"Tight shoulders are a near-universal complaint these days. Intense workouts, prolonged sitting, hunching over laptops, scrolling (and scrolling, and scrolling) on phones, gripping the steering wheel, and the accumulated stress of everyday life all take a toll on the shoulder area. Left unchecked, these activities can cause the muscles and connective tissue around the neck, upper back, and shoulders to gradually shorten and stiffen over time. Yin yoga for shoulders offers a simple remedy."
"Although yin yoga doesn't typically emphasize the upper body, there are certain poses and variations that can target these areas. By embracing these postures and holding them for several minutes, you allow the connective tissues to release, creating space, mobility, and lasting ease in the entire shoulder. All you need is your breath, your body, and your patience as you settle into each pose and stay awhile."
"For reduced intensity, bend your elbows and draw your hands nearer to your body; do the same if you experience numbness or tingling in your arms. For added support, place a pillow or bolster under your chest. Bring your awareness to your breath. No need to alter it; simply observe it for now. Attend to all the sensations emerging from the pose. Breathe here for 3 minutes."
Modern activities such as intense workouts, prolonged sitting, hunching over laptops, frequent phone use, and daily stress cause muscles and connective tissue around the neck, upper back, and shoulders to shorten and stiffen. Yin yoga targets these tissues by holding upper-body poses for several minutes to encourage release, create space, and improve mobility and lasting ease. Simple props like a block or blanket provide cushioning and support. Begin with Melting Heart (or sphinx for less intensity), modify by bending elbows or adding a bolster for comfort, observe the breath, attend to sensations, and hold poses for minutes to facilitate connective tissue release.
Read at Yoga Journal
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