Yoga Props that Work for Me…
Halfmoon located in Vancouver has top quality bolsters, straps and myo-fascia release props for many areas of the body (their cork rollers in two sizes, are great for rolling feet and legs/back). Their products are a bit expensive but will last for years. You can purchase online, or buy some of their products in person at Banyan Books & Sound on 4th Avenue in Vancouver. They have a minimum online order of $50 to avoid shipping costs, so consider more than one item or buy with a friend.
Halfmoon bolsters in a Restorative Yoga position
You can use many household items to support your home yoga practice. A kitchen counter, chair, your sofa (and some sturdy seat or throw cushions) can all support many standing or supine yoga postures and breathing practices. If you don’t have a yoga strap, a towel, tie, scarf or woven dog leash (not the retractable one) works well. One of the best ‘at home’ props is a medium density cotton or wool blanket (not a light floppy one). You can roll or fold the blanket in different ways to add support in many postures, or place under tender wrists, knees or ankles.
I recommend everyone take a bath towel, pashmina or small dense cotton (kid-sized) blanket to yoga class - especially if you have tender knees or wrists. You can use it for many things: neck/head support, padding for knees or wrists, adding some height under your seat, or to feel cozy in savasana. You can also roll it up and place under your back for a lovely supported chest opening stretch. Besides it’s yours so using it next to your skin/face, head or body may be more comfortable than shared blankets.
IMPORTANT: For all self-massage with props, please do not use the prop on any bone. Only on ‘fleshy’ muscle tissue, and do not continue if you feel any numbness or ‘electric’ sensations to avoid damaging nerves. Seek guidance from an RMT, Physiotherapist, Osteopath or Yoga Therapist before starting a self-myofascial release practice.
Therapeutic Yoga Props
One of my favourite yoga therapy props is a half or more deflated 9” Pilates ball. Deflating the ball allows for wonderful support to work on neck mobility, lunbar mobiiity and activating the pelvic floor and lower abs without strain. it can also be used under the mid-back for a deep supportive chest opening stretch. Theragear is my go to brand, but there are others. Flaman Fitness in Richmond also carry a similar brand of these balls.
Most clients who have practiced with me, have used massage balls and cork rollers for self-myofascial release. My link here is through Theragear as their options are durable and a bit softer, so more forgiving for tight bodies. Yoga TuneUp by Jill Miller are also very good quality and she has great self-help videos. You can find both of these on Amazon, but be careful on your selection. The really hard or stiff ‘black’ spikey balls don’t work for many people. As general guidance, select a little larger and softer ball to start with. The smaller and harder, the more intense. Tennis or Lacross balls are also a good basic option and easy to get.
