its grip.   The fascia around the hamstring, which is normally a wonderful slippery sheath that allows for muscles to glide easily, then, cannot move or lengthen, which causes local dehydration and inflammation between the tissues.  Because the hamstring cannot lengthen, it is not possible to stretch it and may even be painful to do so.  This fascia lining the hamstring runs literally head to foot.  The pain, that was in a tight hamstring, then may begin to be felt in the glutes, then along the spine , and up into the neck and head.  If left un-massaged, may begin to return regularly, turning into chronic pain. 
The beautiful thing is, we can stop this transgression with foam rolling.  I have found that all of my chronic pain is gone.  Honestly, folks....It really is!  I have a practice of rolling after exercise or at the end of my work day.   It has allowed me to deepen my yoga practice and enjoy exercise again, as I have more flexibility and range of motion.   It has brought me in tune with my body and given me a way to take care of myself without needing someone else's help.  I want to share this with you!  
I am collaborating with Sara Bassindale, a wonderful yoga teacher and breathing coach; to teach  a way to integrate foam rolling, breathing, and yoga into your routine.  This is an integrative approach to self-care.  It is slow, meditative, and gentle.  You will walk away from this three hour class with comprehensive handouts to help you remember everything we teach.  
We have space for 8 people in Deep Roots, so don't procrastinate.  Email Sara to reserve your mat today!