Fascia Health Awareness

F is for February and fascia! 

I was inspired by an article in Prevention Magazine (excerpt below) to raise more awareness about this integral function of our body. It can easily be the most important part of the body you're ignoring and a key way to fast-track your way to longevity.

This newsletter covers what fascia (pronounced "FASH-ah") is, what it does, and three ways to improve your fascial health immediately.

What is fascia, and what does it do? 

Fascia is a clear netting-like system found not only just under your skin but around your organs, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and bones. It doesn't just wrap and hold all your parts together. It's also an intricate water delivery system that sends water directly to the needed areas.

Consider fascia an irrigation system like the ones we use for our gardens, transporting water droplets deep inside our cells and tissues!! It is our very own natural hydraulic system that requires the power of movement to help spread water throughout our body.

Things Your Fascia Adores

1. Liquids - The fascia has a lot of collagen, like your skin does, so drinking a lot of water to stay hydrated keeps it healthier. "You want your fascia to be slippery, not sticky," Hedley says.

2. Exercise - Myers says the fascia becomes more elastic with rhythmic exercise like walking or running. Long, slow stretches also help, as they lengthen tissue that is too short. 

3. Staying Loose - Rolling body parts over balls or rollers relieves fascial tension, Miller says. Her book The Roll Model uses soft balls, while other programs use harder balls or foam rollers.

— Excerpt from 'Meet Your Fascia' in Prevention Magazine

You may be familiar with fascia due to plantar fasciitis, but it can also play a role in the cause and prevention of injuries depending on how hydrated you are. One of your most crucial steps for recovery is hydration, as it nurtures the operation of fascial tissue that connects to many different systems in the body.

Three Ways to Strengthen Your Fascia 

• Dry Brush: You can find a dry brush at most drug stores. It's a 3-in-1 ritual that pushes fluid across the fascial network, increased blood circulation, and exfoliates!! There are many tutorials online for the best way to practice dry brushing (hint: long strokes towards the heart center!). 

• IV Therapy: I love IVs because they provide immediate results. Because of their efficiency, the body receives a higher dose than it would by orally taking the same formula that would need to pass through the digestive system to work. Instant hydration and nutrients!

• Move Your Body: Drinking starts the hydration process, but movement completes it. Think of your body as a hose that you want to keep unkinked to prevent restricting water flow in your body. Exercise is great, but micromovements from my book Quench are crucial to keeping the hydration flowing at your desk, in the car, and especially on the plane.