Fascial Release to Open, Connect & Repair Your Body

By Paul Cavel

Fascia is the connective tissue that contains and encompasses the body's soft tissues and structures, linking together the entirety of the physical body.

Healthy, hydrated and elasticated fascia fibres, essentially a web of liquid-filled tubes which envelopes the body, supports and underlies smooth and unrestricted movement of the skeletal frame, as well as nerve, blood and qi flow.This is just one of the reasons why Water Method practices target the body's fascia and wei qi, found just below the skin — right from the start.

But there's much more to it.

In qigong, tai chi and especially bagua, if the hands connect through to the spine (via the fascia), you can contact, access and manipulate your torso, legs and, eventually, your internal organs. Using ever-more refined hand motions, you can open up and connect your whole body — externally and internally.

The hands become the microcosm, body the macrocosm.