the most overlooked method to healing stress (& 7 techniques to try)
read time: 5 minutes
disclaimer: This is not medical advice. This is intended to educate, inspire and support you in your self healing journey. Speak to your functional medicine doctor, holistic psychologist, or medical professional. Some content might be sensitive; I invite you to practice self-harmonizing.
The unsung hero and most overlooked method to heal stress in your nervous system is your fascia.
It was recently discarded in the dissection lab to make way for the “important” stuff; muscles, bones, organs, etc.
Now scientists are singing a different tune.
If you aren’t already familiar with fascia, now is the time to get acquainted!
“Fascia is the richest sensory organ” - Dr Richard Schleip
Read that again…
“Fascia is the richest sensory organ”!
Ok… why does that matter for me, healing stress and trauma, and nervous system health?
Your fascia is the number 1 giver of information to the central nervous system (brain & spinal cord).
It is a continuous connective tissue that… you guessed it! Connects everything in your body, every muscle, bone, organ, tissue, etc.
It’s got a texture like cotton candy, but is stronger than steel!
Fascia communicates to your central nervous system about your:
external environment (exteroception): what’s happening around you (sight, smell, taste, touch, hearing) etc.
internal environment (interoception): temperature, respiration, digestion, heart rate, inflammation, etc.
relational environment (proprioception): balance, equilibrium, muscle tone (are the muscles gripping or bracing in fear), if there’s a person, interaction, or vibe that feels unsafe, etc.
Basically, the fascia constantly relays information to your nervous system about safety, danger or life threat, without conscious awareness. This is called neuroception.
With this information, you can create conditions where you feel stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed… OR calm, capable, and confident.
I know you choose the latter, same here!
Only when you know how important fascia is to the nervous system, then you can start to work with the fascia to send signals of safety to the nervous system.
Remember the nervous system is all about safety & survival of self & species.
So, the best way to support your fascia?…
Drumroll, por favor…
…
Myofascial release (MFR)
Myofascial Release (MFR) comes in so many forms, because different nerve endings in the fascia respond to different types of input.
For example, some nerve endings responds to long held passive compression (i.e. Golgi receptors) others like Pacini receptors respond better vibration.
You get to pick what feels right for you!
Some myofascial release techniques include:
trigger point — with foam roller, myofascial balls, or even hands/self-massage, you know how much I love the Basic Exercise which is a MFR method!
gua sha — an ancient somatic practice (likely 2,000 years old), gua sha uses a tool like a stone to rub the skins surface for the purpose of moving energy through the body
dry brush — also an ancient somatic practice using a soft bristle horsehair brush to circulate lymphatic system and stimulate skin & fascia
yin yoga — style of yoga with longer held stretches usually 2-5 minutes
tapping/EFT — a somatic practice that taps or vibrations the cranial nerves, often paired with phrases or mantras to repattern the subconscious
Tension & Trauma Release — a vibrational somatic practice where you do exercised designed to ignite/… neurogenic tremors (shaking) the whole body, especially the psoas muscle
kundalini yoga — another vibrational technique designed to release ad expand energy from the core outwards
Which do you practice? And why? Share in the comments or join the community on Instagram.
Overwhelmed where to start? Desiring 1:1 support? Book a free 30-minute exploratory call.
infinite love,
Stephanie
