Interoception, the fascia, and your emotions

A part of the body's fascia that we often don't think about is the interstitial nerves. These nerves help us feel what's going on inside our bodies, unlike other nerves that help us sense movement or pain. When these nerves are stimulated, they send information to the brain about our body's condition, helping us maintain balance and meet our physical needs. Many of these nerves are in the connective tissues of our internal organs and are part of what we call the "enteric brain." However, other similar nerves are found in the connective tissues (fascia) within our muscles. These signals help us feel things like warmth, nausea, hunger, soreness, effort, heaviness, and lightness, as well as feelings of connection or disconnection with different parts of our body. (Craig, 2002)

The signals from these nerves don't go to the usual part of the brain that controls movement. Instead, they go to the insular cortex, a small area deep in the brain. This part of the brain helps us feel and understand our body's internal sensations and emotions. People who have problems with their insula can still move normally and do well on IQ tests, but they often struggle with social interactions and making good decisions in complicated situations (Damasio, 1999).

Some health problems, like low back pain, scoliosis, or complex regional pain syndrome, happen because the body has trouble sensing its position and movement. Other health issues are more about problems with sensing internal feelings. These include conditions like anorexia, anxiety, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, alexithymia (which means not being able to recognize and express your own emotions), and possibly fibromyalgia.  It's no wonder you get depressed when you have chronic pain!

It's all connected my friends through the fascia system.  The fascia has an estimated 250 million nerve cells in comparison to your skin with 200 million and your eyes 126 million.  This means that your fascia is the most sensitive sensory organ in your body.  Targeting and healing the fascia is the missing link to so many health conditions.

Stay supple!

Nicole