This manual massage targets the fine membranes that envelop our muscles and organs to soothe body and mind.
A spider’s web, from head to toe
Little known until recently, fascia is now better described thanks to medical imaging: “Constituted mainly of collagen, these fibrous and elastic tissues are present throughout the body, explains Lorris Gellé, osteopath (1) . They surround the different structures (muscles, bones, organs, etc.) and link them together.” Their functions are multiple: “Like a canvas, they hold the body in place, participate in stretching and serve as shock absorbers, thus ensuring posture, movement and coordination”, explains Christelle Dufaur, fasciapulsologist (2).
In video, breathing exercises to relax before an important meeting
Equipped with receptors and connected to nerve endings, they also communicate with the autonomic nervous system and register emotional information themselves. Stress or trauma, both physical and psychological, even old ones, can therefore turn into a grain of sand in the machine and lead to pain, circulatory disorders, fatigue, reduced immune system, etc.
Daily attention
“The fascia hates a sedentary lifestyle, underlines Lorris Gellé. Unsolicited, it thickens, stiffens and promotes the production of inflammatory substances in the muscles. We therefore adopt a constant, regular activity adapted to our abilities, alternating with recovery phases.
To maintain his flexibility, he also needs to be stretched, but not just any old how: “Because the fascias are interconnected, stretching must apply to an entire muscle chain: for example, the leg, not just the calf”, advises the osteopath. Essential, too, breathing and relaxation preserve them from stress and oxygenate them. The best? Yoga or Pilates, which combine all these qualities.
Finally, we think about feeding them well: “Particularly important, antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, spices, etc.) protect them from aging, zinc (oysters, nuts, etc.) and silicon (pulses, whole grains, etc.) contribute to the production of collagen, and water hydrates them”, explains Christelle Dufaur.
Read alsoWomen more at risk of cardiovascular disease: advice from a cardiologist to protect your heart
Consultations that work
By a fine and precise touch, we can restore flexibility and mobility to the fascias, and help treat many ailments: pain, loss of mobility, digestive difficulties, respiratory disorders, migraines, anxiety…
fasciatherapy. The practitioner looks on the body for areas of tension or tissue density, then induces light movements and pressures intended to relieve them. An integral part of the teaching of osteopaths, it can also be practiced by doctors, physiotherapists or therapists who have undergone training.
fasciapulsology. This other technique of manual care on the fascias also includes a vascular approach to restore good tissue breathing and release tension. By following the internal movement of the body (rhythm, amplitude, direction), the practitioner stimulates the good circulation of fluids and the relaxation of fascia.
List of trained practitioners: fasciapulsologie.org
(1) Co-founder of the Anatomik center.
(2) Author of I pamper my fascias (Éditions Leduc) and fasciapulsology practitioner. christelle-dufaur.com
.
Leave a Comment