what is fascia? part one
Fascia is finally making its way into mainstream consciousness. I first discovered this omniprescent matrix of connective tissue a decade ago when I dived into the practice of somatic meditation. Somatic meditation is when a person brings focus and concentration into the felt sense of the body, more specifically into different parts of the body, one by one until sense clarity arises. As an empath or highly sensitive person, this practice was deeply nourishing for me. I remember the first time I was guided to track sensations in my body, I felt myself deeply land at home for the first time.
So what does fascia have to do with this?
Well, everything! Fascia is the intelligence one interfaces with when bringing awareness into the body. It is the organ of feelings, sensations, and self experience. You see, the fascia is this highly sophisticated system that creates unity and connectedness between all parts of the body, all the way down to the cellular level. It actually exists in order to hold your cells and care for the environment in which they live. That is why it is often referred to as a self-regulating system, because it is mapped full of unique cells that are programmed to maintain balance in the structure of this network. Some cells create collagen, some cells break it down, some cells even create fluids.
Neuroscience research continues to link interoception (the ability to sense into the inner space of the body) with well-being as well as self-awareness. Interoceptive receptors live in the fascial matrix and come alive when a person’s nervous system regulated into the ventral vagal system of the autonomic nervous system, as well as when one connects with one’s body.
Regulation in the nervous system comes online when the body relaxes and releases tension. This requires the mind to let go of the aversion it often holds in regards to the present moment. There are always two ways to promote nervous system regulation, one pathway is directly in changing the tone and structure of the fascia, the second is to work with the mind. This refers to a bottom-up, top-down approach. When working this way you are working directly with the Peripheral (body) nervous system and Central (brain and spinal cord) nervous system. Fascia can be viewed as the holder of these two main branches of the nervous system.
My life’s mission is to educate and inspire others to connect with their body’s in ways that promote an awakening of self-awareness, sovereignty and aliveness.
