What is Fascia?

What is Fascia?

Fascia is a type of connective tissue that surrounds and permeates the body's muscles, bones, and organs. It's like a spiderweb of fibres that provide support, stability, and protection to the body's structures. We are also discovering more about how much fascia plays a role in communication, which is truly fascinating. Fascia is made up of collagen, elastin and other fibres, which are embedded in a gel-like substance called ground substance.


Fascia is a key component of the musculoskeletal system and plays an important role in supporting movement and posture. It also helps to transmit force and tension throughout the body (tensegrity). When healthy, fascia is supple, resilient, and able to move freely. However, when it becomes tight, restricted, or inflamed, it can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.


Fascia can be affected by various factors, including injury, inflammation, stress, and poor posture. Yoga can be super beneficial to the fascia as it can help improve fascia's health and mobility by releasing tension and promoting blood flow. Myofascial release (using the balls for self-massage) is also a technique to work directly on the fascia to release restrictions and improve mobility.


There are several ways to work with fascia to improve its health and mobility:

  1. Yoga and Stretching: Regular stretching can help to release tension in the fascia, increase blood flow, and improve range of motion. 

  2. Myofascial release & Self - massage: This is a type of manual therapy that involves using pressure and massage to release restrictions in the fascia. A therapist will use their hands to apply deep, sustained pressure to specific areas of the body to release tension and improve mobility. Or you can do this on yourself using tools such as tennis balls, a foam roller or gua sha. This can help big time with releasing tension and increasing hydration. 

  3. Hydration: Drinking enough water is important to keep the fascia hydrated and supple; also make sure you are moving to the tissues can receive fluids. 

  4. Movement: Regular exercise and movement can help improve fascia's health and mobility. 

  5. Posture: Poor posture can cause tension and restrictions in the fascia. Making sure to maintain good posture throughout the day can help to reduce tension in the fascia.

One thing to note is that it takes time to see any long-lasting changes in your fascia, so make sure to stay consistent. The good news is that research shows you only need about 90 seconds per muscle group a day to see meaningful results. 


I love the symbolism of fascia, its great mysteries and seeing the changes in my own body. If you would like to learn more about fascia, I have created an on demand course called Fascia 101. It includes several hours of lectures, yin classes following the fascial lines and shorter MFR + movement classes, also following specific fascial lines. I'm also teaching an in person & live streamed workshop on MFR on March 4th from 1:00pm - 8:00pm GMT to do a share a full body MFR experience. You can do each on their own, or purchase as a bundle. 

Fascia 101 - Ready Feb 1st - £108 on it's own 

MFR Experience - March 4th - £89 on it's own 

Both = £189

Here is a free MFR class for your Superficial Back Line. ENJOY! 

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A New Opening