AustralianYogaJournal-April2018

(Marcin) #1

75


april 2018

yogajournal.com.au

ANATOMY


your practice


BODY OF KNOWLEDGE:


FASCIA 101


FASCIA IS THE BIOLOGICAL FABRIC that holds us
together—the connective-tissue network. This
collagenous network of gel and fibre is made up in
part by an “extra-cellular matrix,” manufactured
inside a connective-tissue cell and then extruded
out into intercellular space. The fibre-gel matrix
remains an immediate part of the environment of
every cell, similar to how cellulose helps provide
structure to plant cells. (Remember, we are more
like a plant than a machine.)

The fascial fibres


The Anatomy Trains body map (left) shows our
myofascial, or muscle-fascia, anatomy. These 12
whole-body myofascial meridians are more
evident in dissection. While most anatomy
textbooks show the muscles with the filmy
fascia removed, this map illustrates fascia’s
deeper function: as global lines of tension,
proprioception, and interoception that embed the
body’s neuromuscular network, acting to keep
your skeleton in shape, guide movement, and
coordinate postural patterns. Understanding how
these lines function can help unlock a deeper
understanding of anatomy for your yoga practice.
For example, in Urdhva Mukha Svanasana
(Upward-Facing Dog Pose), you are stretching the
entire superficial front lines of fascia—the green
lines—from the tops of your feet all the way up to
the sides of your neck to the back of your skull.
You are also challenging all four arm lines. When
you strike the right balance in this pose, you can
feel your fascial web helping you realise tension
and stability, effort and ease.

FIBROBLAST

RETICULIN


COLLAGEN
FIBRE

ELASTIN

TROPOCOLLAGEN
Free download pdf