Yoga & Fascia Part 1 of 4

Beginning this Saturday, September 3rd, I will be teaching 4 yoga workshops that focus on four of the fascial meridians found within Tom Myers theory of Anatomy Trains.  Our first workshop will cover the Superficial Back Line.  To sign up please click here. The following post is to provide you more information about fascia and yoga.

Unbinding The Rope-Yoga for Fascial Length

What is fascia?
Simple put fascia is connective tissue. There are many types of fascia within the body but in our workshop we will specifically be working with long sheaths of fascia that are part of Tom Myers theory of Anatomy Trains.
One of the key jobs of fascia is to distribute force throughout the body.  When you walk the weight of your body transmits from your foot up the entire structure of bones and muscles. These bones and muscles are wrapped in fascia which helps to distribute the workload throughout your body.  Fascia not only supports the structure of your body but also affects your posture and movement.   

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What is the SBL?
The SBL also known as the Dorsal fascial sheath runs the distance of the entire back side of the human body.  It begins with the plantar fascia on the sole of the foot, runs up the back of the legs, attaches to the sacrum, continues up the length of the spine and neck and wraps around the skull until ending at the brow line.

What is the purpose of the SBL?
Since the SFB has the formidable job of holding the body erect while standing, it is comprised of dense sheets of fascia such as the achilles tendon and the sacrotuberous ligament.  The entire line from feet to head acts like a guy-wire to keep us upright.  Depending on your posture you may have tightness on part or all of the SBL or you may be over stretched on the backside and compressed in the front body.  In either case working to lengthen or strengthen the SBL will help the preserve the health and longevity of your spine!

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Common Postural Compensation Patterns Associated with the SBL-

• Ankle flexion limitations
• Hyperextension of the knee
• Shortening of the hamstrings
• Forward pelvic shift
• Lordosis and kyphosis
• Cervical hyperextension

Common Pains Associated with SBL-

• Plantar Fasciitis and heel spurs
• Knee pain from hyperextension or torsion
• Sacrum pain and si joint instability
• Lumbar spine compression, increased propensity for lumbar spine injuries
• Thoracic spine tension
• Headaches from occipital tightness

How can yoga help?
There are many postures in yoga that are designed to lengthen the SBL such as downward facing dog and forward bends.  Alternatively back bending encourages spinal strength and shortens the SBL.  Everyone’s structure is unique and the purpose of this workshop is to help you identify where you are stuck in your fascia and to learn ways to safely open those areas.  You will also learn where you may be compensating and over stretching your fascia in which case strengthening and support are encouraged. The series of fascial workshops require no previous experience with yoga however a desire to understand your fascia and how to work with it is a good start!

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