Fascia Research and Implications for Bodywork Practice
Fascia is the soft tissue component of the connective tissue system that permeates the human body. It forms a whole-body continuous three-dimensional matrix of structural support. Fascia interpenetrates and surrounds all organs, muscles, bones and nerve fibers, creating a unique environment for the function of all body systems.
The First International Fascia Research Congress, held Oct. 4–5, 2007 at Harvard Medical School, was the first event dedicated to fascia in all its forms. With more than 30 presentations and panels featuring leading international scientists, the event was a landmark for manual therapists and researchers; approximately 650 people from 28 countries attended. The event was an important next step in evidence for practice in bodywork, and opened a broad range of questions for further study.
The Second International Fascia Research Congress, held in October 27-30, 2009 in Amsterdam, included more cutting-edge presentations on fascia and the healing process, and applications of research for practitioners. Information on those gatherings, abstracts and full-text articles, and details on the Third International Fascia Research Congress to be held in Vancouver, B.C. in March 2012 can be found at the following sites:
On a personal note, it was a thrilling experience to be part of the audience at both of these events as these fine scientists enjoyed numerous "Aha!" moments during the presentations of their colleagues. Afternoon presenters modified their lectures based on new data from morning sessions. For anyone who loves the joy of new knowledge, the Congress is an incomparable event. The dialogue between research and clinical practice has begun in earnest. Beyond traditions of energy work and older structural models of the body, there is a picture emerging of our fascial fabric as the living sensory field of the body. The clearer that picture becomes, the more stunning the reality, and the deeper the potential impact of manual therapy. DVN
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Dynamic Bodywork Myofascial Therapy is located at the InnerSphere Yoga & Lifestyle Center. For classes and other events:
www.innersphereyoga.com
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