The Subtle Power of Releasing

R E L E A S E

To allow (something) to move, act, or flow freely.

Positional Release is a subtle, yet powerful tool designed to release areas of protective spam (trigger points) and rebalance muscle fibers; in essence restoring soft tissue back to a healthy length. Positional Release can ultimately alleviate tension and restore function.

This method is rooted in the groundbreaking work of Dr. Lawrence H. Jones, an Osteopath whose work in the 1950’s resulted in the publication of a technique he called “Strain Counterstrain”.

As an integrated Positional Therapist, I was schooled heavily in this technique and found myself amazed at the immediate and transformative results that came from such a gentle and subtle approach. So often when we experience pain or dysfunction we think we need to work or stretch our bodies into submission, “no pain, no gain”. Yet, the potency of Positional Release shows us that less is more. When we can tap into the body's own innate wisdom, big shifts can happen.

How does it work?

The powerful results from Positional Release are achieved through gentle body positions designed to place affected areas into a position of slack; the opposite of a stretch. Imagine for a moment you have a rope with a knot in it. If you want to release this knot you must first put slack on the rope; it would be impossible to release the knot if the two ends of the rope were stretching away from one another. With a little slack the tension loosens and you can more effectively release the knot. This analogy describes what is happening below the surface of the skin, in the layers of muscles and connective tissues. Once you position the body in just the right way and support the affected areas so that they can effectively relax, the innate wisdom of the body takes over. In as little as 60-90 seconds tension is often released.

BENEFITS:

• Normalizes blood flow

• Releases muscular tension

• Increases drainage & neural input

• Maximizes the body’s innate healing capacity

• Pained muscle fibers can rest & reset to neutral

• Uses the body’s nervous system to remind the muscles to relax

Traditionally performed by a neuromuscular therapist or osteopath who can identify trigger points then assist with supporting the body in a position of release, this method can easily be adapted through supportive yoga postures designed to place areas of tension and pain into a position of release. When combined with breath-work, intention, and guided imagery these subtle positions can create powerful shifts that can regulate the nervous system, release physical and emotional tension, and restore range of motion.

How to practice:

Bring the two ends of a muscle or fascial meridian closer together, i.e. the opposite of a stretch.

• Use props to support the body and allow the affected tissue to relax completely while the release is held for 60-90 seconds.

• Utilize breath work, visualization, mantras, or affirmation while in the postures to foster emotional and physical release.

• At no point should pain or discomfort be felt during the hold; rather the position should relieve acute pain and provide a sense of deep relaxation and restoration.

If you are interested in experiencing this powerful technique first hand head over to my Services page to read about my 1:1 Bodywork sessions.