FASCIA SYSTEM = CONNECTIVE TISSUES = GRISTLE & FAT
1ST MISSING CHAPTER - FASCIAL SYSTEM
Fascia is a loose connective tissue compared with bone which is dense connective tissue. There is a ditty that goes, “the foot bone’s connected to the leg bone-the leg bone’s connected to the thigh bone-the thigh bone’s connected to the hip bone –ya dee ya ya ya.” “the hip bone’s connected to the back bone-the back bone’s connected to the shoulder bone-the shoulder bone’s connected to the neck bone- the neck bone’s connected to the head bone ya dee ya ya ya.” Besides a chain of connections between the skeletal parts of the musculoskeletal system, there is an even larger network of connective tissue which is interconnected amongst it called the fascial system. This system covers all structures, organs, and cells from head to toe, front to back, side to side and inside to outside. Think about piling thousands of full-body thermal suits on top of one another and connecting them together. That’s about how the fascia system is. There is a superficial fascia from the base of the skull to the tips of the fingers and toes. Fat is attached to the outer layer, [panniculus adiposus] which is adjacent to an inner elastic layer both of which make up the superficial fascia. There is fascial surrounding the muscle compartments, muscle fascicles, muscle fibers, and myofibrils collectively called the myofascia, [Paramysium, Epimysium, Endomysium]. It has been estimated that the average human body contains approximately 65,000 linear miles of striated muscle fibers. Each fiber contains hundreds to thousands of myofibrils and myofilaments. Take an average of 1,000 and multiply X 65,000 = 65 million miles of myofascia in our bodies. Fascia surrounds the brain, the brainstem, and spinal cord called the Dural fascia. As the spinal nerves pass through the vertebral foramen the Dural fascia is re-named the myelin sheath of nerve. The lungs are coated with pleural fascia, the heart with pericardial fascia, the abdominal organs peritoneal fascia, the uro-genital organs with perineal fascia, the bone with periosteal fascia. Then, there are transverse bands of fascia from front to back and side to side; 1. In the floor of the pelvis, 2. The respiratory diaphragm, 3. Under the collarbone- the thoracic inlet, 4. Under the chin with hyoid fascia, 5. At the base of the cranium with cranial base fascia, and 6. Joint capsules. In addition there is a thin veil of fascia adjacent to the cytoskeleton of every non-circulating cell in the body as well as para tendons, and retinaculums. That’s a whole lot of tissue all connected to one another. These connective tissues allow the body to maintain shape, protect the structures from outside forces, and some scholars feel it aids in cellular functions such as respiration, digestion, reproduction, and excretion. I believe that the fascia is a component of the 3rd dimension of the nervous system which is described in the section on the direct currents.
HISTOLOGY & PHYSIOLOGY OF FASCIA
The fascia is made up of 3 significant structures. Collagen, elastin, and a ground substance consisting of a colloid gel matrix which contains hyaluronic acid and mucopolysaccharides. The collagen part provides the protective-supportive function. The colloid gel acts as a shock absorber. And, the elastin allows for stretch. There are 2 other properties of the fascia which are of vital importance, neither of which are discussed in medical physiology books at my last search. First, the collagen has 3 protein strands, one of which is a crystalline band. All crystalline structures can generate piezoelectricity. “Piezo” means push in Greek. When the fascia is stretched direct currents [positive cations] are pushed out of the crystalline strand, and when the fascia is compressed [negative anions] are pushed out of the crystalline strands. Secondly, the colloid gel is thixatropic. This means that the gel can convert to a liquid when heated or stretched, and then returns to a gel when cooled. Combined together, we have within us a liquid, [conductor] - crystal, [generator] system, which can generate and conduct D.C.’s, [direct currents]. These will be discussed in the direct currents psgrs.
Orthodontia is based on this piezoelectric effect. When the bands are applied and stress is transmitted through the tooth down into the boney socket, piezoelectricity is generated from 2 structures. One, is the periosteum [connective tissue/fascia], which has a crystalline strand in the protein part of the collagen. The second, is the hydroxy apetite crystalline part of the bone [connective tissue]. Dr. Becker applied stress to dead bones and found that they were capable of generating direct currents. Thus, the production of positive and negative micro-current charges stimulate the cellular activities which are instrumental in the remodeling of the bone.
FASCIAL UNWINDING
Which comes first, the chicken or the egg? In the myofascial system, which comes first? The myo, or the fascia? During my surgical career, when dissecting the fascia, it was virtually impossible to separate the muscle tissue from the fascial tissue without sacrificing a little of one or the other. My grilling experiences have been the same. When I try to remove the gristle and fat from the steak, I always; leave a little steak on the gristle. Or, leave a little gristle on the steak. It is possible to strip the periosteum from the bone, but not the fascia from the muscle. It matters not which is which, but that they both unwind as a result of the Reflex Arcs which are discussed in chapter 5. I witness this frequently on the Rhomboid Muscles after the "Boomerang Moves" in the upper back procedure. While doing the first moves, nodules can often be palpated. When the moves are repeated a few minutes later, the nodules are usually gone completely, or at least significantly reduced.
I have also witnessed the unwinding to continue for many years after the patient's last session. I believe that two important things occur during and after the unwinding ; 1. the muscles elongate and develop improved function, 2. the fascia becomes anatomically aligned. Multiple other changes follow these first two; A.. there can be a release of lactic acid build up , B. the meridians that pass through the fascia can flow more freely, C. emotional memories can be released from the fascia, D. piezoelectric and thixatropic function is restored, and, E. entrapped energies [energy cysts] are freed.The following two case histories will demonstrate these phenomenum:
One of my more interesting experiences occurred with a patient and his responses, which took place the very first week I started doing Bowen . Another Podiatrist down the road who was not able to help him referred Bernard to me. Bernard had an arthritic large toe joint, which he did not want to have surgery on. He told me that he was favoring the toe and this was making his hip and back painful. He was hopeful that some type of shoe modification would suffice to relieve his problems. His joint was red, swollen, tender, and with movement grated like sand paper [crepitus]. I informed him that I could accommodate his shoe and for him to leave it over the weekend and I would get it done. Then I told him about the Bowen treatment, which might relieve the pains in his hip and back. He begged me to also perform the upper back and neck moves and promised he would not tell anyone [that was before I obtained a massage certificate- and my podiatry license only covered the leg muscles]. I felt comfortable with him, so I did a complete treatment from head to toe. When I had finished the procedures I had learned in class, I examined his Extensor Hallucis Longus Muscles. The one on the right side was like a rope. So, I figured that if they had taught a procedure on this in class, it would be slack to the table and make an anterior move, good side first. So, I did the left side 1st, and then did the right side muscle, and he immediately let out a moan. I asked if he was all right, and he said, “I am alright. It kind of hurt and tickled at the same time”. I left the room for a few minutes in order to let him rest and for the release to take place. When I returned, he was curled up in a fetal position and was quite pale and cold. My first thought was that he had fainted and was going into shock. I checked his pulse and was going to take his blood pressure when he said,” I’m okay. I’m a little cold. May I have a blanket”? I covered him up and left him alone to settle down for a few minutes. When I returned his color was a little better, but he was still chilled. I left him to lie on the table for a few more minutes. The next time I returned to check on him he was sitting on the edge of the table looking a little haggard, but much better. I gave him his post-treatment instructions and told him to pick up his shoe on Monday. When I saw him in the waiting room Monday morning prior to appointment times I said, “Hi Bernard. I’ve got your shoe ready”. He said very emphatically, “I don’t care about the shoe. I want to know when I can get another treatment.” I said, “That’s right I gave you a Bowen last week. How did it work?” He said, “How did it work? It changed my life. The past 3 nights have been the only full night’s sleep I have had in years. My back does not hurt. The pain in my hip is all but gone and look at my toe”! He commenced to remove his shoe and sock and bend the toe up and down and said, “See. Look at this.” I could not help but walk out into the waiting room and look at his toe up close. The swelling, redness and crepitus were completely resolved. There remained a little stiffness but the toe flexed at least 50% more than it did on Friday. I told him that he could make an appointment for Friday.
When he returned the following Friday, I asked how he was doing and he said, “I am doing fantastic. I don’t have any more stress, I am more focused, and I feel like I’ve been liberated from something that had a hold of me”. He went on to tell me that the day before he had given notice at the job he had loathed, and was moving to Costa Rica within the next month to open a restaurant. This was something that he had wanted to do for quite some time but something was holding him back. He said,” Whatever you did that treatment last week released whatever it was that was holding me down”. At the time, I was not quite sure what had just transpired because they did not teach us at the Bowen workshop I took, anything about this emotional release stuff. After a couple of more experiences, and conversations with other therapists I finally got a clue about it all. When I checked his right EHL Muscle, the rope was gone.
Another somatoemotional release experience was with a young lady who was referred to me by a foot surgeon a few miles away. He knew that I did Bowen Therapy, and his patient was suffering with chronic back pain. She had been examined and treated by competent doctors and nothing had relieved her pain. So, she wanted to try a Bowen treatment, which she had heard about since she was a Massage Therapist. Her first session was uneventful. She felt only minimal relief of the pain. She returned 2 weeks later for another session. I began with the basic relaxation moves, then did the kidney and lower respiratory moves. Then, when I returned to the room following the 4-minute rest after releasing the abdominal muscles, she was quietly weeping. I asked if she was all right and if she needed a blanket. She said that she was little cold and a blanket would be nice. I said, ‘It looks like you are releasing something. Do you want to talk about it or keep it to yourself”? She said, I’ll tell you what it is. I had a caesarian section 2 years ago and it was against my will. My mother and the doctors pretty much forced me to have it and I’ve been angry ever since. I felt like I was invaded by aliens”. After the session she was completely pain free, relaxed and has been fine ever since. This illustrates how the abdominal area is the "Front of the Back". And, how the fascia is all interrelated.
We all need to keep in mind that all of the musculoskeletal structures, including the fascia and myofascia are all connected to one another. The position and motions taking place in the feet-affect the legs, hips, pelvis, back, shoulder, neck, and head. And, twists, tilts, angulations of the pelvis- affect the feet and ankles, as well as proximal structures. Therefore, when a practitioner stimulates a release in the front, that results in a change in the back. When a release takes place at the bottom, a change takes place at the top. Lastly, when there are releases to superficial structures, changes take place in the deeper parts. This also explains why the Coccyx locks and Kidney moves help digestive disorders in adults and colic in babies. I do these along with other abdominal and torso moves for patients undergoing chemotherapy. As long as I do them once a week, they have zero nausea symptoms. If we skip a week, they experience severe nausea, and can't wait for their next session.
THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. CONTENT MAY BE ADDED DAILY. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:http://www.drmitchellmosher.com
Fascia is a loose connective tissue compared with bone which is dense connective tissue. There is a ditty that goes, “the foot bone’s connected to the leg bone-the leg bone’s connected to the thigh bone-the thigh bone’s connected to the hip bone –ya dee ya ya ya.” “the hip bone’s connected to the back bone-the back bone’s connected to the shoulder bone-the shoulder bone’s connected to the neck bone- the neck bone’s connected to the head bone ya dee ya ya ya.” Besides a chain of connections between the skeletal parts of the musculoskeletal system, there is an even larger network of connective tissue which is interconnected amongst it called the fascial system. This system covers all structures, organs, and cells from head to toe, front to back, side to side and inside to outside. Think about piling thousands of full-body thermal suits on top of one another and connecting them together. That’s about how the fascia system is. There is a superficial fascia from the base of the skull to the tips of the fingers and toes. Fat is attached to the outer layer, [panniculus adiposus] which is adjacent to an inner elastic layer both of which make up the superficial fascia. There is fascial surrounding the muscle compartments, muscle fascicles, muscle fibers, and myofibrils collectively called the myofascia, [Paramysium, Epimysium, Endomysium]. It has been estimated that the average human body contains approximately 65,000 linear miles of striated muscle fibers. Each fiber contains hundreds to thousands of myofibrils and myofilaments. Take an average of 1,000 and multiply X 65,000 = 65 million miles of myofascia in our bodies. Fascia surrounds the brain, the brainstem, and spinal cord called the Dural fascia. As the spinal nerves pass through the vertebral foramen the Dural fascia is re-named the myelin sheath of nerve. The lungs are coated with pleural fascia, the heart with pericardial fascia, the abdominal organs peritoneal fascia, the uro-genital organs with perineal fascia, the bone with periosteal fascia. Then, there are transverse bands of fascia from front to back and side to side; 1. In the floor of the pelvis, 2. The respiratory diaphragm, 3. Under the collarbone- the thoracic inlet, 4. Under the chin with hyoid fascia, 5. At the base of the cranium with cranial base fascia, and 6. Joint capsules. In addition there is a thin veil of fascia adjacent to the cytoskeleton of every non-circulating cell in the body as well as para tendons, and retinaculums. That’s a whole lot of tissue all connected to one another. These connective tissues allow the body to maintain shape, protect the structures from outside forces, and some scholars feel it aids in cellular functions such as respiration, digestion, reproduction, and excretion. I believe that the fascia is a component of the 3rd dimension of the nervous system which is described in the section on the direct currents.
HISTOLOGY & PHYSIOLOGY OF FASCIA
The fascia is made up of 3 significant structures. Collagen, elastin, and a ground substance consisting of a colloid gel matrix which contains hyaluronic acid and mucopolysaccharides. The collagen part provides the protective-supportive function. The colloid gel acts as a shock absorber. And, the elastin allows for stretch. There are 2 other properties of the fascia which are of vital importance, neither of which are discussed in medical physiology books at my last search. First, the collagen has 3 protein strands, one of which is a crystalline band. All crystalline structures can generate piezoelectricity. “Piezo” means push in Greek. When the fascia is stretched direct currents [positive cations] are pushed out of the crystalline strand, and when the fascia is compressed [negative anions] are pushed out of the crystalline strands. Secondly, the colloid gel is thixatropic. This means that the gel can convert to a liquid when heated or stretched, and then returns to a gel when cooled. Combined together, we have within us a liquid, [conductor] - crystal, [generator] system, which can generate and conduct D.C.’s, [direct currents]. These will be discussed in the direct currents psgrs.
Orthodontia is based on this piezoelectric effect. When the bands are applied and stress is transmitted through the tooth down into the boney socket, piezoelectricity is generated from 2 structures. One, is the periosteum [connective tissue/fascia], which has a crystalline strand in the protein part of the collagen. The second, is the hydroxy apetite crystalline part of the bone [connective tissue]. Dr. Becker applied stress to dead bones and found that they were capable of generating direct currents. Thus, the production of positive and negative micro-current charges stimulate the cellular activities which are instrumental in the remodeling of the bone.
FASCIAL UNWINDING
Which comes first, the chicken or the egg? In the myofascial system, which comes first? The myo, or the fascia? During my surgical career, when dissecting the fascia, it was virtually impossible to separate the muscle tissue from the fascial tissue without sacrificing a little of one or the other. My grilling experiences have been the same. When I try to remove the gristle and fat from the steak, I always; leave a little steak on the gristle. Or, leave a little gristle on the steak. It is possible to strip the periosteum from the bone, but not the fascia from the muscle. It matters not which is which, but that they both unwind as a result of the Reflex Arcs which are discussed in chapter 5. I witness this frequently on the Rhomboid Muscles after the "Boomerang Moves" in the upper back procedure. While doing the first moves, nodules can often be palpated. When the moves are repeated a few minutes later, the nodules are usually gone completely, or at least significantly reduced.
I have also witnessed the unwinding to continue for many years after the patient's last session. I believe that two important things occur during and after the unwinding ; 1. the muscles elongate and develop improved function, 2. the fascia becomes anatomically aligned. Multiple other changes follow these first two; A.. there can be a release of lactic acid build up , B. the meridians that pass through the fascia can flow more freely, C. emotional memories can be released from the fascia, D. piezoelectric and thixatropic function is restored, and, E. entrapped energies [energy cysts] are freed.The following two case histories will demonstrate these phenomenum:
One of my more interesting experiences occurred with a patient and his responses, which took place the very first week I started doing Bowen . Another Podiatrist down the road who was not able to help him referred Bernard to me. Bernard had an arthritic large toe joint, which he did not want to have surgery on. He told me that he was favoring the toe and this was making his hip and back painful. He was hopeful that some type of shoe modification would suffice to relieve his problems. His joint was red, swollen, tender, and with movement grated like sand paper [crepitus]. I informed him that I could accommodate his shoe and for him to leave it over the weekend and I would get it done. Then I told him about the Bowen treatment, which might relieve the pains in his hip and back. He begged me to also perform the upper back and neck moves and promised he would not tell anyone [that was before I obtained a massage certificate- and my podiatry license only covered the leg muscles]. I felt comfortable with him, so I did a complete treatment from head to toe. When I had finished the procedures I had learned in class, I examined his Extensor Hallucis Longus Muscles. The one on the right side was like a rope. So, I figured that if they had taught a procedure on this in class, it would be slack to the table and make an anterior move, good side first. So, I did the left side 1st, and then did the right side muscle, and he immediately let out a moan. I asked if he was all right, and he said, “I am alright. It kind of hurt and tickled at the same time”. I left the room for a few minutes in order to let him rest and for the release to take place. When I returned, he was curled up in a fetal position and was quite pale and cold. My first thought was that he had fainted and was going into shock. I checked his pulse and was going to take his blood pressure when he said,” I’m okay. I’m a little cold. May I have a blanket”? I covered him up and left him alone to settle down for a few minutes. When I returned his color was a little better, but he was still chilled. I left him to lie on the table for a few more minutes. The next time I returned to check on him he was sitting on the edge of the table looking a little haggard, but much better. I gave him his post-treatment instructions and told him to pick up his shoe on Monday. When I saw him in the waiting room Monday morning prior to appointment times I said, “Hi Bernard. I’ve got your shoe ready”. He said very emphatically, “I don’t care about the shoe. I want to know when I can get another treatment.” I said, “That’s right I gave you a Bowen last week. How did it work?” He said, “How did it work? It changed my life. The past 3 nights have been the only full night’s sleep I have had in years. My back does not hurt. The pain in my hip is all but gone and look at my toe”! He commenced to remove his shoe and sock and bend the toe up and down and said, “See. Look at this.” I could not help but walk out into the waiting room and look at his toe up close. The swelling, redness and crepitus were completely resolved. There remained a little stiffness but the toe flexed at least 50% more than it did on Friday. I told him that he could make an appointment for Friday.
When he returned the following Friday, I asked how he was doing and he said, “I am doing fantastic. I don’t have any more stress, I am more focused, and I feel like I’ve been liberated from something that had a hold of me”. He went on to tell me that the day before he had given notice at the job he had loathed, and was moving to Costa Rica within the next month to open a restaurant. This was something that he had wanted to do for quite some time but something was holding him back. He said,” Whatever you did that treatment last week released whatever it was that was holding me down”. At the time, I was not quite sure what had just transpired because they did not teach us at the Bowen workshop I took, anything about this emotional release stuff. After a couple of more experiences, and conversations with other therapists I finally got a clue about it all. When I checked his right EHL Muscle, the rope was gone.
Another somatoemotional release experience was with a young lady who was referred to me by a foot surgeon a few miles away. He knew that I did Bowen Therapy, and his patient was suffering with chronic back pain. She had been examined and treated by competent doctors and nothing had relieved her pain. So, she wanted to try a Bowen treatment, which she had heard about since she was a Massage Therapist. Her first session was uneventful. She felt only minimal relief of the pain. She returned 2 weeks later for another session. I began with the basic relaxation moves, then did the kidney and lower respiratory moves. Then, when I returned to the room following the 4-minute rest after releasing the abdominal muscles, she was quietly weeping. I asked if she was all right and if she needed a blanket. She said that she was little cold and a blanket would be nice. I said, ‘It looks like you are releasing something. Do you want to talk about it or keep it to yourself”? She said, I’ll tell you what it is. I had a caesarian section 2 years ago and it was against my will. My mother and the doctors pretty much forced me to have it and I’ve been angry ever since. I felt like I was invaded by aliens”. After the session she was completely pain free, relaxed and has been fine ever since. This illustrates how the abdominal area is the "Front of the Back". And, how the fascia is all interrelated.
We all need to keep in mind that all of the musculoskeletal structures, including the fascia and myofascia are all connected to one another. The position and motions taking place in the feet-affect the legs, hips, pelvis, back, shoulder, neck, and head. And, twists, tilts, angulations of the pelvis- affect the feet and ankles, as well as proximal structures. Therefore, when a practitioner stimulates a release in the front, that results in a change in the back. When a release takes place at the bottom, a change takes place at the top. Lastly, when there are releases to superficial structures, changes take place in the deeper parts. This also explains why the Coccyx locks and Kidney moves help digestive disorders in adults and colic in babies. I do these along with other abdominal and torso moves for patients undergoing chemotherapy. As long as I do them once a week, they have zero nausea symptoms. If we skip a week, they experience severe nausea, and can't wait for their next session.
THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. CONTENT MAY BE ADDED DAILY. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:http://www.drmitchellmosher.com