Myofascial Release

Many struggle with losing weight or when they do lose weight, too many times it just comes back.  There may be some hidden factors to consider to help people to become more effective in being healthier.  Please refer back to my blogs on “Are you having difficulty losing weight”? and “Pouring Water on a stone”. 

The following is a response from Owen Dodge, who is an excellent Myofascial Therapist:

“My reflections on this thread steer away from the focus on emotional considerations with respect to compulsive behavior such as overeating, and focus more on John’s title relating to general difficulty losing weight.

I recently heard glowing feedback from a client I treated with Myofascial Release who had for years tried to lose weight with diet and exercise modifications. She’d lose weight to a certain level, but could never get to her modest target weight.

Adding this aside to her history of neck surgery earlier in life and whiplash from a car accident, I wondered if maybe her thyroid function could have been affected by these traumas and associated scarring.

Several weeks after our one MFR treatment focusing on cervical balance, this client called to tell me how delighted she was to have finally dropped more weight without any special effort than she ever did with diet and exercise regimens.

Of course, this outcome leads to more questions than answers. But, at least in the eyes of my client, it also adds another piece of anecdotal evidence to the growing mountain of favorable treatment outcomes seen worldwide from those who put John Barnes’ “unproven” but straight-foward theories to the test”.

Sincerely,

Owen Dodge

Dear Jasmine,

            Thank you for your response.  

“I found the words of Mr. Barnes were so very helpful! Thank you so much. I think we as therapist often get caught up in our own way of doing things we forget about the significance of MFR. I personally know it is ground moving…But you just get into a groove of treatment and the most obvious things seem to pass you by. THANK YOU so much John.” Jasmine Kinney // May 6th 2009 at 3:05 pm

            In my Myofascial Release seminars, one of my goals is to help therapists move beyond “consensus consciousness”, our normal waking consciousness, or the linear, intellectual aspect. This level of consciousness is the equivalent of a “trance state” where we tend to function on automatic reactions. 

            As the therapist and client move into the healing consciousness, amazing changes can occur.  In scientific terms, this level of consciousness is called the hypnagogic state. This is the state when you are just about to fall asleep or just awakening, when you are mentally clear, having a sense of flowing coupled with an “open focus”.  This “healing zone”, when utilizing the Myofascial Release approach, allows for deep, authentic healing and growth. 

            The Massage Magazine has kindly asked me to write monthly articles on the internet version of their magazine, where I will expand on these thoughts in more detail.  My articles will be called, “Therapeutic Insight: The Myofascial Perspective” and the first one began running this month.  You can access my first “Therapeutic Insight” article at the following link:

http://www.massagemag.com/News/massage-news.php?id=6745&catid=62&title=therapeutic-insight-the-myofascial-release-perspective

            Your questions and insights will be answered on my blog.  I look forward to interacting with you as we move into this exciting new world of healthcare. 

Sincerely,

            John

Dear Christina,

    Thank you for your response to my blog, “Pouring water on a stone.”

“Thank you John for explaining this idea in such a clear way. In my practice many individuals are still somewhat dehydrated, but I also serve individuals who are properly hydrated, physically active, eating well and have no medical conditions that should be causing chronic pain. I have sometimes found it challenging to explain why they could be doing all of these things yet their bodies may still need another level of release. Thank you for giving the words to explain this dynamic.” Christina Gibbs // Apr 25th 2009 at 4:24 pm

    I thought I would expand my thoughts on water absorption and the importance of the proper viscosity of fascial system’s ground substance.  There are so many nutritional theories that are logical and well intended, but produce only limited or short term results.  I believe that this is because of the misunderstood view of the important role of the fascial system in cellular hydration, nutrition, and elimination of toxins! 

   We have over one trillion cells in our body that undergo approximately 100,000 interactions per second!  Recent research has demonstrated that the external and internal environment of every cell is the fascial systems fibrous network and ground substance which should be somewhere between a gelatinous to a fluid state. 

   Physical and/or emotional trauma, or thwarted inflammatory responses tend to dehydrate the fluidity of the fascia’s ground substance, turning it into the equivalent viscosity of glue or solid like a stone. As I said in my last blog, “Pouring water on a stone”, as the cellular environment, the fascial system, hardens it produces crushing pressure on the cells and blocks the flow of water, nutrition, oxygen, hormones, and/or medicine into the cell’s interior.  These fascial restrictions also block the excretion of toxins from the cell. 

   If  the fascial system is restricted, it doesn’t matter what you put in your mouth, it isn’t getting to the cellular level, where you need it the most!

    Our fascial system’s ground substance is the transport medium of our mind/body complex.  Myofascial Release helps us to re-hydrate that which has solidified to enhance physiological and cellular functioning and health.

Sincerely,

Recently Sheila Walker posted the following thread on hydration and posed this question to me:

“Dear John,
It seems we’ve become a society obsessed with the notion of hydration, as witnessed by the blooming bottled water industry. Seems as though, everywhere you go, you can see people with their water bottles in tow. Could you please share your thoughts on how relevant our fascial system correlates with cellular hydration and therefore how to improve the effectiveness of keeping ourselves truly hydrated?”

      As Sheila has observed, everyone is walking around with their cute little water bottles, guzzling copious amounts of water.  This is about as effective as pouring water over a stone.  The surface becomes wet, but the water never penetrates to the interior. 

     The “stones” I am referring to are the collagenous restrictions of the fascial system that do not show up in any of the standard testing now being done.  The “ground substance” of the fascial system, the environment of every cell of our body, should be a gelatinous to a fluid state.  When we undergo trauma or a “thwarted” inflammatory  process, the ground substance dehydrates.  As the cellular environment, the fascial system, hardens it produces crushing pressure on the cells and blocks the flow of water, nutrition, oxygen, hormones, and/or medicine into the cell’s interior.  These fascial restrictions also block the excretion of toxins from the cell. 

     So, unfortunately no matter how much water you take in, in the presence of fascial restrictions, it doesn’t get to where your body needs it the most.  This is why I say, without Myofascial Release, the intention of drinking plenty of water is good, but it is as effective as pouring water over a stone!  Myofascial Release enhances cellular function and the effectiveness of good massage, bodywork, and energy techniques.

John

 Greetings,

      I wanted to share some thoughts and insights regarding inspiration and commitment.  In order to be successful and to reach all of your goals and aspirations, one must be committed to the task at hand.   Inspiration must be coupled with commitment to last and evolve to an even higher level.  I would like to share a quote from the profound German scientist, poet, and philosopher, Goethe.

 ”Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and endless plans:  THAT THE MOMENT ONE DEFINITELY COMMITS ONESELF, THEN PROVIDENCE MOVES TOO.  All sorts of things occur to help one, that would never otherwise have occurred.  A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no person could have dreamed would come their way.  Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.  Begin it now!”

      Commitment coupled with vision, the image of what you want, keeps you from being distracted and veering from your path or your mission.  As a therapeutic “artist”, I suggest you read, “The Agony and the Ecstasy”, by Irving Stone.  This is a story of the world’s greatest artist, Michelangelo and the trials and tribulations that he overcame.

    The huge blocks of marble that he so beautifully sculpted didn’t just miraculously appear in front of him.  He had to climb mountains over 10,000 feet high, scale steep, almost vertical ravines to find the most pure marble that could only be found at the top. He and a group of very tough men, at great danger to themselves,  chiseled out the massive stone blocks from the mountain.  They then attached ropes to these multi-ton slabs of marble and navigated them down thousands of feet of sheer cliffs.  What incredible strength and courage these men had in order to take on such a task!

      Over 500 years ago there were no roads leading to the sea.  He and his men had to cut roads out of the forests and mountainsides.  They had to construct wooden cradles, harness the marble on them with chains, and use a 20 mule team to laboriously drag the precious cargo down to the sea.  This took over ten months, with many injuries, many storms, and hardly any food. Exhausted and beat up they finally arrived at the seaport and had to construct a barge.   When the marble was loaded on the barge, it sank!  

      As they stood there looking at their sunken treasure, a messenger arrived on horseback telling Michelangelo that the Pope had cancelled his funding of the project due to the political turmoil in Rome.  As Michelangelo stood there stunned, the messenger also told him he was under great criticism by some because they thought “it was taking too long”!

      Always remember, that no matter how hard you may work or successful you may become, there will always be those whose only talent seems to be ridicule and criticism. 

      Speaking without experience is foolish.  For those that stoop to judgment and criticism without experience, I would like to quote the world renowned teacher, Professor Joseph Campbell: “It seems to me a great mistake to suppose that an accumulation of factual information constitutes wisdom.”

      Therapists that desperately cling to the old obsolete ways of therapy do not have the courage or intelligence to understand or admit that traditional techniques only produce temporary results for 2 hours to 2 days!   If Myofascial Release feels right to you in your heart, commit to it, so that you don’t waiver from your path. 

      Michelangelo’s commitment never faltered.  He eventually secured the funds he needed, built a new sturdier barge, and set off on his next adventure at sea.  And what an adventure it was! In route they were hit with three ferocious storms and almost drowned.  And you think you have problems.

      Whenever you are going through a rough time, or are challenged by adversity, remember Michelangelo’s tenacity.  No matter what the obstacle, there is always a way.  Never give up!

      Michelangelo finally arrived in Rome with his prized marble.  He couldn’t wait to put his hands on the marble.  He would quiet himself and feel deeply into the stone to determine its inner flow to ascertain where weakness may lie.  If he hit the marble with his chisel at the wrong angle it would ruin his whole piece.   He would stand back, soften his visual focus, and center himself, which enabled him to see in his “mind’s eye” the inner shape.  He then chipped away the extraneous stone.  He caressed the marble with his chisel to allow the inner beauty to emerge.  He loved what he did and had a passion for life, becoming the world’s greatest artist.

      Your hard earned skills, the precious ability to “center” yourself coupled with tenacity, and commitment are your natural born strengths that will help you achieve what is meaningful to you. 

      Myofascial Release is the ultimate “therapeutic art”!  Love what you do.  Have a passion for Myofascial Release and you will become a master. 

     What is your purpose in life?  What is your mission?

            Love,

                        John

Dear Olga,  Thank you for your question, “What advice can you give to new graduates that are entering into the massage field?”

Health care has ignored the most important attributes we posses as humans, the three C’s:  Curiosity, Compassion, and Courage.

Curiosity- The “facts” that are taught in medical, dental and therapeutic schools have been known to be obsolete for decades, yet they are still being taught!  Be curious and explore new possibilities.

Compassion- There is an old but true saying, “The client doesn’t care what you know, til he knows that you care”.  Open your heart.  Move beyond intellectual knowledge into the wisdom and vastness of your feeling intelligence that will guide you unerringly.

Courage- It is not enough to think, talk or read.  To be truly meaningful, we need to turn our intellectualization into action.  It takes courage to act!

If you are interested, I could give you or others more detail on any of these concepts, books, DVD’s,  and seminars that might be of interest to you.  Just ask. 

I appreciate your curiosity.

John

“Mr. Barnes,  My name is Olga, and I am almost done with my Massage AS degree from Keiser University in West Palm Beach, FL.  I am working on a research paper on Myofascial Release.  I admire your contribution and passion for what you do.  My question is, what advice can you give to new graduates that are entering into the massage field?” Thanks, Olga

Dear Olga, John has been giving seminars “back to back” for the last few weeks and has been unable to answer your question.  I am posting your question on the blog so that other Myofascial therapists may give you some insight.

Thanks,

Melanie Henderson, MS, PT

Physical Therapist

Paoli Myofascial Release Center

    The fascial system, the nervous and circulatory systems, snowflakes, lightning, crystals, river networks, and maybe the underlying electromagnetic vibration of all structures in nature may have “fractal” characteristics. 

     Wikipedia defines a “fractal” as a rough geometric shape that appears similar at all levels of magnification.  The fractal’s properties of self-similarity are terms coined by the mathematician Benoit Mandelbrot in 1975. 

     The word fractal was derived from the Latin “fractus” meaning fractured.  Why should we care?  Because all of the different health professions taught linear principles.  So what?  Our bodies are not linear!  Our fascial system is nonlinear and requires very different principles that when added to massage or bodywork, will greatly enhance your results. 

    Myofascial Release expands our ability to help others by exploring deeper dimensions of the human experience: Fractal geometry, non-linearity, complexity, and chaos theory.  This is an exciting time to be a therapist.  We are at a “tipping point”.   

     Before we go into more depth of these important concepts, it would be interesting to hear your comments or questions. 

John

    Learning and utilizing Myofascial Release will not only allow you to survive, but to thrive in economic adversity!

    We all know that our country is experiencing very challenging financial times.  Studies have shown that the various forms of massage, bodywork, energy techniques, and physical therapy only produce temporary results lasting two hours to two days.  I believe this is because traditional and alternative therapies do not release the collagenous restrictions in the Myofascial system.  During economic downturns, disposable income becomes scarce.  So people are less likely to spend money on something that does not produce lasting results, even if it feels good.  

      Due to the profound results gained when utilizing Myofascial Release, Myofascial therapists are the most financially successful therapists in the country.  Clients intuitively and instantly understand that Myofascial Release can produce the important and lasting results that help them to return to a pain free, active lifestyle!

     I wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

John

Hi Everyone,

This is an answer to Sheila’s questions regarding inflammation.

Sheila,

You are very insightful.

“When inflammation is thwarted…”

“That appears to me to a pivotal point. Could you please clarify, not on the subsequent consequences, which are well discussed, but on what circumstances may cause this shift, or switch into darkness (blockage of bio-energy.)”

Sheila Walker PT

Vermont

MFR I,II,III, uw, advuw,fp,ct,rb,hs,se,ses,t4t,whs…

Here are a couple of thoughts that others could expound on from their experience. As we have often discussed and experienced with Myofascial Release, traditional healthcare has ignored consciousness, as if we are objects. One of the reasons for people’s thwarted inflammation responses is iatrogenic (physician induced) with anti-inflammatory drugs. While these drugs may be important at times, they can often inhibit one of the key components of healing which is the inflammation phase.

As we know after trauma, it is very advantageous to receive Myofascial Release, which will help speed the natural inflammatory process in order to complete the healing process. We may need medications once in a while, but if you received Myofascial Release during the inflammation phase, you may not need the medication or only a smaller dose than typically prescribed. If you do end up needing some medication, then Myofascial Release helps resolve the inflammation process, instead of becoming trapped in the system and solidifying the ground substance of the fascia.

One of the reasons that I emphasize the importance of recognizing positions in space of past traumas (i.e. still points), has to do with the flight, fight, or freeze response [and of course there is no research for this, just outstanding results ].

It seems that human beings have two basic responses to threat or injury and that is to contract in fear or to have the “feeling intelligence” leave at that moment of threat or injury in order to “numb” the person and to help them to get through the ordeal. But these reactions are only meant to be short term. So, when a person goes into this survival mode, the blockage of the flow of energy, consciousness, or the resultant fascial restriction alters the body’s energetic flow. This blockage of energy then alters the body’s physiological processes, which over time dampens or inhibits the inflammation phase of the healing process. With this alteration in the body’s physiology, the ground substance tends to solidify, which over time can create many of the symptoms that our patients describe. From our experience, it is a major factor in the why many people’s healing process becomes blocked.

A quote in Dr. Carol Davis’ new book, “Complementary Therapies in Rehabilitation” (3rd Edition-http://www.slackbooks.com/view.asp?slackCode=48661 ), by Dr. James Oschman would be appropriate here. “Inflammation is best described as an energetic problem and is inexplicable without considering energies. Chronic inflammation is the story of electric charge, since it arises from the persistence of free radicals. These are highly charged toxic molecules that can only be neutralized by providing them with an electron. It is their lack of an electron that makes them so destructive to pathogens and that enable them to break apart damaged cells. There is only one way to prevent their destructive character from damaging healthy cells near the site of injury: providing electrons. This, of course, brings us to the realm of the physics and biophysics of energy.”

Myofascial Release can help the mind/body complex regain this vital energy, the healing process then can commence and complete.

It would be interesting to hear others responses and experiences on this topic.

Thanks.

John