The Wonders of Fascia: Exploring the Power of Connective Tissue in Yoga and Beyond

 The Wonders of Fascia: Exploring the Power of Connective Tissue in Yoga and Beyond

Fascia...

 The magic in our ability to move is the abra-cadabra stick… the name of the gel-like structure that we cannot understand our indispensable function-coordination ability is fascia. So what is this fascia?...

Tissues, which are a collection of cells specialized to perform a certain function, according to their structure and functions; epithelial tissue, muscle tissue, nervous tissue, connective and support tissues are called.

All the structures of our body are surrounded by connective tissue and fascia, which give shape to tissues and organs and provide their functions. Connective tissue and fascia are composed of cells and the extracellular matrix outside the cells. The extracellular matrix is an active and self-executing environment. And adaptation reactions, which we call regulation, take place entirely in this area.

Fibers of Connective Tissue:

* Collagen fibers (white), the most abundant protein in the body

* Elastic fibers (yellow), skin, blood vessel

* The reticular structure (reticulated, thin) covers the spleen, soft organ, lymph-connective tissue.

Duties of Fascia:

*local suspension, internal integrity, absorb shocks

* retention and separation

* Shock and pressure absorption

** Systemically; pain transmission, morphology, formation of posture, chains (coordination integrity)

Yoga asana; It's not about stretching. Yoga is about strengthening the balance in the relationship between length and tension in the body. This is one of the most valuable properties of the fascial matrix, namely its elasticity protects. Stretching is one way to increase flexibility. Essentially we are designed to store recoil potential energy. Elongated tendons, similar to an elastic stainless steel spring,

We can store and release kinetic energy with surprising efficiency.

In instinctive stretching; Cheetahs can rest, relax, stretch at the appropriate time, and move at high speed to claw at their prey. When they rest, they become still and calm again. The name of this special type of stretching; It is 'pandiculation'. Yoga-asana is also 'extension contraction'. For example; forcing stretching in the downward facing dog position called adho mukho svanasana instead, time is needed to stretch the body. In order to support the tensile components, all flexion potentials of the entire body (joints) are contained and brought together in the CONTINUOUS integrity of the tensile matrix. This can fill the pose 360 degrees with an active stretch instead of forcing and stretching the Superficial Backline.

✅The most important clue in asana poses is breathing comfort, breath flow, the subtle ability to transmit the act of breathing rhythmically throughout the entire pose and body. This, in turn, goes through the cycle of expansion, relaxation, running, and releasing. When it is structured, unnecessary contraction and relaxation occurs.

A style of yoga that focuses more on holding the position for 1 to 2 minutes will make the job easier. By growing and breathing the body in stillness, we can yawn more instinctively, discovering the 'stable and sweet' basic yogic principles (shitra and sukham).

IN SUMMARY;

 The practice of yoga is the exploration of balance and integration. The principle of stretching-relaxing-contraction-releasing-release is naturally complemented by exploring the breath in postures, sequences and different styles of practice. Our form is based on the neutral potential we call release, although it is regulated by its biological tensegrit and the potential always stands in tensional unity for motion. As a force transmission system with natural elastic properties, depending on how the body is used and respecting this unifying feature; The fascial matrix and yoga express each other in all their diversity and possibilities.

NAMASTE🙏

by Pramana YC