SCIENTIFIC revelations come from the unlikeliest of places, like a mouse, in a lab, doing a “downward dog” stretch.
Helene Langevin, et al, (who in their study established a protocol for gentle stretching in mice), discovered that these creatures benefit from a good stretch as much as we do. In the process, they, like many other researchers are revealing the true significance of a body tissue that has been overlooked by science for centuries — fascia. In their quest for knowledge they are finding results beyond those of stretching in aid of wellbeing, that go as far as applications to disease and healing. In fact, Langevin’s study concluded that “Stretching is a gentle, non-pharmacological intervention that could become an important component of cancer treatment and prevention.”
So what exactly is this thing called fascia?
That very definition is of some considerable debate, as researchers struggle to fully define it in a way that can be understood by all scientific fields.
The 19th-century anatomist Erasmus Wilson called this tissue a natural bandage. In dissection, that is exactly what it looked like, a bandage that perfectly keeps muscles and organs in place. This got in the way of examining the muscles, bones and organs that it covered. Which explains why, for years, anatomists cut this tissue away, disposed of it and thought little more about it.
As researchers take a fresh look at fascia they are finding that it is anything but an inert wrapping. Instead, it is the host for highly sensory activities that connect brain and body. It is now understood that it is the largest sensory organ in the human body, full of nerve endings, pressure sensors and more.
Today, the most simplified and agreed upon definition by the Fascia Research Society* describes a fascia as sheath, a sheet, or collection of connective tissue that forms beneath the skin to attach, enclose, and separate muscles and other internal organs. However, a second more complete definition* describes the fascial system as a whole which provides an environment that enables all body systems to operate in an integrated manner.
It is no wonder that neglected fascia can send your body into a tailspin of restrictions, tightness, imbalance, poor posture, limited movement and chronic pain.⠀
Restrictions can work in both directions: from body to brain and also from brain to body. This is how emotional trauma can result in physical symptoms. We can think of trauma as the body and brain being stuck in a perpetual state of fight or flight — the body is tense and ready to react; even when there is no longer an immediate threat. We store trauma in the body as well as in the mind.
Trauma, like PTSD, child abuse, even a dysfunctional marriage, can lead to chronic physical symptoms like headaches, low back pain, neck pain, numbness and overall postural dysfunction. The ability to move with ease can be challenging.
Many suffering from emotional trauma, in addition to seeing a psychologist or psychotherapist (a top down approach), or taking medications (chemical approach), can benefit from seeking manual therapy (a bottom up approach). A Certified Frederick Stretch Specialist like myself can be of great benefit. This kind of mind-body approach to healing can allow for more in-depth recovery.
What do you find the most fascinating about fascia?
Until next time… ~ breathe ~ move ~ unwind ~
