Flexibility Flexibility Flexibility

Fascia is often referred to as the “shrink wrap” that encases the body. According to Ida Rolf it is the “organ of form”, which gives shape and form to our body. Fascia is made from collagen and elastin covering every muscle group, internal organs, glands, nerves and blood vessels, the entire body from head to toe, it also changes its composition depending on its location in the body. Fascia is plastic, it tears if stretched quickly but stretched slowly and gently it will elongate and hold its new shape.

It is important to remember that fascia throughout the body is interconnected and is largely oriented vertically. However, there are four transverse planes of fascia in the body. They are the pelvic diaphragm, respiratory diaphragm, thoracic inlet and cranial base. A restriction in one of these planes of fascia can have a “drag” effect on the fascia elsewhere in the body. Fascia is often described like a 3D sweater, when there is a trauma to the fascial network it is pulled out of alignment, just like a pull in the sweater. This in turn inhibits the underlying soft tissue of nutrients. Myofascial release and Rolfing are two alternative therapies which can alleviate the “drag” and tightening of fascia. These techniques provide gentle, sustained pressure to allow the fascia to elongate and lengthen back to a near normal state.

A lot of people come to yoga to improve their flexibility, and in the society we live in, they want that flexibility instantaneously. However, the fascial network is there to protect the body in order to maintain a balance and will resist any form of stress. Fascia will respond to slow gentle pressure and eventually over time and through regular practise better flexibility will come. When we go into a yoga pose it is the muscular system we initially work with, the longer a pose is held, the muscles relax and we begin to work with the fascia. Fascia is very unforgiving, if its not stretched it will keep on contracting as we get older, muscles surrounded by deep fascia will become tighter and tighter and freedom of movement will eventually be compromised. Fascia also contracts during illness, injury and trauma, it’s a built-in mechanism to protect the body, giving it time to heal. The contraction of fascia outwith illness, injury and trauma is all part of the natural process of ageing. Yoga allows us to improve and maintain our flexibility longer as our body remembers the neuro-muscular patterns which have been created over time. Every movement, thought and behaviour creates patterns which the body remembers.

So the next time you say to yourself "why can't I be more flexible", just be aware that the tightness you experience in your legs, shoulder etc is your bodies way of protecting itself. Building a strong body and mind from the inside will help you become more supple.

om shanti, Alison