Open Access Opinion

The Myofascial System and Mind-Body Connections for Improving Health

Shawn M Drake*, Amanda Martin and Shelby Lane

Shawn M Drake*, Amanda Martin and Shelby Lane

Corresponding Author

Received Date: January 28, 2020;  Published Date:March 11, 2021

Summary

Throughout the years, scientists dissected the human body to obtain knowledge of the body’s structure and functions. During dissection, fascia is cast aside in receptacles and rarely studied. Fascia is the connective tissue that forms a web-like structure that covers, and connects every aspect of the body including bones, organs, muscles, nerves and blood vessels [1]. Although this structure is found vastly throughout the entire body, all of the functions of this tissue are still being studied. The myofascial system acts as an “exoskeleton” for the body and its inherent architecture is described by principles of biotensegrity. Tensegrity principles describe architectural structures that have continuous tension with discontinuous compression providing stability and flexibility of structures. Within the human body, concepts of biotensegrity link organizational structures at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ and organ system levels [2]. Biotensegrity refines the explanation of the body’s ability to adapt to change and the mechanics of movement by providing mobility, stability and function [3]. At the cellular level, microfilaments serve as the tension components (straightening) and microtubules function as compression (bending) components [4]. In addition, compression of the extracellular matrix transmits mechanical forces directly to the cell and nucleus through the architectural model. At the tissue level, integrins, extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton, mediate mechanical signal transduction (mechano transduction) throughout the body [5].

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