An often overlooked structure, fascia plays a key role in holding our bodies together. Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, organs, and other structures within the body. It is composed of collagen, elastin, and other proteins, forming a web-like structure that provides structural integrity and helps transmit mechanical forces throughout the body.
How does fascia contribute to functional movement?
As explained by world-renowned physician, Dr. Jerry Tennant in his book titled, Healing is Voltage: The Handbook, your muscles are stacked one on top of the other in a specific order (much like batteries in a flashlight) to form a power pack. Each organ has its own battery pack, which is a stack of muscle batteries. These muscle batteries are in turn surrounded by fascia, which acts as a semiconductor — an arranged metabolic molecule designed to move electrons at the speed of light, but only in one direction.
Together, the muscle stack and the surrounding fascia serve as the wiring system for your body, carrying the voltage from the muscle battery inside-out through the fascia and to the appropriate organ. In addition to moving electricity, fascia also acts as a hydraulic pump, responsible for moving fluid around your body.
How do Traditional Chinese Medicine and fascia relate?
According to medical doctor and licensed acupuncturist, Dr Daniel Keown, the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) channels system is fascia. Qi is an intelligent force within the body that creates order, organisation, healing and proper function — you need Qi to move, breath, essentially to live.
The body is connected by connective tissue called fascia. The fascial planes often line up exactly with acupuncture channels, at both superficial and deep levels. These channels also connect Qi and organising centres. Fascia is composed of collagen, which means it generates an electric charge with mechanical stress.
Our bodies have mechanical stress all the time from gravity, movement and exercise, and the electrical charge generated through the collagen keeps our bones strong.
How is fascia classified?
Fascia can be found throughout the entire body, creating a continuous network from head to toe. It is organised into different layers and can be classified into three main types:
- Superficial Fascia: This is located just beneath the skin and helps separate the skin from underlying structures. It also contains fat cells and plays a role in temperature regulation and energy storage.
- Deep Fascia: Found in surrounding muscles, bones, nerves, and blood vessels, deep fascia provides support and protection. It helps compartmentalise and organise different structures in the body.
- Visceral Fascia: Also known as serous or parietal fascia, this type surrounds the internal organs (viscera) and provides support while allowing for movement and flexibility.
Fascia is not only a passive structural component but is also involved in various physiological processes, including the transmission of force, support of body posture, and participation in bodily movements. It has gained attention in fields such as physical therapy, sports medicine, and bodywork therapies as its health and function are thought to play a role in conditions such as chronic pain and movement restrictions.
When the body is under sustained strain, this can cause the fascia to compress and contort the muscles it surrounds. Keeping fascia healthy and flexible has many benefits, including the ability to move more easily, have an increased range of motion, and experience less pain.
Fascia, TCM, and Bioelectric Meridian Therapy
The best way of interacting with the body’s fascial energy is through energy therapy. Bioelectric Meridian Therapy (BMT) harnesses the body’s natural bioelectricity to supercharge the natural healing process. It stimulates fascia to increase energy flow, and ultimately increasing functional movement. BMT uses a bioelectric device (ABMMA PRO) that generates a small electrical signal which is transferred to the client’s body through the therapist’s hands.
Director of the Qigong research laboratory at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Tianjun Liu says that “because of the rapid development of modern science and technology, TCM needs to incorporate external observation using modern scientific technology.”
When the ability to self-recharge or recover is ineffective, some outside assistance is required. Bioelectric Meredian Therapy offers this assistance allowing the body to return to a more favourable homeostasis, with flexible fascia channels and a high level of Qi.
Read more on how Traditional Chinese Medicine relates to the energy system of the body.
