The Secret Body Material That No One Researched Much Until Now
How you sit, whether you engage in specific exercises, and how your muscles keep their shape all relate to a particular element of the body that remains largely unknown.
Medical research swiftly pursued the secrets of our bodies, overlooking many facets of our physiology in this race; researchers are now surprised by the attention and potential of one unstudied aspect. What exactly is this mysterious substance, and why do you need to know about it? New research is beginning to study this hidden neural network deep in this tissue and it would seem to have promise.
The mysterious material is called fascia, and fascia isn’t just an empty sack of tissue that holds muscles and nerves together, but is much more complex. Fascia contributes to our body’s stability and enables us to stand upright, move smoothly, and maintain other areas yet to be discovered.
Because of its role in enhancing function and support by creating continuity among tissues, fascia is practically inseparable from all structures in the body. Researchers have recently resolved the nomenclature difficulties caused by the historically challenging study of fascia.
The goal of one research group was to review current literature on fascia, consolidate studies on fascia advancements, and address concerns with fascia terminology, descriptions, and clinical significance.
How could researchers have missed all of this for so many years? Perhaps we need to consider that this specific type of biological tissue was thought to be insignificant in studying other parts of our bodies. Now, a practical system for classifying fascia divides them into four types: connecting, fascicular, compression, and separating fasciae. Each of these types has specific functions:
- Connecting fascia Links muscles, organs, and other structures. It provides a framework for bodily organization and assists in force transmission between body parts.
2. Fascial fascia: This surrounds and separates muscle fibers and bundles. It allows individual muscle fibers to slide against each other and supports blood vessels and nerves within muscles.
3. Compression fascia: It creates compartments to contain and support muscles and organs, helps maintain the shape and position of body structures, and generates and transmits tension.
4. Separating fascia: Divides different muscle groups or organs, reduces friction between adjacent structures, and facilitates independent movement of body parts
Based on preliminary research, indications now point toward aspects of our emotions and cognition that are involved in our development and current existence in unknown ways. Of course, neglecting to maintain the delicate structure of the facia also leads to a downside.
But how do we know that we must play a role in maintaining this tissue if we and professionals never gave it much consideration? No one has enlightened us about the importance of fascia.
What input can we engage in to retain the structure? Research points to how important it is to recognize this structure and constantly work on its health to help us maintain our physical and mental health. We realize the importance of this maintenance when we consider pain in our joints or the inability to straighten up after we have worked at our computer. Fascia tissue plays a role in both and in many other aspects of our lives, and we can no longer ignore it or not take responsibility for our input.
Fascia and Mental Health
Research has now shown that fascia tissue, in some areas, is rich in neurologic connections and may be amenable to change through imagery. It is also suggested that mental states of emotion and cognition may also be related to this tissue. Who would have thought that an insignificant tissue pushed aside in research would have proven to be so important?
One area of new consideration deals with how we might be able to have some power over these tissues. The suggestion now is to use the term "fascial mental imagery" (FMI) to describe a subtype of MI (mental imagery) that centers on the various aspects of fascial tissue, including its position, structure, physiology, and mobility. Dynamic neuro-cognitive imagery (DNI), sometimes called “The Franklin Method,” is one way being considered o use FMI.
The biopsychosocial model, based on psychology theories, explains the fascial relationships in detail as a result of the complicated interaction of biological, psychological, and social elements. Changes to the myofascial fascial continuum may be associated with increased pain sensitivity. It is believed that the myofascial fascial continuum also plays a role in both depressive disorders and chronic pain.
Unfortunately, there is a notable lack of understanding of the association between chronic pain, depression, and particular fascial characteristics, even if the myofascial fascial continuum is being more acknowledged as a possible contributor to these disorders. Researchers compared people with and without chronic neck pain and depression, finding significant differences in their fascial characteristics. The results of the study appear to provide compelling evidence that fascial features might be crucial in the setting of depressive disorders and persistent pain.
Exercise plays an important role in cognitive decline. Multiple studies of this role involved 341,471 subjects. Cognitive impairment or deterioration was less common among those who regularly engaged in physical activity. By the way, which tissues get activated during physical activity? The fascias, of course.
A Few Ideas for Maintenance
Research in the field points to several specific ways we might engage in certain activities that would benefit our various types of fascia tissue and improve our health. Remember, however, that there is insufficient, robust research at this point, and suggestions are simply that—suggestions, not steps to be taken as a regular ritual. Before engaging in any exercise or program that involves these activities, make sure to seek approval from your primary physician or rehabilitation therapist.
- Perform regular fascial release:
Consider using a foam roller or massage ball on tight areas
Apply pressure to restricted tissues
2. Incorporate plyometric exercises:
Include skipping, hopping, and burpees in your routine. The aim is
to boost the body’s elastic recoil capacity
3. Practice agility training:
Add lateral shuffling, zigzag running, and quick forward/backward movements, and consider activities like jumping rope or playing hopscotch
4. Engage in slow, dynamic stretching:
Perform exercises like walking lunges, squats, and arm circles
5. Reduce prolonged inactivity:
Avoid sitting for extended periods
Take regular breaks from desk work or smartphone use
6. Vary your movements:
Avoid repetitive motions. Incorporate a diverse range of activities in your routine
7. Stay consistent:
Maintain these practices regularly for optimal fascial health
One of the hidden mysteries of the human body has now been revealed in some of its highly intricate activities, and we have new information that will enable us to maintain our health in simple ways. Who knows what else we may find out about the specific types of fascia and how healthcare professionals might utilize them further to improve our quality of health into our later years.
source http://www.expertclick.com/NewsRelease/The-Secret-Body-Material-That-No-One-Researched-Much-Until-Now,2024306685.aspx
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