The Art of Fascia Connection: Moving Beyond Muscle in Tai Chi and Life

[@congamike1]

Good stuff. Thanks!

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you! Thanks for commenting.

[@patriciocarrillo1769]

Hello Susan ​ Thanks for your videos and work I write you from Ecuador South america and would love to become your student

[@WuDaoHamburg]

Danke!

[@InternalTaiChi]

Oh thank you so much for the $ contribution! Every bit helps and that was so generous of you. I appreciate the support.

[@WuDaoHamburg]

Again an incredible explanation. You are a gift for me. Made me understand so much more this year. Thank you a lot.❤

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you so very much. I really appreciate hearing comments such as this. It helps to keep me inspired by knowing I am making a difference in others understanding of Tai Chi. Followers such as you are a gift to me!

[@philkavasubtleenergyexperi5480]

Thank you so much for your time and energy the information is superb. You have been so helpful.

[@InternalTaiChi]

You are welcome! I am so glad you find my teaching helpful and that you appreciate my efforts. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@sheldonlampson6368]

I had a stroke about 1.5 years ago and on my affected side I have what they call "spasticity." I believe it is the facsia injured or it is stuck in one mode where it feels like I have glue on the affected side. It doesn't change to flow mode. I think Tai Chi could help??

[@InternalTaiChi]

Sheldon, I am so sorry you have had a stroke. I worked with stroke patients for many years as an Occupational Therapist. Spasticity is more a function of the muscles firing in a disorganized manner. This happens because of the neurological damage you received from the stroke. Over time, the spasticity can effect the layers of fascia in the affected arm, trunk and leg. Fascia remodels to movement patterns. Can Tai Chi help? Yes, I believe it does help. Because it is slow it has less propensity to create a spasticity response in your body. Also the weight shifting is extremely helpful in creating neuroplasticity (positive rerouting of the brain signals) for improved movement. Never give up on the hope for change. I once had a patient who had spasticity in her upper extremity and 15 years post stroke she made improvements. It was really exciting to see the possibilities of the brain, human body and spirit.

[@mokuho]

I suffer a stroke too. And I practice tai chi for 15 years...🙏🏼

[@InternalTaiChi]

@@mokuho Thank you for sharing. Your willingness to share with Sheldon and others, help to build a community of hope within the body of Tai Chi. A wonderful thing. Thank you.

[@mokuho]

A question. Do you have any teachings about the position of the head? I always have my head down even when doing a tai chi form. Thank you🙏🏼

[@InternalTaiChi]

What a great question! Look outward, not down. Where you look your energy goes. Keep your nose over your Dan Tian at all times. That will take care of your head position.

[@mokuho]

@ 🙏🏼 thank you so much!

[@jdaniels6830]

The 12 meridians and grand circle follow the the path of fascia. conscious control of the fascia aids in control of qi

[@AK_UK_]

Sorry not sure if I've asked you this before but if someone has a wound, say on the arm, would that mean they have permanently lost their fascia connection in that part of the body ?

[@InternalTaiChi]

If they have the wound, the fascia is already remodeling in that area. The only time the fascia would be disrupted greatly would be in a large wound covering a large area, such as a burn. Even so, the body would remodel and lay down scar tissue and a new fascia net, albeit more disorganized and not as connected throughout the body in an even way.

[@AK_UK_]

@InternalTaiChi so a wound wouldn't matter as much? Even if someone had a burn could they still apply the techniques you are using - even if it's not an optimum level?

[@InternalTaiChi]

​​@@AK_UK_ It would have to be a very big wound to disrupt the connection. Also when we touch the fascia I believe we are creating a healing connection. I guess you could liken it to lasagna. Lasagna has many layers. And imagine the layers being connected to each other. If you touch the top layer then the bottom layer is also connected. If there is a slight tear in the top layer the layers are still connected. Furthermore our fascia is a living revitalizing organ in our body. In other words it heals so it will close the tear and the connection will still be intact. I hope this makes sense. We all have wounds, and healed wounds which represent themselves as slightly disorganized scar tissue or fascia. But this does not disrupt this process being taught here. Just like one star does not represent the entire galaxy, one piece that we are touching the fascia does not represent the entire fascia. There are many other areas that are intact which we are connecting to. When we get highly skilled and sensitive we are actually touching and moving the smallest of fibers throughout the "galaxy" of fascia. I can now move somebody with my fingertip in the palm of their hand.😊

[@guypelland8756]

@@InternalTaiChi dans le cas d'une hernie abdominal majeur? merci pour votre enseignement.🙏

[@InternalTaiChi]

​@@guypelland8756 Je ne recommanderais pas de soulever des poids dans une situation de hernie. À la place, imaginez simplement le poids de votre corps qui s'écoule vers le bas et se relâche dans le réseau de votre fascia. Plus vous vous relâchez, plus vous sentirez le réseau s'ouvrir.

[@outerlast]

for the weight, how heavy is it supposed to be? i only have 1.5l bottle, and can't make it float :/

[@InternalTaiChi]

I think if you can use around 3lb you should feel it, especially after you put it down. In other words, try doing a few isolated exercises first, lifting it with your bicep. Then float it, then put it down and your arm will feel more floating, follow the float.

[@outerlast]

@@InternalTaiChi i kinda feel the float, after putting it down. but still can't float it while holding the bottle. do i need to do some weight training first for this?

[@InternalTaiChi]

​@@outerlast@outerlast no weight training. The weight is only a means of helping you feel the release downward and connecting to your feet. Then let go of the weight or set it down and release to create a floating sensation.

[@outerlast]

@@InternalTaiChi oh, okay. i think i kinda get the floating sensation from that. thank you very much :)

[@InternalTaiChi]

@@outerlast Excellent!

[@JorgeLausell]

Yes! Thank you. I keep on asking myself to track the weight shifting through my body! I think of the fascia as the pump for the endocrine systems. Exploring while using resistance bands as I walk, doing laps. I integrate taichi and iron jacket type moves!

[@InternalTaiChi]

Great work!