The Connected Body: Experiential Anatomy of the Fascial System

Description

From our skin down to the nucleus of our 30 trillion cells, we are a continuous body wide matrix of fascia. This neuromyofascial net is a pervasive meta-system communicating with, connecting, and supporting all other physiological systems to work together as a synergistic whole. This body wide network consists of tensioned tissue that gives us form, keeps us upright, and allows us to move. As a meta-system, the health of the fascial system affects the health of all other systems. If fascia is restricted or dehydrated, physiology and movement capacity of surrounding structures suffer. Experiential anatomy practices can support our fascial network to intelligently adapt by encouraging resilient elasticity. Fascia has been variously described as the fabric of wholeness, a sensory organ, an organ of form, of innerness, and the medium through which body and spirit communicate. Contemplating the multidimensionality of fascia can connect us with our own multi-dimensionality. From the perspective of the fascial system, body and mind are inseparable, and all movement involves the whole body. As the physical representation of wholeness, fascia can be directly experienced by cultivating a felt sense of its presence, structure, and qualities, and by practising whole body movements with fascial awareness. In this workshop we will use experiential anatomy, somatic inquiry, and Yoga Therapy tools to explore how fascial awareness can transform your teaching and practice. Material will be drawn from Leila’s book Experiential Anatomy: Therapeutic Applications of Embodied Movement and Awareness.