Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and supports our muscles, bones, organs, and other structures in our body. It is a three-dimensional web-like network that provides structural integrity, helps to distribute forces throughout the body, and supports your movement and coordination.
However, the fascial web carries alot more information than just physical sensation and movement - it actually responds to our emotions and thoughts. 70% of fascia is water, and therefore it is easily imprinted with fear and heavy emotions that may have been created through traumatic experiences. This can lead to significant tension and imbalance in your physical body.
Unlocking your fascia can be an important step to feeling more at ease, comfortable and safe in your own body. Fascia transmits this information very fast - much faster than our nervous system. This means the fascial web is constantly responding to our nervous system, which is turn, is affected by the quantum field through the brain.
The Fascia: A Matrix of Intelligence and Healing.
Within the fascia, fibroblast cells are in a constant state of motion, connecting and creating a web of intelligence throughout our body. These cells hold vital information about our immune and nervous systems, constantly working to promote healing. Whenever we sustain an injury or constriction, fibroblasts proliferate and produce collagen to facilitate the repair process.
However, if injuries are not healed properly, there can be an overproduction of collagen, which leads to the formation of dense and rigid scar tissue. If left untreated, this scar tissue can begin to impact our tissues and nerves, making it crucial to soften and release it.
Scar tissue is formed when the body tries to heal damaged tissue. It is made up of dense, fibrous collagen fibers that are laid down in a haphazard way, creating a strong, but rigid and inflexible structure. Scar tissue can form after surgery, injury, or as a result of chronic inflammation or stress. When scar tissue is present in the fascia, it can cause restrictions and adhesions that limit movement and contribute to pain and discomfort. Somatic bodywork can help soften and release scar tissue, restoring movement and reducing pain.
How Fascia Holds Emotional Stress and Trauma
Fascia is not only a structural component of the body but also plays a significant role in storing emotional stress and trauma. The fascia is heavily innervated and contains many sensory receptors that are linked to the nervous system, making it a major player in the body's stress response. When we experience emotional or physical trauma, the fascia can become tense and restrict movement, causing pain and discomfort. This tension can hold onto the memory of the trauma, causing it to be stored in the fascia long after the event has passed.
This can result in a buildup of physical and emotional stress that can manifest in different ways, such as chronic pain, digestive issues, and anxiety. When we work with the fascia through techniques such as myofascial release, we can help to release the stored tension and trauma, allowing the body to heal and release emotional stress. Through this process, we can connect with and process the emotions stored in our fascia, which can lead to greater emotional resilience, physical well-being, and a deeper sense of self-awareness.
Recognising the Signs of Fascial Restriction
There are several signs that fascia has been damaged or is tight. Unhealthy fascia can present itself as being sticky, clumpy, tight, and flaky, which can lead to the formation of restrictions, adhesions, and distortions in the body. This can be compared to the feeling of muscle knots and can cause discomfort and pain.
Chronic pain: Fascia can become tight and constricted, leading to chronic pain in areas like the neck, back, or joints.
Limited range of motion: If fascia is tight or damaged, it can limit your range of motion and make it difficult to move freely.
Headaches: Fascial restrictions can cause headaches or migraines, especially if they are in the neck or head.
Fatigue: Fascial restrictions can also lead to fatigue, as the body has to work harder to move and function.
Poor posture: Tight fascia can affect posture and lead to a hunched or slouched appearance.
Digestive issues: The fascia in the abdomen can become tight or damaged, leading to digestive issues like bloating, constipation, or IBS.
Numbness or tingling: Tight fascia can put pressure on nerves, leading to numbness or tingling in the affected area.
The Power of Fascial Release Healing Work
Somatic bodywork can target and alleviate deep fascial restrictions, and even more importantly, the information and messages that are being held and carried within the fascia and fibroblast cells.
Through this work, collagen fibers can realign, and the cells can absorb more water, which leads to improved ease of movement within the fascia. This increase in cell metabolism results in a higher body temperature, which in turn increases enzyme activity and positively impacts the body's tissues.
Fascial release work is a powerful way to support healing and release tension in the body. By working with the fascia, we can improve the flow of energy and information throughout the body, releasing restrictions and creating more ease and freedom of movement.
Fascial release work can also support emotional healing, as the fascia is known to hold onto memories and emotional stress. By releasing tension in the fascia, we can access and process these emotions, allowing them to be released and creating space for healing and growth.
Fascial release work can also support emotional healing, as the fascia is known to hold onto memories and emotional stress.
Additionally, fascial release work can help to improve physical symptoms such as chronic pain, headaches, and digestive issues. By releasing tension and improving the flow of energy and information throughout the body, we can create a more balanced and healthy system.
It is possible to unwind fascia without physically touching the body, and I do it every day. The process is smoother, faster, and more deeply integrated than traditional hands-on work, as the body doesn't need to move for deeper layers of fascia to unravel. Sometimes the physical movement can be jarring when there is alot of trauma in the system.To support the body's integration process after a fascial release session, I often incorporate lymphatic drainage techniques to help tissues rest and realign more quickly.
Overall, fascial release work is a powerful tool for supporting healing and growth, both physically and emotionally. It is important to work with an experienced practitioner who can guide you through the process and support your healing journey.
Tips for Releasing Fascial Tension at Home
Here are some tips for doing your own fascial release at home:
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before and after the release work to help improve the pliability and mobility of the fascia.
Foam Roll: Foam rolling can help break up tight fascia, increase blood flow, and reduce pain. Use a foam roller on areas where you feel tightness or discomfort.
Self-Massage: Use your hands to apply pressure to areas of tightness or discomfort. You can use your fingertips, knuckles, or even a tennis ball to apply pressure. Try our pure, organic, cold pressed castor oil which is powerful for self massage.
Yoga / Stretching Incorporate gentle stretching and breathwork into your routine to help loosen up the fascia. Focus on stretches that target the areas where you feel tightness or discomfort.
Breathwork: Deep breathing can help reduce tension in the body and promote relaxation. Take deep, slow breaths as you focus on the areas of tightness.
If you're seeking a deeper level of healing beyond traditional talk therapy, my 1-1 healing program may be just what you need. Through somatic therapy, we work together to access and release trauma from the body, creating lasting change and empowering you to live a more fulfilling life.
Somatic therapy goes beyond simply talking about your experiences - it allows us to tap into the wisdom of the body and work with the physical sensations and emotions associated with trauma. This can lead to a more holistic and comprehensive healing process, addressing not just the mind but also the body and spirit.
If you're ready to take the next step in your healing journey, book a call with me today
