Fascia Rounds is dedicated to all things fascia including pathophysiology, anatomy, histology.

Topics include connective tissue disorder (EDS, hypermobility), regenerative medicine (Prolotherapy, PRP), Viniyoga, manual therapy (Fascial Manipulation, osteopathy, Biodynamics)

For in-depth evidenced-based deep dives into blog topics, sign-up to receive access to the full publication Fascia Rounds.

Dr. Wang is a PM&R physician specialized in Fascia. She works with patients with fascia based disorders and investigates the role of fascia in pain, perception, and function.

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Lymph is Fascia

Many people have heard of the lymph system but they don’t realize that it’s part of the fascial system. All the tissues considered as “specialized connective tissues” of mesodermal derivation, such as blood, bone, cartilage, adipose tissue, hematopoietic tissue, and lymphatic tissue, are regarded as part of the fascial system.1,2 Blood and lymphatic vessels are solid fascial structures that carry liquid fascia.3

Most people know that the lymphatics remove waste products. What most people do not realize is that the lymphatic system is always at work constantly trying to maintain balance. The lymphatic system effectively removes the excess of interstitial fluids, solutes, and various waste products. The lymph system is responsible for constantly maintaining balance in the volume of plasma and interstitial fluids. The lymphatic system is able to process solutes and fluids through small capillaries with discontinuous endothelium and basement membrane that resist flow of fluids and substances (hydrophiles molecules, cells, viruses, and bacteria).

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Re-New

The end of January into February marks the time of the Lunar New Year. The Lunar New Year is also known as the Spring Festival and celebrates the end of winter and the start of spring in the Lunar Calendar. In the East, the Lunar New Year is celebrated for 15 days staring on the Lunar New Year Eve until the Lantern Festival.

This is a time of new beginnings and renewal. The Lunar New Year itself falls on a new moon. Families reunite for a celebratory meal of communal hot pot and dumplings, in the shape ancient Chinese gold currency and a symbol of wealth and fortune. Red envelops are given as blessings of fortune to youth and children.

Each Lunar New Year celebrates a cycle of 12 animal zodiacs and a cycle of 10 yin and yang elements. This Lunar New Year celebrates the Metal Rat. The rat is a symbol of fertility, abundance, intelligence, and resourcefulness. Metal symbolizes stability and longevity. 2020 will be a year of adaptability and being able to transmutate difficulties into prosperity and longevity.

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Temperature & Fascia

You may have noticed that with the change in temperature you feel stiffer and have more pain. This is because fascia becomes stiffer in the cold. All our nerves and blood vessels run through the fascia and if the fascia becomes stiff, it can trap your nerves. If you already have densifications and adhesions in your fascia that have not been addressed, cold weather can exacerbate and amplify the effects. The result is more stiffness and pain when the weather changes.

In this newsletter we’ll dive into the science of how fascia changes with temperature and we’ll follow with all the things you can do to manage the pain and stiffness in cold weather.

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Gratitude: Giving Thanks Daily

Food: Bone Broth

Biodynamics of Osteopathy: Circadian Rhythm

Meditation: Beginner's Mind

Fascia: Heat therapy

Yoga: Yoga is Meditation

World Perspectives: Belgium Food

Book of the month: Michael Pollan How to Change Your Mind

FOOD

Winter is the vata season from November to February. Eat more soups and stews that are higher in protein and fats to warm and insulate the body. Eating bone broth is seasonal eating. Animal protein is heavy and warming, and takes robust digestion to break down. In the winter, our digestive fire turns up to maintain internal body temperature, and meat has a warming post-digestive effect. Bone broth is a good source of warmth. In Chinese Medicine, Bone broth nourishes and warms the vital physiological functions that are the foundation for human health: Jing (essence/DNA), Wei qi (your protection from external pathogens), Qi (propels all body functions), and Xue (makes, carries, and stores nutrients). Scientifically, bone broth may be beneficial to immune health.(1)

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Gratitude: Giving Thanks Daily

Food: Kitchari

Biodynamics of Osteopathy: On rest

Meditation: Boxed Breathing

Acupuncture / Fascia: Sea of Qi/ Media PElvi

Yoga: Virabhadrasana 1 / Warrior 1

World Perspecitives: Dr. Andry Vleeming

Book of the month: Valter Longo The Longevity Diet

FOOD

During the fall transition to winter, there can be vata imbalances- too cold, too windy, too dry. The Ayurveda dish Kitchari can help you transition and minimize discomfort. Kitchari is a porridge-like mixture of Basmati rice and moong dal (split mung beans) simmered in turmeric, cumin seeds, and ginger. Kitchari can have a balancing effect on the body. Kitchari is made from split mung-beans. Studies of the mung bean show that they have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, lipid metabolism accommodation, antihypertensive, and antitumor effects. (1)

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Candy Crusher: finding your sugary sweet balance

Food: Candy alternative - Honeycomb

Meditation: Seasonal Rhythms

Acupuncture / Fascia: Great Rushing Point / Ante Pes

Yoga: Parivrtta Utkatasana Twisted Chair Pose

Adventures: Antwerp, Belgium

Book of the month: Katherine Eban Bottle of Lies

FOOD

October is a spooky month with trick-or-treat and lots and lots of sweet temptations. In October, candies and sweet baked treats abound in endless places - in our homes, our work places, and even stores. The tendency for most people is to over-indulge with friends and co-workers pressuring us that "candy never killed anyone." There is no one-size fits all remedy for the sweet addictions and the pressure to over-consume. Figure out what works for you. This requires you to be in touch with who you are and the natural rhythms. 

The content on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider prior to initiating any of these treatments.