Coastal Blue Myofascial Release LLC

08/27/2026

Being full of light does not require having your s**t together. 🙂

08/27/2026

Wandered around enjoying the flowers at Deluke’s before the music started. They always carry such a beautiful variety of plants. I found a couple of friends amongst the blooms as well.

06/28/2026

💜 The Hyoid: The Bridge Between Your Body, Breath & Voice

Have you ever felt a lump in your throat when you wanted to speak your truth?

That feeling isn’t just emotional—it can also have a physical component.

The hyoid bone is a unique, floating bone located in the front of your neck. Unlike every other bone in the body, it doesn’t directly connect to another bone. Instead, it’s suspended by a network of muscles and fascia that connect the jaw, tongue, throat, skull, shoulders, sternum, and even influence the airway.

When fascial restrictions develop around the hyoid from trauma, stress, surgery, whiplash, poor posture, tongue restrictions, or years of suppressing emotion, the surrounding tissues may lose their natural mobility.

This can contribute to:

✨ Tightness in the throat or neck
✨ Jaw tension and TMJ symptoms
✨ Difficulty swallowing
✨ Vocal strain or changes in voice
✨ Feeling like you “can’t get the words out”
✨ Shallow breathing and nervous system tension

In the John F. Barnes Approach to Myofascial Release, we gently engage the fascial system surrounding the hyoid and throat, allowing restrictions to soften rather than forcing change. As the tissues begin to glide freely again, many people notice easier swallowing, more comfortable breathing, less neck and jaw tension, and a greater sense of openness through the front of the body. Many people also describe feeling emotionally lighter after releasing this area.

From an energetic perspective, the throat is associated with the Throat Chakra—our center of communication, authenticity, and self-expression. While this concept comes from spiritual traditions rather than medical science, some people experience that as physical restrictions soften, they feel more able to express their thoughts, speak from the heart, and communicate with greater confidence.

Healing isn’t just about reducing pain.
Sometimes it’s about finally feeling free to express who you truly are.

💜Your voice matters

Rowena Cua 💜
Expert JFB Myofascial Release Therapist
Trauma Informed Healing
www.bodymfr.com

05/18/2026

Today is a bittersweet moment. It was the last day of operation at Coastal Blue Myofascial Release. I never planned to open a business when I moved to Myrtle Beach 10 years ago but could not resist the draw of the healing I received from Myofascial Release. It was been a wonderful 7 1/2 years.

I am grateful to everyone who supported my dream along the way. Those who have shared and spread the word on social media. I am grateful to my husband who stood beside me and supported my growth, changes and dreams for many years. I am thankful to the wonderful people I have met along the way who allowed me to be a part of their healing journey. You all have taught me so much as I expanded my technique, presence and use of the energetic field around us. I am thankful for John F Barnes for his powerful presence and sharing of this healing technique. It is time for me to spend more time with my family, focus on my health and travel around the country a bit.

Coastal Blue is signing off. Thanks for the memories Myrtle Beach.

05/08/2026

Some clarification between Rolfing and Myofascial Release

Rolfing vs. John Barnes Myofascial Release

There’s a growing awareness around fascia, which is powerful. But with that comes confusion—especially between Rolfing and John Barnes’ Myofascial Release (MFR).

Let’s break it down in a real, honest way:

Rolfing (Structural Integration)

Developed by Ida Rolf, Rolfing focuses on aligning the body in gravity.

Uses systematic, protocol-based sessions (often a 10-session series)
Approach is goal-oriented and practitioner-directed
Often involves deep, sometimes intense pressure
Focus is on posture, alignment, and structural balance
Can be effective for improving biomechanics and physical organization
👉 In simple terms: Rolfing works from the outside in—organizing structure to influence function.

John Barnes Myofascial Release (MFR)

Developed by John F. Barnes, this approach is completely different in philosophy and application.

Uses sustained, gentle pressure (typically 2–5+ minutes)
No protocols—each session follows the body’s cues
Focuses on listening to the tissue, not forcing change
Works with the nervous system, fascia, and emotional memory
Allows for unwinding, stillpoints, and deeper release without force
👉 This is inside-out healing—you’re not fixing the body, you’re creating the space for it to release what it’s been holding.

The Core Difference

Rolfing

👉🏻 Directs change

👉🏻 Applies force to create alignment

👉🏻 Works structurally

MFR

👉🏻 Allows change

👉🏻 Uses time, presence, and gentle pressure

👉🏻 Works with the nervous system, fascia, and stored trauma

Why This Matters

Fascia isn’t just tissue—it’s a sensory organ connected to your nervous system.

When you apply aggressive force, the body can go into protective mode.
When you slow down and stay present, the body can shift into healing mode.

That’s where the difference becomes undeniable.

My Perspective as a Practitioner

We are not here to fix people.

We are here to facilitate an environment where the body feels safe enough to let go.

That’s the work.

If you’ve experienced both, you already know—
they feel completely different in your body.

And your body will always tell you what it needs.

04/24/2026

04/15/2026

No prior knowledge necessary for help with your pain, injury, anxiety or movement problem.