A Journey Into Yin Yoga

60 A JOURNEY INTO YIN YOGA

movements flow in harmony. As we move deeper into the body, the next layer

is the hypodermis, which contains the superficial fascia. The superficial fascia

helps to maintain stability of form by providing the hypodermis with positive

tension. Moving beyond the superficial fascia and hypodermis, the interfibrillar

spaces are bigger and the fibers less rigid, and the tissues become more supple.

This area is known as loose connective tissue, or areolar tissue. Loose connec-

tive tissue allows the tendons to slide smoothly. Where this tissue surrounds the

Fountain of Youth

Hydration within the deep fascia is important. The older we get, the dryer we

become. This dryness contributes to joint stiffness and muscle tightness, which

can accelerate the aging process.

Synovial fluid is secreted by the synovial membrane. This fluid is found

within the synovial joints of the body, such as the elbow, knee, shoulder, and

hips. This fluid has a thick, slippery consistency like an egg. Synovial fluid

minimizes friction within the joint, making it easier for bones and cartilage to

move past each other. This facilitates smooth and painless movement and

serves as a natural shock absorber. When pressure is exerted on the synovial

joint, the fluid becomes thicker to provide protection from the stress. When

the stress goes away, the fluid returns to its normal viscosity. Another key role

of synovial fluid is to supply oxygen and key nutrients. It also helps remove

carbon dioxide and metabolic waste materials from the cartilage, where it is

eliminated via the blood stream.

The body naturally produces the necessary amount of this lubricating fluid.

I once heard that synovial fluid is like WD-40 for the body. If you’ve ever used

WD-40, a spray lubricant, on an old bicycle chain or an old door hinge, then

you know how it can work wonders. Maintaining the correct amounts of synovial

fluid within the body will produce a type of “slide and glide” effect.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a type of ground substance and has been described

as nature’s moisturizer. The ground substance is the fluid that fills the space

between the fibers and cells of the bodily tissues. This fluid is made up of a

variety of proteins, water, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Water makes up

approximately 70 percent of the ground substance. What attracts the water

are the GAGs, and one of the most important GAGs is HA.

HA, a crucial component of the extracellular matrix, is created by fibroblasts.

This gelatinous substance can be found in almost every cell of the body. It

occurs in greater concentrations in the bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments,

and other connective tissue. It has been estimated that HA can attract and