Fascinating Fascia

A way of understanding the whole is by looking at it its parts and in human anatomy this results in a linear or mechanical representation. Body parts were labelled by this process of separation based on their location, function or substance for example all the variations of fascia whether made from collagen, fat cells, ground substance or elastin fibres. Just under our skin lies ‘superficial fascia’ which connects to ‘deep fascia’ that connects to muscles. We also have ‘retinacula’ that are bundles of connective tissue near joints which fuse to ‘deep fascia’, weaving through muscle and connecting to bone.  Retinacula are made of collagen and are rich in free nerve endings, acting as more than just a pulley system or stabiliser but sensing muscle contraction and bone movement. ‘Visceral fascia’ covers our organs and the pelvic side wall and connects our organs to the muscles of our trunk.

It’s incredible how fascia keeps our organs suspended in place as well as allowing movement with properties of force transmission. Fascia is also our largest and most densely innervated sensory organ. When creating a text book a linear construct simplifies the magnificence of our 3 dimensional living fascial matrix that is so many different things yet at the same time one thing – as described by Joanne Avison an exemplified in her term “Fascial Architexture” describing humans as living geometry.

I also find inspiration in the teachings of Jaap van der Wal MD PhD Anatomist - Embryologist. Both Jaap along with Stephen Levin MD view fascia as functional architecture. Jaap highlights that anatomy is about the where but with fascia it’s about the how. He examines the origins of fascia from way back to our embryological development. Viewing through this lens of ‘how’ gives us a glimpse into the morphic nature of this wonderful connecting substance. Dr van der Wal conveys that fascia organises us, creates space and the possibility of exchange and connection over long distance from head to toe.

“Fascia can be appreciated as the matrix substrate of our body or as ‘the fabric’ (the texture) in which all organs are embroidered.” (Jaap van der Wal, 2020 & Stephen Levin, 2018)

My perception of fascia during bodywork is that it cannot be separated or isolated from our muscles, tendons, cartilage, bones, blood, fat, skin, nerves, and organs. Think 3D, living, breathing, fluid, connected and continuous. Craniosacral Therapy, Remedial Massage and Reflexology all involve and effect our bodies through our fascia, and so my connection and fascination for fascia continues. Not only from a chemical, neurological, structural and even pathophysiological level for that matter but from a body felt sense knowing.

References:

https://www.embryo.nl/upload/documents/artikelen-fascie/Van%20der%20Wal%20Fascia%20Fabrica%20or%20Fabric%20EN%202020.pdf

Book: Fascia, Function, and Medical Applications, Published September 9, 2020 by CRC Press, various authors. Chapter 2. Fascial Anatomy by Carla Stecco

https://www.joanneavison.com/