1. Tensegrity of the Human Body
A New Way to Look at Anatomy and Movement

2. Tensional “pulling” forces balance compressive “pushing” forces
Our bones float in a web of fascia that provides the tensional support
Interdependent, interwoven system that is 3 dimensional and not parts-based
Exists at every level, from microscopic to macroscopic - a “living matrix”
self-contained, non-redundant systems in which forces translate though all the linked components - a change in one part affects all parts

3. Models
Anatomy Trains - tracks, stations, and switches provide a metaphor for the continuities of fascial tissue in the body.
A single Anatomy Train is an equivalent term for a myofascial meridian.

4. Other Metaphors
A Kite - the crossbars support the fabric of the kite, and the fabric creates the movement
A Sailboat - the mast holds the sails, which move the boat, but the mast must be supported with tensional wires and stays
Our Spine - muscles provide tensional ‘stays‘ that allow it to be a smaller structure

5. Anatomy Trains
distinct meridians— dense bands connecting multiple muscles and spanning multiple joints, tacked down at numerous bony “stations” along the way. The separate meridians “switch lines” as forces transfer through the body.
balanced, harmonious tension along these “train lines” help support fluid, effortless movement
chronic tension or slack can lead to poor posture, faulty movement patterns, and pain

6. The Rail System The Superficial Back Line The Superficial Front Line
The Lateral Line
The Arm Lines
The Functional Lines
The Deep Front Line

7. How to maintain Tensegrity
Work with a qualified Fascial Stretch Therapist or Structural Integrator
Smart exercise choices involving the fascial web
Use movements that require dynamic transfer of force from the ground and out into hands - simulating a wave

8. Stretch entire and multiple planes of the body at once
Use long movements that extend and spiral your body, head to toe
Oscillating movements help fascia slide effectively and reinforce healthy, integrated relationship among the myofascial meridians (anatomy trains)

9. Incorporate bouncing into workouts (jump rope, trampoline jumping, jogging) to maintain elasticity in the fascia
Vary movement patterns and exercise modalities to safeguard against tightness and adhesions in the fascia
Seek out new ways to move through dance, sports, martial arts, yoga, and other activities that incorporate whole body motions

10. Use the body as a whole system working together to optimize health
Dynamic flexibility training like Tai Chi and Yoga
Full-body, functional strength training like kettlebell and other multi-joint, multi-planar, mulit-level exercise modalities
Integrated forms of exercise link muscles together functionally and follow the interconnected chains of fascia to facilitate smooth, coordinated movements

11. How Fascia becomes inflamed or irritated
influenced by genetics
continued repetitive movement patterns
habituated slouching
overtraining can cause compartment syndrome
inactivity

12. What happens with inactivity
fascia gets fuzzy and sticky and doesn’t slide well
static tissues don’t absorb surrounding fluids and become dehydrated
some fascial meridians get short and tight while others get long and loose

13. A New Paradigm research is exploding
only 3 Fascial Congresses so far; first one was in 2007
we are only BEGINNING to understand the complexities and the possibilities

14. Resources anatomytrains.com stretchtowin.com intensiondesigns.com
guimberteau-jc-md.com
youtube.com/watch?v=01jdrGrp4Fo
theiasi.org (Int’l Association of Structural Integrators)