How does Mindful Meditation affect the Fascia?

Meditation can affect the perception of pain; breathing into the pain to release the pain out of the body has been supported in many studies as well as demonstrated with monks who practice daily. What the mind perceives the body believes.

Breathwork also increases oxygen input into the vessels.  Understanding the physiology of the breath how it affects fascia the nerves and its role to reduce pain and inflammation.

Did you know there are Four Muscles involved in Breathing?

1. Diaphragm (DI-ah-fram)

2. Intercostal muscles

3. Abdominal muscles

4. Muscles in the neck and collarbone area

Neuro Fascia over the Ribs- Brief Anatomy

The nerve generally starts inside the vertebra at the spinal cord send out via dorsal and ventral roots, which join into one existing intervertebral foramen. Immediately the nerve root splits into three different directions, this is important to understand as the fascial release over the side thoracic region can be excruciating, understanding why it is important to have movement in this region and space for the nerves to send messages as impaired firing of these nerves affect the brain, organs and can change function. Your fascia should not adhere to your skin, organs, muscles or nerves; it only results in pain and lack of mobility.

Nerves go in 3 Different Directions

1. The dorsal ramus innervates the facet joints, spinal ligaments paraspinal muscles lumbodorsal fascia and the skin

2. The medical branch reaches the areolar fascia just under the skin, going through thick fascial sheets. Fascial pathology in the back often leads to chronic inflammatory pain creating motor and sensory changes in the dorsal rami

3. The Ventral Ramus exits laterally from the spine and follows just beneath its corresponding rib.  The ribs posted create space for a fascia sack or compartment for the nerve as it rounds the curvature of the ribcage and this sheet invests in the intercostal muscles. Images in the anterior serratus anterior muscles and innervates the skin over the side of the torso. Also innervates the abdominal muscles. The lateral and anterior branches are commonly involved in movement dysfunction, inflammation, and pain.

Relationship with Nerves and Fascia

Lymph and Breath

Breath also plays a vital role in getting the lymphatics system moving. The faster your lymph moves, the lighter your body feels, and the faster you rid your body of mutated cells and cellular debris. Holding your breath for long periods which occurs during stress, concentration and due to restricted fascia over your lungs and chest can often feel like someone is standing on it.

Ribs -Injured in Several Ways.

Lack of movement in the rib cage, when your ribs feel like cement, and there is little circulation in the tissue. This rigidity makes you prone to a rib injury, even a simple cough or sneeze can cause pain, micro tears, and even a broken rib.   Lifting, twisting, and throwing is also a fairly standard way to injure these tissues.   Ribs can also be damaged via direct impact during sporting events or falling during a sport or nonsport. To quickly improve performance in golf, climbing or throwing the fascia over the rib cage must be opened up and released.

What to do to improve the function of fascia over Rib Cage

Stretch your Ribs

1. Deep breathing, expand your ribcage in the front and the back of your body.

2. Raise your arms above your head and side stretching

3. Take a Mindful meditation class

Remember to Breathe

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