ACUPUNCTURE MERIDIANS vs MYER\u2019S MYOFASCIAL MERIDIANS.<\/strong><\/p>\n Fascia is a connective tissue that extends throughout the body as a three-dimensional network from head to toe, from back to front and from the inside to the outside without interruption. It is made up of elastic fibres (which allow for movement), collagen fibres (which provide strength and stability) and a gel-like, fluid substance known as the extracellular matrix (which provides fluidity and hydration). It surrounds muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels and organs. The \u201cepimysium\u201d surrounds the muscle, the \u201cperimysium\u201d surrounds groups of muscle fibres and the \u201cendomysium\u201d surrounds individual muscle fibres. All these layers join together and terminate in tendons or ligaments. MYER\u2019S MYOFASCIAL MERIDIANS<\/strong> FASCIAS AND YOGA<\/strong>
\nWhen this system malfunctions (for example, due to poor posture, inflammation, trauma, etc.), it can affect our health in many ways, giving rise to various symptoms that appear to be unrelated. [\u2026]
\nFunctions of the Fascia:
\n\u2022 It provides support and structure to the body, promoting its integrity.
\n\u2022 It is involved in every movement and absorbs impacts.
\n\u2022 It aids blood circulation, particularly in the venous system and the lymphatic system.
\n\u2022 Changes in the fascia precede chronic congestion in any tissue.
\n\u2022 Fascia are responsible for inflammatory processes. The central nervous system is surrounded by fascia.
\nFurthermore, at a cellular level, the fascia plays an important role in protection, cellular respiration, nutrition, waste removal, metabolism, hydration, etc., so any dysfunction of the fascia can create an environment conducive to illness (poor cellular efficiency, necrosis, disease, pain, etc.).<\/p>\n
\nThe famous \u201cmyofascial meridians\u201d are lines of connective tissue that provide the structural forces required to perform movement, as they connect all parts of the body and give it integrity (tensegrity lines). This concept was introduced in 1997 by Thomas Myers in an article entitled \u201cThe Anatomy of the Trains\u201d. According to Myers, he based his lines on the anatomical studies of Hermann Hoepke (1930), combined with his knowledge of Rolfing and cadaver dissection, which enabled him to examine these anatomical pathways with greater precision. Although Thomas Myers initially considered that the anatomical pathways bore a resemblance to acupuncture meridians, he believed that they were not entirely equivalent.
\nThe discovery of myofascial pathways or muscle chains is of great clinical significance. Thanks to our understanding of these, musculoskeletal pain can be treated not only at the site of the pain but at any part or point of the fascia. This distal treatment of conditions is beginning to bear similarities to distal acupuncture treatments, in which areas of the body distant from those experiencing pain are needled.<\/p>\n
\nWhen we practise yoga, we will be more aware if we understand our body\u2019s fascial system.
\nIf the fascia loses moisture, it becomes stiff, dry and restricted; in this case, you should practise a very nourishing style of yoga such as Yin Yoga or Restorative Yoga. With well-hydrated fascia in perfect condition, we are more energy-efficient as our muscles will tire less easily.
\nOn the other hand, practising sport promotes blood flow to the muscles, toning them and providing warmth and energy. In other words, sporting activities, unlike yoga, focus more on the cardiovascular system and the muscles and do not affect the fasciae. It would be considered a more \u2018Yang\u2019 practice than the former.
\nThis means that, in general, sport does not affect our psyche to the same extent as yoga does, due to the significant link between the fascial system and the nervous system. When our body is under stress, there are two ways to release it. Either through the chemical release of neuropeptides, which alter our mood and affect various parts of the body; or through patterns of tension that persist over time, creating postural habits \u2013 these begin with alterations in the nervous system, then spread to the muscles and finally to the fascial system. This final stage means that the fasciae record and store our mental and emotional impressions as if they were a filing cabinet. This reminds us of the Sanskrit term \u201cSamskaras\u201d, which refers to the impressions that our mind records, shaping our beliefs, attitudes and personality. So, when we perform a sustained stretch (a yoga asana), we begin to change the connective tissue and, ultimately, our emotions and even our limiting beliefs. In short, the transformative power of yoga lies in the transformative power of the body\u2019s fascia.<\/p>\n