FEBRUARY 2018 / 43 / YOGAJOURNAL.COM
BODY OF KNOWLEDGE:
FASCIA 101
FASCIA IS THE BIOLOGICAL FABRIC that holds us together—
the connective-tissue network. This collagenous network of
gel and fi ber is made up in part by an “extra-cellular matrix,”
manufactured inside a connective-tissue cell and then
extruded out into intercellular space. The fi ber-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.)FIBROBLASTELASTINTROPOCOLLAGEN
COLLAGEN
FIBERRETICULINThe 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 anat-
omy textbooks show the muscles with the fi lmy 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
superfi cial 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 realize tension and stability,
eff ort and ease.The fascial fi bers