Helping the Bodys flow with Itself
The Simple Science of Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a style of bodywork that works with your body's nervous system to encourage it to release tension on its own, rather than forcing the issue. Think of it as a way to train your body to recognize and release itself rather than a deep tissue massage that aims to "break up" knots. It's less about a forceful, mechanical approach and more about a gentle, intelligent one.
Interoception: Your Body's Sixth Sense
So, how does this process actually work? The answer lies in interoception. While we're familiar with the five external senses—sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch—interoception is your internal sense. It's how your body perceives its own physical state, providing feedback on things like hunger, thirst, pain, temperature, and muscle tension.
Imagine your body as a complex system that needs constant feedback to stay in balance. This is called homeostasis. Interoception is the feedback loop that keeps your body's "thermostat" in check. When you're too hot, it signals your body to sweat; when you're hungry, it tells you to eat. Without this vital internal awareness, it's like trying to navigate without a compass. According to leading fascia researcher Robert Schleip, the fascial system, or connective tissue, is the richest sensory organ in your body, housing a massive number of sensory nerve endings that communicate this internal information.
What It's Like to Experience Myofascial Release
Your experience will likely feel like a deeply meditative process. Instead of short, intense strokes, the practitioner uses light, sustained pressure. Healthy tissue often releases within 30 to 90 seconds, but areas with long-standing dysfunction may take 5 to 20 minutes to respond. These extended holds create a calm, quiet space for your body to process and unwind. In this time, it's common to experience a shift in emotions, the surfacing of old memories, and a profound sense of peace. It's a form of bodywork that is, in essence, a form of meditation.
The Fascia-Brain Connection
This is where the power of myofascial release becomes clear. The signals from these nerve endings in your fascia are not just one-way; they're bi-directional, a two-way conversation between your body and your brain. For example, stress can cause your fascia to tense up, and conversely, sustained tension in your fascia can send signals that create feelings of stress or anxiety. This helps explain why many people with a history of trauma, chronic pain, or emotional dysfunction may have a disconnect from their bodies.
Myofascial release is a way to re-establish this vital connection. By using long holds and sustained pressure, it helps the nervous system recognize and respond to areas of dysfunction that may have become numb or "stuck" over time. This process is less about a physical release and more about a behavioral shift. It’s training the body to regain awareness and, in doing so, to re-learn how to release itself. When we improve this internal dialogue, we not only change the state of our tissues but also improve emotional regulation and decision-making, as our "gut feelings" become clearer and more reliable.