FASCIA 101
BODY OF KNOWLEDGE:
21
february / march 2018yogajournal.com.sgANATOMY
r ti ll
FASCIA IS THE BIOLOGICAL FABRIC that holds us together—
the connective-tissue network. This collagenous network of gel
and fiber is made up in part by an “extra-cellular matrix,”
manufactured inside a connective-tissue cell and then extruded
out into intercellular space. The fiber-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 fibers
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
realize tension and stability, effort and ease.FIBROBLAST ELASTINRETICULIN
TROPOCOLLAGEN
COLLAGEN FIBER