In the recently released International Association of Structural Integrators’ Yearbook of Structural Integration, there are a couple of articles that give metaphors for tensegrity and fascia: A Fresh Look at Tensegrity, written by Sherri Cassuto and Helping Clients Understand Their Fascial Network, written by us. Here are a few of the highlights from these articles.
Anatomy Atlas
Not every anatomical atlas really gives fascia its due, but the Wolf-Heidegger Atlas of Human Anatomy is unique. What's notable is that it features side by side illustrations that are virtually identical except one includes the deep investing fascia overlaying the tradition muscle picture. In addition, a more detailed atlas of the head, neck, thorax, and pelvis is available, as is one for the body wall and limbs. These books are not inexpensive, but since a picture is worth 1,000 words you might find them worthwhile.
Tensegrity Models
A fundamental part of tensegrity is synergy between components, where push and pull have a win-win relationship with each other. Anatomical tensegrity models are available through Intension Designs. A basic pelvis model starts at $125, vertebral masts are $250, and a full body model is $2,000. In addition to showing the complexity of relationships between parts to clients, these models also help the practitioner visualize the three-dimensional workings inside our clients.
Jello (R) Anyone?
You can use gelatin to show the difference between healthy and unhealthy fascia. Make a batch and put it in the refrigerator for a month to let it dry out and become just like unhealthy, sticky and dense connective tissue. Then make a fresh batch, so you can show your clients both at the same time. This somatic experience makes real the stickiness that binds their tissues together and contrasts it with the juiciness of healthy tissue. Along with that can come an understanding of the nature of transformation, not from short muscles to long muscles, but from dehydrated and inert to alive and organic.
Movie Time
The 2007 Fascia Research Conference showed a film taken by French hand surgeon, Dr. J. C. Guimberteau, that showed how the fibers of living connective tissue remodel themselves moment to moment based on the surrounding structure’s tension. If you have a TV in your office and your clients aren’t squeamish, they may delight in the aliveness and interactivity of connective tissue. We know Structural Integrators love to watch it. His DVD “Strolling Under the Skin” is available through Anatomy Trains for $60 or from Somatics for 45E.
Tensegrity, a Design for Structures in Motion
Sherri’s article, as the title suggests, takes a fresh look at tensegrity with the focus on dynamic, moving structures. Her eloquent metaphor of a bicycle wheel demonstrates how design can facilitate movement with the ability to adapt to changing environments. For example, a wheel temporarily changes its shape and distributes the force throughout the structure when going over a curb.
Sherri’s fishing rod metaphor, which articulates the relationship between muscles and connective tissue, is unique and useful. She then takes the fishing rod image into an intricate exploration of the body in motion, including the concept of bone bending.
The articles in the Yearbook give more in depth analysis and examples. Please feel free to share your ideas. What fascia and tensegrity metaphors do your clients relate to? Do tell by posting a comment.
