Connective tissue is a magical substance. It gives us shape and is full of locked energy. We unlock by getting the sheets of fascia to slip and slide over one another. To do this, move slowly. Like a taffy pull we move slowly to increase pliability.
Imagine taking a little cold coconut oil between your hands. The firmness melts as you move your hands. Gentle movement awakens fascia like that. Full-body movement helps to “melt” adhesions, keeping fascia slippery. Healthy, hydrated connective tissue is what allows us to move with strength, ease and grace.
Our joints and boney surfaces are buffered by cartilage and synovial fluid which cushions and lubricates the joint. The “fluid” acts like an oil, drenching every cell in a rich lubricant. Each night it solidifies, causing us to feel stiff in the morning. Stretching helps “melt” the tissues, but not just any stretching. It needs to be a full-body stretching routine that engages all 650 muscles and 360 joints will melt the fascia.
Thankfully, we just need a bit of gentle exercise to get the fascia moving. Thirty minutes a day is enough to liberate and realign your body. In this way, think of movement as you do other daily tasks like brushing your teeth or eating breakfast. Less than thirty minutes a day is enough to get the juices flowing. Make it a part of your daily routine and enjoy ease and grace throughout the day.
