Fascia is a tough connective tissue which spreads throughout the body in a three dimensional web from head to foot without interruption.  Trauma, posture or inflammation can create a binding down of fascia resulting in excessive pressure on nerves, muscles, blood vessels, osseous structures and/or organs.  Since many of the standard tests such as x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc., do not show the fascial restrictions, it is thought that an extremely high percentage of people suffering with pain and/or lack of motion may be having fascial problems, but most go undiagnosed.

A Chinese finger trap is the perfect example of how fascia works in the body.  The fascial system reacts like the Chinese finger trap.  Fascia acts like the guy wires of a tent, holding it upright and creating space.  Through that space pass the nerves, blood vessels, fluids and lymphatics, etc.  As fascial restrictions begin to occur, the fascia begins to slowly tighten down.  Similar to the Chinese finger trap, the more force that is applied to the fascia, the tighter it will bind down.  As it tightens, it entraps nerves and blood vessels, which can create pain in bizarre patterns not obviously related to the source of the restriction.  It may also affect the CranioSacral rhythm.  Only with specialized techniques that are slow, gentle, and patient will the fascia relax and free the nerves, vessels, organs, or cells that have been trapped -- just as relaxation will release the Chinese finger trap and allow the fingers to exit.