FASCIA «THE BODY OF CONNECTION»
The human body has a functional unity: all systems are interdependent and are related to each other. These unions are made first by the fascial system, that is, the set of connective tissue structures that surround, support and relate all the structures of the body, such as the bone, the skeletal muscle system, the organs, the viscera, the nervous and circulatory systems. All the different fascial structures of the body originate from the same embryonic layer and all connect to each other, therefore guaranteeing the unity of the body.
Present at all levels of the body, it not only surrounds each structure, muscle, organ, nerve, vessel, etc., but it insinuates itself inside each of these to form its matrix and its support. Thus, it is the envelope that erects and models the anatomical form, present everywhere; it is only interrupted at the cell, which is immersed in its fundamental substance. Fascia is a superficial wrapping of the entire body, which divides numerous times until it becomes deeper and deeper. In Craniosacral and Rebalancing, fundamental importance is given to fascial work because it directly influences the proper functioning of the body and the basis of possible dysfunction.
FASCIA AS AN ORGANIC INTERFACE BETWEEN MATTER AND ENERGY
Fascia is the organic interface between matter and energy, it is on which the meridians revealed by traditional Chinese medicine walk and the acupuncture points act. It is the tissue of fluid force. Its strength comes from continuity and consistency, and when we understand this, we can follow our movements from the body as a whole, and no longer see ourselves as cut, fragmented, assembled from multiple separate pieces.
Mobilizing the fascia helps with healthy posture. Maintaining a mobile posture helps the fascia to stay healthy (or regain health). When we talk about the fluid circulation of energy within us, it is through the fascia that we can feel it directly.
Fascia generates, transports and stores the force we need. It offers us the possibility of a new understanding of force, not only muscular but holistic, involving the entire physical structure in connection with our mental and emotional attitude.
ENERGY CYST
Energy cysts, originally coined by American craniosacral therapy, are areas of bodily dysfunction that manifest as obstruction to the efficient conduction of energy and electricity through the body’s tissues (mainly fascia).
Normal body function has been inhibited in this area and the body must adapt to this disorganized activity. It can be the result of physical trauma, pathogenic invasion, physiological dysfunction, mental and emotional problems. Taking a physical trauma, an accident as an example, the body has two ways to respond to the physical force of the injury: it immediately begins to dissipate this force and the natural healing process continues, or the physical force imposed on the body is retained rather than dissipated.
If the energy cannot be dissipated as heat, the body localizes and concentrates the energy, encapsulating or isolating it as a knot of energy. The body adapts to the presence of the knot, compromising the normal functioning process, fascial mobility is hindered, the normal electrical conductivity of the wrapped tissues is reduced, and the flow of energy around the acupuncture meridians is reduced. All of this weakens the body’s energy, creating tension and dysfunction.
There are three important factors in determining whether the body is able to dissipate traumatic energy:
1st – The amount of energy
If the impact is too great it can compromise the body’s ability to dissipate it.
2nd – Previous injuries to the same body area
It makes the area more vulnerable and can compromise the ability to dissipate energy.
3rd – Certain negative emotional states
Such as anger, or fear paralyze the body’s ability to dissipate energy. If these negative states are dominant at the time of the accident or injury, the body will likely retain the force of the injury by developing an energetic knot. When the negative emotions have been uncovered and relived with the support of the therapist, it will be easier to release the energetic knot.
If negative states are dominant at the time of the accident or injury, the body will likely retain the force of the injury by developing an energetic knot. When the negative emotions have been uncovered and relived with the support of the therapist, it will be easier to release the energetic knot.
(Excerpts from the text by Alberto Panizo, Book: “Abordadge Integral de la salud en Physiotherapy”
Authors: Alberto Panizo, Andrzej Pilat and others.
Publisher: Escola Universitaria de Physiotherapy ONZE.
Code: 978-84-484-0196-2) and other sources.