Author: Marisa Chadbourne, LMT, JFB Myofascial Therapist

The human body is magnificently composed of liquid crystalline-structured layers of water. These structured or ordered layers are the phase of water between liquid and solid and play a significant role in energy production. Our entire being is designed to be a mass conductor and distributor of energy. This liquid crystalline phase accounts for the majority of water in the body as it fills each and every cell as well as extracellular tissues. It is also believed that our subtle energy system melds and anchors into this liquid crystalline phase of water, affecting its flow the same way the moon affects the tides of the ocean.

Dr. Gerald Pollack’s book The Fourth Phase of Water: Beyond Solid, Liquid and Vapor, describes this liquid crystalline phase as “exclusion zone” or “EZ” water. The name “exclusion zone” was derived when Dr. Pollack discovered that this phase excludes almost anything suspended or dissolved in water when it comes in contact with a surface. Picture a water balloon that has been filled with water—the EZ water is found sandwiched between the bulk water zone and the inside surface of the balloon. This exclusion zone kicks everything out and moves it over to the bulk water zone. Only water gets to stay in the exclusion zone. Furthermore, the exclusion zone holds a negative charge while the bulk water zone has a positive one. Since the zones are oppositely charged, the separation is sustained. Its unitary molecular structure looks like honeycomb sheets that are stacked parallel on top of each other from the material surface to the bulk water zone. Additionally, the EZ’s atomic structure is extremely similar to the atomic structure of ice.1 These layers like to exist independently to create separation and cause additional means of energy production.

Since crystals exclude as well, Dr. Pollack looked deeper into the possibility that the exclusion zone itself is a liquid crystalline substance. Crystals generally grow from nucleation sites, which are surfaces for them to begin building. So the next step was to determine what kinds of surfaces nucleate or produce exclusion zones. Dr. Pollack found that hydrophilic (water-loving) surfaces create exclusion zones while inducing nearby water molecules to line up as they would a liquid crystal.1 This supernal structured or ordered water develops when H2 O comes in contact with any hydrophilic surface, like our cell membranes and other extracellular tissues. It also has a molecular structure of H3 O2 , which means it has relatively more oxygen than H2 O, as well as being more viscous, dense and alkaline. Since it also has a negative charge, it acts like a battery, holding energy and delivering that energy when needed.2 Later, we will review ways to increase the amount of EZ water in the human body in order to charge this battery.

Of course, this has not been the first mention of our biological make-up being liquid crystalline in nature. Alfred Pischinger and James Oschman have also researched this subject in considerable detail. Their work was focused on the properties of our connective tissue matrix and how it interacts with cell communication. The connective tissue matrix, which James Oschman refers to as the “living matrix,” is comprised of elastin fibers, collagen fibers and a polysaccharide gel called ground substance. This living matrix is a continuous structure running three-dimensionally throughout the body converging with every other system. Even down to the cellular level, it extends into each cell as the cytoskeleton and nuclear matrix. James Oschman wrote:

A key aspect of the matrix is that its components are highly arrayed, i.e., they are primarily in a liquid crystalline form. Giant arrays of collagen molecules form the structural fabric of the body—the connective tissues, bones, and fascia. Connective tissue called tendons connect to the contractile fibres inside of muscle—another highly crystalline material. The bones are also composed of crystalline collagen interspersed with mineral crystals called apatite. Finally, the surfaces of cells are composed of liquid crystalline arrays of phospholipids and the interiors of cells are packed with various fibres that often have a crystalline configuration. Importantly, from an energetic perspective, these molecular arrays also organize vast numbers of water molecules. These arrangements have profound significance from a quantum physics and quantum biology perspective.3

In my opinion, this wondrous system is the basis of our health, as it plays an important part in the healing process while also being affected by every type ofdisease. It is the only system in the body that touches and communicates with every other system. This crystalline fabric of communication acts as a semiconductor spreading energy throughout the body. Alfred Pischinger specifically studied the communications that spread throughout the connective tissue over the entire organism. He wrote:

Recent research has also demonstrated that the matrix components are actually semiconducting liquid crystals, materials known to have a variety of remarkable properties for the transmission, storage, and processing of information involved in regulations. The collagenous matrix and ground substance of the human body form a totally pervasive system, a major organ, that reaches into every part and whose properties are absolutely vital to the operation of the whole.(4)

Every system in the body merges with the living matrix, which makes our entire being liquid crystalline in nature. Energy and cell communication is spread throughout the body via this matrix in an innately sophisticated manner. James Oschman states, “We shall see that an even more profound realization is emerging. The entire living matrix is simultaneously a mechanical, vibrational or oscillatory, energetic, electronic, photonic and informational network.”3 This fascinating system has only begun to be understood in its total function.

The liquid crystalline properties of the human body play a remarkable role in forming subtle energetic systems at the physical-cellular level. The physical body and subtle energetic systems join together with these liquid crystalline components to form bioenergetic resonance, an essential part of the human body. The flow and strength of our subtle energy systems rely on the energetic properties of our liquid crystalline structure. Scientists have begun to recognize that these liquid crystals possess some of the same energetic qualities of solid quartz.5 They can also create, transmit and receive biophotons (photons of light in the ultraviolet and low visible light range that are produced by a biological system). This quantum field of biophotons must be present for subtle energy communication to take place between the tissues and molecules.6 The energy of our liquid crystalline nature acts as a lock and key for the physical and subtle energy bodies to merge together.

Earlier I mentioned that it is possible to increase the amount of exclusion zone water in the human body in order to intensify energy production and flow. Since EZ water is liquid crystalline in nature, I believe that we can also strengthen our subtle energy systems when more of it is present in our body. Exposure to light energy, especially infrared light, builds more EZ water. Simply being in sunlight results in EZ growth, therefore separating the water’s negative and positive charge. This separation charges the water battery. We can even say that it is similar to the photosynthesis stage in plants since light also separates the charge in this process.1 Radiant light is the driving force for creating more liquid crystalline structured water.

Our bioenergetic resonance relies on the energetic properties of our liquid crystalline matrix. The crystalline oceans of the body are a mass conductor and distributor of energy. These tides that flow within our liquid crystalline structured layers of water are the essential means of orchestrating the body’s grand symphony of communication.

References

1. Pollack, G. (2013). The fourth phase of water: Beyond solid, liquid and vapor. Seattle, Washington: Ebner & Sons Publishers, xxiv, p. 32-33, 90, and 100.

2. Pollack, G. (2016). “The fourth phase of water.” The Weston A. Price Foundation, http://www.westonaprice.org/healthtopics/health-issues/the-fourth-phase-of-water/

3. Oschman, J. (2016) Energy medicine: The scientific basis, Second Edition. Edinburgh, London, New York, Oxford, Philadelphia, St Louis, Sydney, Toronto: Elsevier Ltd., p. 145, 160.

4. Pischinger, A. (2007). The extracellular matrix and ground regulation: Basis for a holistic biological medicine. Berkeley, California: North Atlantic Books: xii, xvii, p. 6.

5. Gerber, R. (2001). Vibrational medicine: The #1 handbook of subtle-energy therapies, Third Edition. Rochester Vermont: Bear & Company, p. 251, 253.

6. Dale, C. (2009). The subtle body: An encyclopedia of your energetic anatomy. Boulder, Colorado: Sounds True, p. 50.

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Author: Marisa Chadbourne, LMT, JFB Myofascial Therapist

Many scientists and bodywork therapists believe consciousness is tangible and can be touched. The fascial system, a super network of connective tissue is the physical doorway we can use to enter into consciousness. Fascia permeates our entire being three dimensionally, uninterrupted from head to toe—through every organ, muscle and bone, precisely infusing into each and every cell. Within this extraordinary system lies a network of communication that is comparable to the operating system of a computer. The brain acts like the hard drive as it signals our bodies to move, organs to function, and holds astounding intelligence all on its own.

At the same time, the operating system’s wondrous intelligence lies within the fascial system and is constantly reacting to our surroundings. Our entire being holds amazing brilliance and inner wisdom separate from the brain, resonating throughout the fascial system. This boundless connective tissue is constantly responding to our environment, thoughts, and feelings and has natural awareness of exactly what it needs to heal itself.

First, let us review some of the science proving the mind-body connection. In her book Molecules of Emotion, Dr. Candace Pert reveals this connection at work through the study of neuropeptides and their receptors. Every cell has its own receptors whose function is to receive messages. Neuropeptides are the messengers telling the cell how to react. While conventional science viewed the release of neuropeptides traveling a direct path solely from the brain to the cell receptor, Dr. Pert and others discovered differently. In fact, the chemical release of neuropeptides happens simultaneously throughout the body in the immune, nervous, endocrine, and gastrointestinal systems, in response to thoughts and feelings. Each of these systems formed what Dr. Pert called ”nodal points on a vast superhighway of internal information exchange taking place on a molecular level” proving that the brain is not the only communicator or the seat of consciousness.(1) Instead, this study shows the body has its own consciousness, which reacts to its environment, thoughts and feelings. Consciousness lies within our entire being.

Now, we can take a closer look at where this information exchange between cells takes place. The work of Dr. James Oschman reveals that cell communication happens throughout the connective tissue or extracellular matrix, which he refers to as “the living matrix”. This fascinating fascial system is comprised of elastin fibers, collagen fibers and a gel-like material called ground substance, giving the body its biotensegrity or structure and flexibility.

More importantly, the connective tissue is a continuous system that exists throughout the entire body. This living matrix is an intricate web of tough yet flexible fibers, weaving together like vines permeating each and every cell. The cytoskeleton of the cell, also called the cellular matrix, consists of microtubules filled with fluid and surrounded by ground substance. So one could say, each and every cell of the body has its own mini fascial system.(2) A histological view would show a nuclear matrix, within a cellular matrix, within a connective tissue matrix. Dr. Oschman explains, “As a hands-on therapist, what you touch is not merely the skin – you contact a continuous interconnected webwork that extends throughout the body.”(3) This living matrix has been further proven with endoscopic evidence provided by Dr. Jean Claude Guimberteau. His new book Architecture of Human Living Fascia challenges the current medical perception of the fascial system:

“This continuous network of fibers appears to extend throughout the body, suggesting that we need to rethink our understanding of the way in which living matter is organized. We can no longer view the body as a collection of cell-based organs held together by connective tissue. Instead, we must now see it as a constitutive fibrillar framework in which the organs are but local functional adaptations. Groups of cells with specific, specialized physiological functions are assembled within a multifibrillar network to form the organs. The cells are embedded in and supported by the fibrillar framework. This basic architectural pattern is the same for all the organs, as well as for the skin, fat, muscles, bones, tendons, nerves and vessels.”(4)

Therefore, the body is not a system of separate parts, but rather a continuous structure of sophisticated tissue containing connections that coordinate a beautiful symphony of communication.

Renowned Physical Therapist John F. Barnes, known as “The Father of Myofascial Release,” has been teaching this concept of the fascial system’s structure for many years. JFB Myofascial Release is a combination of structural and subtle energy work, which facilitates the body’s innate wisdom to heal itself while releasing fascial restrictions. As the therapist applies direct sustained pressure of five minutes or more into the tissues, the wonder of piezoelectricity (electricity or electric polarity due to pressure) occurs.

When piezoelectricity takes place, it leads to mechanotransduction, phase transition, and finally release or resonance.(5) In other words, when the fascia is stretched or compressed, it stimulates the piezoelectric properties of the tissue, resulting in the production of electrical fields. The collagen fibers that are embedded in the ground substance of the fascia act as a semiconductor and allow an electrical broadcast of information to be spread throughout the organism.(5)

Another profound phenomenon called fascial unwinding occurs, which releases tissue memory that has been stored within the fascial system. The release of this tissue memory allows for new neural pathways to be created and thus the shifting of electromagnetic energy, transforming energetic patterns. This all occurs when we allow the body’s intuitive wisdom to lead the healing process. Myofascial Release facilitates this healing process with compassionate touch in a loving and supportive environment, allowing the body to self-correct.

The fascial system is a sophisticated three-dimensional web of consciousness or awareness that is constantly responding to thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. Its magnificent structure orchestrates a symphony of communication and innate intelligence that is capable of self-healing. Listening to the fascial voice creates awareness in the mind and body, which makes quantum mind-body shifts possible.

References
1. Pert, Candice. Molecules of Emotion: Why You Feel
the Way You Feel. New York: Scribner, 1997: 340.
2. Barnes, John F. “Cellular Consciousness and Healing.”
PT Today – Mind & Body, 1996.
3. Oschman, James. Energy Medicine: The Scientific
Basis. London, United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone,
2000: 46-48.
4. Guimberteau, Jean Claude, Colin Armstrong, Architecture
of Human Living Fascia: The Extracellular
Matrix and Cells Revealed Through Endoscopy.
The Old Manse, Fountainhall, Pencaitland, East
Lothian EH34 5EY, United Kingdom: Handspring
Publishing, 2015.
5. Barnes, John F. Healing Ancient Wounds: The
Renegade’s Wisdom. Pennsylvania: Rehabilitation
Services, Inc., T/A, 2000: 328.

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Right now, the health and wellness industry is taking off like never before. There is a myriad of information out there on nutrition, supplements and complementary healthcare in general. It can feel overwhelming and confusing, especially when knowledge from reputable sources contradict each other. It’s easy to forget to check in with our own bodies, and how we are feeling. This is especially true when we are bombarded with an overload of information, and the opinions of others.

It takes an awareness and attentiveness on our part to hear the messages our bodies have for us, but it’s worth every moment for the empowerment we gain. For instance, I know two women who are the same age, have a similar diet, exercise regularly and take very good care of themselves, in general. A couple of years ago, both of these women were suffering from unwanted weight gain and mood swings due to hormonal changes. Initially, they both went through periods of frustration, trying to navigate these changes. Another similarity they both shared, was how they really tuned in to what their bodies were telling them. If something they tried didn’t agree with them, they trusted how their bodies felt and kept searching. Over a period of two years, both of these women found a way to change their body chemistries, but in very different ways from each other. While I witnessed them searching for what worked best for them, I wasn’t surprised to see what worked for one had failed the other. During their quest for physical and mental harmony, they found their rhythm of complementary modalities. These modalities were different for each woman, but were perfectly suited to each.

Discovering your personal journey in finding what works best for your body is easier than you may think! Our bodies are constantly giving us signals. It is always letting us know what we need to address, in order to function at our best ability. Listening to these signals is a key component to living the best quality of life possible. For example, some of you may be experiencing neck or back pain, headaches, mental stress or fatigue throughout the day. These are signals that are already screaming! Most likely, there was a subtler message being sent before that headache or back pain occurred. When we take time to slow down and listen to the quieter signals, (or the whispering) from our bodies, we can prevent them from becoming a desperate scream.

Body awareness becomes easy with the practice of quieting your mind and listening to your inner voice. It’s simple, sit or lie down in a quiet room, close your eyes, and breathe deeply. Are you feeling stressed? Do you feel pain anywhere? If so, what type of pain are you feeling (dull, achy, sharp etc.)? Are you feeling fatigued? Is it challenging for you to quiet your mind and slow down your thoughts? What emotions are coming up for you?

If we really pay attention, these subtle communications will help us answer all of these questions. Your body is always trying to tell you what it needs. Once you begin to listen, you become aware of any disharmonies that may exist. You learn more about yourself, and what you need to address, so that you can start looking for ways to improve your health. Seek out the right health care professionals for you, or try some simple self-care techniques to begin. Whenever trying new supplements, always check with your doctor first, as they may have an adverse effect combined with any medication you are currently taking. However you choose to begin, give yourself the credit for doing so!

Here are a few tips to help deepen your body awareness!

– Take 5 – 10 minutes a day to check in with your body. If you need assistance please see my Beginner Guided Meditation for Body Awareness video.

– Create a healthy balance between Body, Mind and Spirit

1. Body – Find what harmonizes your body. Is it exercise you enjoy, a healthy way of eating, bodywork, dancing, acupuncture, or yoga?

2. Mind – Take the time to relax your mind with activities like meditation, deep breathing, creative expression (painting, drawing, writing, cooking etc.), reading, and laughing.

3. Spirit – What brings you joy in your life? It could be as simple as taking a walk on the beach, spending time with friends and family, a hobby that you love, the appreciation of art and music, or helping people who are less fortunate than you. Many people enjoy volunteer work, and find great solace in providing a service to others.

– Be easy with yourself and embrace where your body is. Even the most healthy and active people go through challenging times with their bodies.

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What does letting go mean to you? Is it simply removing something from your life, or is it more of a feeling? At one time or another, all of us have experienced a feeling of resistance to the natural flow, or direction that life takes us. Letting go of this resistance, as well as the attempt to manipulate what is happening, can be challenging. This is especially true when we are attached to a specific outcome, or are uncomfortable with change. Letting go is surrendering to the things we have absolutely no control over, while allowing ourselves to experience any feelings that come up for us. A simple example would be, the weather! We cannot control if the weather ruined special plans we had, but we can allow ourselves to feel the disappointment. When we find the courage to let go, we make room for new opportunities, emotions and self-development. Maybe even something more wonderful than we thought possible.

As we move into new stages of our lives, letting go becomes necessary for our well-being. In fact, it’s a natural part of change. The ebb and flow of life changes may differ individually, but they are always continual. Embracing our feelings that come up for us during our process will only help us to move forward. This can feel challenging at times, and we may need help from the right kind of professional for our situation. For example, if someone has experienced the loss of a friend or family member they may need to see a bereavement counselor to help them process the emotions of loss.

Through the mind-body connection, our physical body may suffer from holding on to things that we’re not ready to let go of yet. Our bodies are constantly responding to our thoughts and feelings. Take for instance, someone who clenches or grinds their teeth when they’re stressed or anxious. It’s very likely that this person could develop headaches or jaw pain. This physical discomfort is a messenger, telling them they need to relax their mind. As a healthcare professional who works closely with the mind-body connection, witnessing the process of letting go becomes a part of my daily work with others. I’ve learned that letting go is a unique and individual experience. It’s a path of self-discovery, where we learn to trust what our mind-body needs from us.

On my own journey of letting go, I’ve experienced many challenges and emotions that came along with the process. One of my most difficult challenges was accepting how long it took me to let go of my resistance, during certain times of my life. I thought my pace was too slow and felt inadequate. After years of going through my own process and assisting others through theirs, it was clear that we all have a speed, which works perfectly for us. Change can be stressful and difficult, so no wonder we need to ease into it at times. Also, as we shift into newer versions of ourselves, our pace will change too. Trusting your own pace is empowering!

As life’s natural flow continues, we always have the choice to either surrender to it or resist. Compare floating on a raft, easily moving with the water’s current vs. fighting to sail against it This is not to say that the decision to let go is easy or won’t take us time to make. It’s rather about creating an awareness of noticing where we are in our process. Awareness creates a deeper connection to the experience, which in turn helps us when we have to move through it again. It’s also important to be gentle with ourselves as we move through this process. Acceptance of where we are is just another version of self-love. Honoring what the mind-body needs creates a space filled with loving support.

Use this Guided Meditation Video for Letting Go

anytime you need help along the way! 

It’s designed to fit into anyone’s busy schedule.

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Fascia is a fascinating system within our bodies that is garnering more attention and medical awareness on a daily basis. Why is the fascial system so important you may ask? It’s the connective tissue in our bodies, which gives us stability, mobility, and also comes into contact with every other system of our body. As a licensed massage therapist who specializes in JFB Myofascial Release I see people of all ages on a daily basis with numerous types of muscular issues and fascial restrictions. One thing that is always a common denominator among us all is the aging process and the physical changes the body experiences. The health of our fascia plays an important role towards our level of vitality through this experience. Paying attention to the health of our fascial system can help us move through our aging bodily changes with ease and comfort.

So let’s take a look at what the fascial system is comprised of. Fascia consists of three parts, elastin fibers, collagen fibers and ground substance. The elastin fibers give our bodily movement elasticity and stretch while the collagen fibers provide support to our structure. The ground substance is a gelatinous substance used to transport metabolic material through the body, which becomes solidified when a fascial restriction occurs.

Living Fascia at 25x Magnification. Photo Credit: “Strolling Under The Skin” By Dr J.C. Guimberteau

 

Most people assume that it’s our muscles and bones that hold our body upright. When in reality, this is accomplished by the fascial system.

A great analogy that I’ve learned from some of my teachers is comparing the fascial system to the ropes of a tent. The center poles of the tent are our bones, the canvas of the tent is our muscles and the tension of the ropes (our fascial system) is what gives the tent its structure. The fascia is a three dimensional web of tough connective tissue that permeates every corner of our body. This tissue surrounds and infuses every muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel and organ, all the way down to the cellular level. Myofascial simply refers to the fascial system and how it relates to skeletal muscle, ‘myo’ meaning muscle and ‘fascial’ connective tissue.

Fascial restrictions are extremely common, and can develop due to trauma, poor posture, inflammatory responses, surgery or stress on the body. These restrictions can limit range of motion significantly, bringing our bodies out of normal alignment and causing pain in various ways. These areas of restriction exert a crushing pressure of up to two thousand pounds per square inch. Basically they can create a great disturbance in our body’s natural harmony! Because the fascia is a continuous structure a restriction in one area can pull on another distant area and create a new fascial restriction.

Currently these restrictions do not show up on medical exams like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans; therefore they are commonly overlooked as potential causes for pain and dysfunction. Health care professionals presently use visual and palpatory assessments to find and treat these restrictions.

Every person has his or her own individual shape, body mechanics, trauma history, stressors and/or injuries. For this reason, no two fascial restrictions are alike. Applying direct and gentle sustained pressure into these areas will release the solidified ground substance, eliminating pain and restoring motion in the body.

Therapies like Myofascial Release and Myofascial Self Treatment are the most effective forms of bodywork to accomplish this. These therapies are helpful for a variety of conditions including neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, headaches, TMJ dysfunction, neurological conditions and chronic pain syndromes. Myofascial Self Treatment can easily be done at home with the use of soft foam rollers and sports balls using gentle sustained pressure into areas of tightness. After finding an area of tightness one should stay there for a minimum of five to seven minutes while breathing into the restriction. This will help it to soften and release comfortably. Therapeutic pain is okay when self-treating also, as long as your body can relax into the position. Once your body begins to brace, it is no longer therapeutic.

A great book that I recommend to my patients for self-treatment is “Comprehensive Myofascial Self Treatment” by Joyce Karnis Patterson, PT. Making the time to take care of your fascial system is well worth the time and effort.

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Stretching and cooling down the plantar fascia will not only speed up the healing process but will help alleviate some of the pain. Also focus on stretching your calf muscles 2 – 3 times a day in addition to the Myofascial self treatment techniques in my video below. Myofascial self treatment is the best method for pain management that you can do on your own. Seeking out the right physician should be the next step in finding and treating the cause.

Watch My Myofascial Self Treatment Video –Plantar Fasciitis  

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What is Fascia?
Fascia is tough connective tissue that creates a 3-dimensional web extending without interruption from head to toe. Fascia surrounds and infuses every muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel, and organ, all the way down to the cellular level.

The fascial system affects every system and function in your body- musculoskeletal, neurological, metabolic, etc. The white, glistening fibers you see when you pull a piece of meat apart or when you pull chicken skin away is fascia.

What is Fascia made of ?
Fascia consists of a complex which has three parts:
1. Elastin fibers – This is the elastic and stretchable part of the complex.

2. Collagen fibers – These fibers are extremely tough and give support to the
structure.

3. Ground substance/matrix: A gelatinous like substance that transports metabolic
material throughout the body

What does fascia do?
The fascial system generally supports, stabilizes, and cushions. Fascia creates separation between vessels, organs, bones, and muscles. It creates space through which delicate nerves, blood vessels, and fluids can pass.

What are Fascial Restrictions?
In a healthy state, the collagen fibers wrap around the elastic fibers in a relaxed, wavy configuration. Trauma, repetitive motion, inflammation, or poor posture can cause the fascia to become solidified and shortened. These thickened areas are referred to as a fascial restriction. Fascial restrictions have the capacity of creating up to 2,000 pounds of pressure per square inch in a restricted area. That crushing pressure can compromise any physiological system in the body resulting in pain and dysfunction.

The fascia throughout the body is all interconnected like the yarn in a sweater or a complex spider web. A restriction in one area of the body creates tension throughout this web pulling on other distant structures. This explains why some people may have pain that appears unrelated to their original injury. Furthermore, myofascial restrictions do not show up on common standardized tests such as x-rays, MRI, CAT scans, etc.

Fascial restrictions can pull the body out of its normal alignment, compressing joint surfaces and bulging disks, resulting in pain, loss of motion, and weakness.

Info collected from Spine – Health, Mayo Clinic, NIH & Medterms
Art by Dan Beckemeyer

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1. Light Exercise – Getting our body in motion is a great way to relieve tension and a simple 10 minute walk outside can do wonders. Walk briskly or walk slowly, just going with whatever is needed at that moment without judgement. Some Self Myofascial Release is a great way to move or a short yoga practice. I have found some amazing yoga instructors on the internet whose short videos fit into my busy schedule. One of my favorites is Esther Ekhart.

2. Become Still – 10 minutes of deep breathing or meditation can greatly help to relax both the mind and body. If you’re new to meditation try  reading some books for beginners or follow a recorded guided meditation. Here’s a Beginner Guided Meditation for Body Awareness to help get you started. Breathing exercises are also great because they can be used anywhere. While closing the eyes breathe deeply and slowly to the bottom of the diaphragm for 8-10 breaths, then continue to sit and relax allowing the breath to come naturally without trying to influence it.

3. Aromatherapy – Inhalation of certain pure essential oils like Lavender, Marjoram, German or Roman Chamomile, and certain Bach Flower remedies act as a sedative and tension reliever. If diffusing scents into the air is not possible at the home or office, pour a few drops on a cotton ball and place it into a paper bag that you can easily breathe into. For more information on how Aromatherapy works please visit my blog “Understanding how Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Work.”

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Both Myofascial Release and CranioSacral Therapy help alleviate pain and increase range of motion within the jaw joint by releasing fascial (connective tissue) restrictions. Many of the techniques are performed by palpation in and around the muscles that control jaw movement, but depending upon the severity of TMJ intra-oral techniques may be used as well. Releasing fascial restrictions helps to restore movement by elongating the connective tissue that surrounds and penetrates the muscle.

Living Fascia at 25x Magnification. Photo Credit: “Strolling Under The Skin” By Dr J.C. Guimberteau

Fascia is tough connective tissue that spreads throughout the body in a three-dimensional web. The fascia surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve, and blood vessel and provides support, stability, and cushioning. Tightening of the fascia system can lead to poor muscular bio-mechanics, altered structural alignment, and decreased strength. Releasing the fascia within the jaw joint helps to restore and realign the structure of the muscles, which in turn gives more mobility within the joint.

Most people find treatment very relaxing, if there is any uncomfortable movements the therapist will assist the patient in moving through the pain at the patients pace and comfort level. The relief that most experience after lasts longer and longer after every treatment. The number of treatments needed depends on the severity of TMJ and the patients ability to relax.

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There are trigger point charts that show exactly what muscle and TrP refers to which area of the body. Here are three different examples of trigger point charts showing the trapezius, rhomboid, and sternocleidmastoid (SCM) muscles and the pain referral pattern associated with them.  The X represents the trigger point and the red shaded area is the referred pain caused by the trigger point.

Trapezius Muscle

Rhomboid Muscle

Sternocleidmastoid (SCM) Muscle

There are also different types of trigger points which include Active, Latent, Primary, Secondary, and Satellite.

Active TrP: A trigger point that causes pain and will refer pain to other areas of the body.

Latent TrP: A trigger point that does not cause pain in the area or other areas of the body until pressure is applied to activate it.

Primary TrP: When the trigger point itself is painful. Now just because an Active TrP causes the pain does not mean the TrP is painful itself. Primary TrP’s can activate a Secondary TrP but not vice versa.

Secondary TrP: A TrP that became active because its muscle was overloaded by working with or against another muscle that contains the Primary TrP.

Satellite TrP: A TrP that became active because its muscle was located within the pain referral pattern of another trigger point.

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