PsychoMuscular Release & Bio-Structural Balancing

The Foundational Principles of the
DSL Yoga/Bodywork Therapeutic System

PsychoMuscular Release . . . addresses the issues of how do you Let-Go of or Relax (De-Contract) the chronic, excess muscle tensions, the physical and mental stresses, and the counterproductive habit patterns we all accumulate over our lifetimes. Although muscle tension is in great part an outward expression of our psychological, mental and emotional inner realities, it provides an avenue for healing by which these aspects of being human can be observed, explored and addressed.

We can literally talk (assuming we learn the language of the body, which is NOT English) to much of the mind, body and "heart" via the nervous system by effectively contacting the human skin and myofascial structures. … Conversely, the more sensitive our neuromuscular and neurofascial systems become, the greater access we have to listen to, to feel, what lives in our hearts and minds.

PsychoMuscular Release can be achieved by physical (hatha) yoga, mental (jnana) yoga, relational yoga, Tai Chi and Chi Kung (conscious, relaxed movement exercise and internal energy work), various kinds of movement therapy, and the myriad of massage and bodywork techniques available. Certain aspects of this release can also be achieved through processes such as body-centered psychotherapy (i.e., Hakomi or Phoenix Rising, to name just two).

It is my opinion, though, that Let-Go Yoga is one of the best, most efficient systems for directly achieving the maximum amount of tension release in a psycho-neuro-muscular structure.

Bio-Structural Balancing . . . starts with the physical posture and movement patterns which are determined by the levels of tension and balance in the muscles and, to a much lesser degree, and by indirect influences, the fascia. Being able to see where the bones and joints are held — by postural assessment — we can determine which muscles, and which parts of which muscles, are most responsible for any limitations or imbalances being imposed on a Client's body.

This also gives us a lot of information — even though they are in some cases only well-educated approximations — as to which muscles must be addressed and in what sequence. More often than not, however, a great degree of confidence can be had with this system of evaluation. Knowing which muscles are most over-shortened provides valuable information on designing an efficient and effective, tailor-made asana strategy — or hands-on bodywork session — for each individual Client.

Whatever System You Now Use . . .

DSL Let-Go Yoga and DSL EdgeWork are unique in that they are Principle Based and an open-ended system. Because DSL focuses on fundamental realities of the human bodymind, regardless of which techniques or modalities you're using or doing. Because it is a principle based, you can apply what you learn from DSL Yoga and/or DSL EdgeWork to whatever system of yoga, exercise, therapy or personal growth you are already using.

Yes, you might discover you need to modify some things you've been doing, sometimes dramatically. But the DSL Method is designed to add to and solidify your experience of yoga, not diminish your past and current experience.

(You can read an older article with more detail — written in a more academic or text book style — HERE. )

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Take Care,
David Scott Lynn
DSL: Your Hi-Touch Up-Link to the Inner-Net