M.E.L.T. AWAY YOUR PAIN
By Edya Kalev, MA, RYT, MELT Cert.
Think about your daily activities. Do you move through the world with a sense of ease and joy, Feeling good in your body? Or are you one of the 31 million Americans who suffer from back pain every year? Do you have arthritis, fibromyalgia, bunions, asthma or a sleep disorder? How about TMJD, IBS, or MS? Do you lead a high-stress lifestyle? Are you trying to get your body back after pregnancy or surgery?
MELT can help. MELT stands for Myofascial Energetic Length Technique, a cutting edge method developed by Upper West Side bodyworker Sue Hitzmann. MELT uses specialized foam rollers and rubber balls to release tension and restore balance in the body. Now you might be wondering how lying on a foam roller or stepping on a little ball can help all these different conditions. I’m so glad you asked!
The common link between all these body issues is the fascial system of the body. Fascia, or connective tissue, is a combination of collagen and elastin which envelopes all the muscles, bones, organs and nerves of the body. Connective tissue not only wraps every individual part of the body, it also connects them in a vast web-like network to support, protect and stabilize your body throughout every movement you make. It is the connective tissue, which responds first to prepare you to pick up a pencil, step off a curb, or take a bite of your sandwich. We simply couldn’t live without it.
Healthy connective tissue is smooth and fluid. It allows muscles to glide gracefully over one another, and organs to work efficiently. However, when connective tissue gets dehydrated, it gets more gel-like and causes things that should be separate to get “sticky.” Chronic misalignments, injury and illness are often the result.
Our lifestyle determines the health of our connective tissue. If we eat a balanced diet, drink enough water, exercise regularly, and relax daily, we can maintain our fascia quite well. But many people walk on pavement in tight shoes, sit all day in front of a computer, grab a burger, and then work out a little too hard at the gym. All these activities stress certain parts of our connective tissue more than others, causing dehydration.
To rehydrate connective tissue, you can get a therapeutic massage or acupuncture, or do gentle yoga or tai chi. Learning to MELT can increase the benefits of these alternative therapies. Lying on a MELT roller rehydrates the spine, as well as stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (your “relaxation response”.) Stepping on a MELT ball brings new fluid and movement to all the complex joints of the foot. You can also MELT your hands, skull, thighs, hamstrings and calves.
I invite you all to pay attention to your connective tissue, for it holds the key to moving through your life with less pain, and with more freedom and ease.
Edya Kalev, MA, RYT, MELT Cert.
M.E.L.T. CLASSES AT CASTLE VILLAGE
MELT uses specialized foam rollers and small rubber balls to re-hydrate your connective tissue, which supports, protects and stabilizes your entire body. Learn how to MELT away pain, see immediate changes in posture and flexibility, and best of all – your body will feel great! Classes held in the Castle Village Community Room.
Phone: 646-416-4270
Email: EdyaYoga [-AT-] aol.com