During a connective tissue massage, the myofascia (muscle connective tissue) is loosened with diagonal movements, allowing energy to flow more freely. What is the fascia? What is chi? And how does a connective tissue massage work?
Myofascia
Most people assume that our muscles and bones keep our bodies upright. In reality, this happens through our connective tissue, the fascia. This system of elastic threads forms a complete structure that can be found everywhere in our body. The myofascia is the connective tissue that is located in the muscles, in the form of, among other things, tendon structures.
The tension of the wires in our fascial system gives the body firmness and elasticity. It forms a three-dimensional web of connective tissue that can be found every corner of our body. Every muscle, every bone, every organ and every nerve is surrounded by this fine-meshed tissue.
The fascia is flexible, constantly changes its shape and structure, but can also densify, stick and dry out. Fascial densities are common and can occur due to trauma, poor posture, inflammatory reactions, surgical operations and stress. Compacting the fascia makes your body less flexible, changes the shape of your body and can cause tension and pain. If a link in the fascia web is broken or damaged, this is absorbed by other parts of this web. These parts condense to become stronger, which can lead to stiffness and pain.
Reduction of tension in the connective tissue
The myofascia is the connection between the fascial system and skeletal muscle. There is often tension in this connection, which can be felt throughout the muscle and also in muscles that lie in the same line. Tension in the muscle connective tissue and muscle tension are not the same, they feel different and they also require a different approach.
With a connective tissue massage, the focus is not on reducing muscle tension, but on the tension in the connective tissue, the fascial network. By gently moving compacted parts of the fascia, stored tension is released and space is created again. That space is necessary so that the moisture can flow smoothly along the wires again. These fluids conduct the electrical charge from one part of the body to another via the fascia wires. The energy (Chi) starts moving again by freeing these channels, which allows an energetic balance to be created in the body. This also has effects on our nervous system, brain and our mental well-being.
I use light pressure, stretching and wave movements. The pressure is increased in case of compacted tissue blockages, after which space is created and tension is released. When you release tension, emotions can be released that you may not have been aware of. After a number of repetitions, you release those old emotions and the fascia in that area becomes softer, smoother and more resilient. By restoring flexibility, combating dehydration and stimulating rejuvenation in myofascial tissue, the pressure of the fascia on pain-sensitive structures such as nerves and blood vessels is reduced. There is also more mobility in the joints.
What is Chi?
Chi is the Chinese name for the life energy that flows through our body. Modern science speaks of electricity and resistance.
The degree of resistance between body parts can be measured at different energy frequencies. If the resistance is higher, your energy level and zest for life will decrease. Chi circulates through the channels of our body, like water flows in a river bed. The energy can stagnate like a rock in the river bed. The river water accumulates and the current decreases. Removing these blockages can release emotion, but then ensures a faster flow and more vitality.
