Did you know…?

In last month’s newsletter, I asked you to consider the question: “What is YOUR body telling you?” The basic idea is that when you tune in to your body, you gather information and clues about what may be contributing to your aches, pains, or injuries. And oftentimes you’ll discover connections between “totally separate” issues that you never realized were connected, or you may even become aware of issues that were previously invisible to you.

This process of “tuning in” can provide new hope when you thought that you were just going to have to live with that pain forever. It can provide new wellness strategies and a new understanding of your body. It can be the beginning of the road to long-term results and can help you identify what you need to do to achieve those results. And, if you’re like me, it can help you continue to participate in the activities you love and which perhaps have even become a part of who you are.

So what are some examples of common hidden body connections? Here are a few examples of some connections that you may already be aware of, perhaps even from personal experience, or perhaps through a reiki session.

Did you know…

….that tight calves are often a major contributing factor to plantar fasciitis?

….that tight IT bands can contribute to hip bursitis and/or knee pain?

….that chronic and inexplicable pain can be relieved through releasing negative energy and/or stored trauma?

….that one fascia* runs from the sole of your foot all the way up the backs of your legs, your glutes, your back, your neck, the back of your head, and up and around to your forehead? Amazing, right?!?  If you want to see a live demo, check out this cool video (fair warning: it is real live fascia from a real not-so-live person)

….that tight pec minor muscles are often involved in upper back/shoulder pain?

….that a tight piriformis (piri-what?) muscle can cause “false sciatica?”

….that when you “turn on” or “engage” your glute muscles, your abs automatically do the same, and your low back pain may begin to diminish?

What other hidden connections have you found?

*Fascia (plural fasciae): Fasciae is thick connective tissue, primarily composed of collagen, that forms both a network among, and barriers between, muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. The iliotibial (IT) band is fascial tissue, as are the plantar fasciae. Like muscle, fascial tissue is “soft tissue” and can therefore be mechanically manipulated through massage techniques, primarily myofascial techniques.