BLOGS

FASCIA

« Fascia » could be described as the fabric of our form. Fascia is present from the finest
level of detail within us, between the cells, to the outermost layer of the skin in which we
are wrapped.
Fascia includes tendinous sheets (aponeuroses) and chords (tendons), connecting webs
(some strong and some gossamer-like), and various types of tissues forming joints,
attachments, and continuous connections throughout our bodies.
Whatever the different parts of it are named, the fascia certainly forms what can only be
described as an entire matrix that surrounds everything, connects everything, yet
paradoxically disconnects everything at the same time. In other words, it distinguishes
one part of our body from another since everything is wrapped in it. It also holds together
the extracellular matrix, that is, the fluid (or more accurately, the “liquid crystal”)
environment in which the cells that make up our organs and parts reside.

Vagus Nerve

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, right?

But when it comes to your vagus nerve (pronounced like the city of Las Vegas), it carries signals to your brain, heart, lungs and digestive system. It’s the longest cranial nerve in your body, running from your brain all the way to your large intestine.

Your vagus nerve plays a part in controlling involuntary sensory and motor functions like your
heart rate, speech, mood and urine output. It helps your body switch back and forth between
your flight-or-fight response and your parasympathetic mode, where you’re more relaxed.

But your vagus nerve can lose its ability to switch back to your parasympathetic mode due to factors like stress or age. Known has vagal dysfunction, it can put you at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, depression and anxiety.

It’s no wonder then that a lot of attention has been on the vagus nerve and ways to improve how well it functions.

How to stimulate the vagus nerve you ask?
Besides Massages, Music, Cold-water immersion and routine exercises ;
- Meditation - Turn to this practice to help calm your mind and focus on deep breathing. While doing meditation, try extending your exhales, making them longer than your inhales. This will
help slow your heart rate.

“Meditation can regulate your autonomic nervous system, ”says Dr. Estemalik. “It has a good effect on lowering rapid breathing, rapid heart rate and cortisol levels.”

- Yoga can also be helpful for the same reasons. Just make sure you pay attention on
your breathing.