You’ve probably heard me talk about the fascial lines or say the name of a line while I’m teaching, such as “lengthening the front line” and “strengthening the back line.” Let’s dive into what these “lines” I speak of actually are. (P.S. if you’re feeling clueless about fascia, no worries, I give you more detail right here).
First of all, it’s important to clear up the use of similar vocabulary. I often say “fascial lines,” however the terms “fascial meridians,” “myofascial lines,” or “meridians of the body,” are also interchangeable for what we are talking about here.
While our facial tissue is the all encompassing “net” within our bodies, there are some specific “lines” of tension that can help us navigate nagging injuries, misalignment, health issues in specific organs or help us utilize the energy transfer for greater power.
Since the body transfers tension along these lines during movement, repetitive habits, exercise or sports may leave you with more tension or shortening along a specific line. I’ve put together a bundle of fascial tissue release techniques that you can grab here to release tension along some of the lines in your body.
There are some amazing humans who study the fascial tissue that have provided us with some consistent “lines” within the body and given them names. My go to researcher is Thomas Myers who wrote the book Anatomy Trains. Below I’ll how you some of the major lines within the body that he depicts, then we’ll talk about how they impact the body:
Superficial Front Fascial Line
Superficial Back Fascial Line
Lateral Fascial Line
Spiral Fascial Line Back View
Spiral Fascial Line Front View
Spiral Fascial Line Side View
Arm Lines
Deep Front Fascial Line
Aren’t the lines so cool!!! I call them “fascia-nating!” 😂Here’s a general break down of how these lines have been used for bodyworkers, their importance for athletes, how they impact postural alignment and why full body movement is so important. Don’t forget to get my fascial bundle so you can see how to address these lines in your own body.
Lines used by acupuncturists and massage therapists.
These meridians and lines have been utilized for years in acupuncture, acupressure & massage therapy. For example, you may show up at your massage therapists with a problem in your left hip and they start massaging your right shoulder… you’re thinking “did you hear me say right shoulder?” .. but before you know it, your left hip is feeling better. These professionals are addressing issues along the same fascial line which, will free up the the tissue at your area of comlaint.
Similarly, your acupuncturist is helping you with a stomach problem and sticking needles into your foot…. what? However, you still find yourself having relief… hmm.
Varying line tension for athletes:
Let’s look at how the lines vary in different sports.
- Baseball pitchers are going to utilize lines in the chest and arm that they pitch with, along with the front spiral line on the trunk as they rotate to “follow through.”
- Soccer players will utilize the front line of the dominant leg they use to strike with along with the front spiral line the pelvis rotates to follows through with.
- Golfers will utilize spiral lines following the trunk rotation in which they continually drive with.
How does this impact human posture?
From the very start of human life, the body develops in “fetal position,” curled up in ball. The front fascial line ends up constricted and the back fascial line lengthened. As we develop, the back line may need more attention to reverse this initial position as our body requires the balance for being upright. For new moms, this is why “tummy time” for babies is so helpful in development.
Always keep in mind, the bones of the body go where the fascia pulls them. Over time, postural deviations happen, especially in athletes when specific lines have repetitive tensioning.
Postural assessments can be particularly helpful for movement professionals and body workers. I give you the low down on my process for that right here. Additionally, I almost always include fascial release techniques using foam rollers and resistance bands to assist the correction process of misalignment in my clients. Grab my fascial bundle here to see a few different ways I address the fascial tissue.
Importance of full body movements.
Fitness professionals encourage multi joint movements that will work the body from one end of the line to the other. This could be the difference between doing a seated leg extension, verses, a lunge with rotation which incorporates the entire body. Yoga and Pilates are fabulous modalities to accomplish full body movements and many instructors will try to hit every major fascial line during class to leave your body feeling great.
We also use fascial tissue release techniques to increase flexibility and find greater ranges of motion to perform athletic endeavors better. Whether you’re a golf pro improving your game or a person who feels stiff just sitting in “indian-style,” addressing the fascial tissue is the way to go.
For the fitness lovers of the world, next time you decide to do the “same old thing” for cardio in the gym, try to switch it up so you don’t wear out the same fascial lines. Dance infused classes will really get the body moving in all directions.
Thanks Researchers!
It’s no secret these lines have been in the human body for as long as we’ve existed, but it’s become more accessible through research, publishing and education and has made a huge impact on the way we train bodies now. I’m full of so much gratitude for the researchers who give us this information so we can intelligently address each body.
