C'mon, What's Holding You Up?

Most people have the idea in their heads that we are held upright by the bones in our structure. But without fascial tissue (fibrous connective tissue that holds structures of the body together) we'd be a helpless bone-filled heap on the floor.

Hard to do laundry that way.

We are supported, bound together, and held upright by the tensile strength of fascia. So it's probably a good thing to take care of it. 

Caring for and strengthening the net of tissue that connects so much of our body is just starting to become a clear and important part of physical training. Practices like tai chi, yoga, qigong, pilates, massage therapy, bodywork are all great practices for creating a strong system of connective tissue in the body. Bottom line: it prevents injury by increasing elasticity in the fascial body network.

So many injuries are the result of putting too much demand on tissue that isn't prepared for it. Luckily, connective tissue is amazingly adaptable, we're finding out. It changes quickly to meet the demands we place on it. But it takes certain movements and exercise practices to make it strong so that our joints, bones, organs remain healthy.

Some people, through these practices, notice that they aren't ending up stiff and shortened as they age. Their joints are safe and strong and their bodies heal much more quickly.  

In practices like Tai Chi and Qigong, we use expansion and contraction to create elasticity in our network of fascia. Some people, through these practices, notice that they aren't ending up stiff and shortened as they age. Their joints are safe and strong and their bodies heal much more quickly.  

If you're interested in taiji but have never tried it - make sure you check out our free "Try Taiji" simple practice. Just click on the link and we'll send you the video. It will give you a taste of what taiji is and how it feels in the body.