Divo Müller talks about Fascial Fitness

When and how did you decide to become a bodyworker?

I took my first training in neo-Reichian bodywork and massage at the tender age of 21 in 1982. That was the time when I was deeply searching for something real, authentic and meaningful and all the  other options like going to university and study medicine didn’t seem to meet that need. In 1992, I was introduced into Continuum Movement through its co-founder Susan Harper and fell completely in love with it. Being part of the first Continuum teachers training with founder Emilie Conrad, I became the first internationally authorized Continuum teacher in Europe. In cooperation with  movement scientists and the recent findings on fascia research, I developed my own movement  approach, called Bodybliss. And now for several years, in collaboration with the renowned fascial scientist Dr. Robert Schleip and an international team of colleagues, we developed Fascial Fitness.

What is fascia and how important is it for our bodies?

Fascia is tissue that runs through the body in all direction as a large and widespread network. In fascial fitness, we put the focus on the connective tissues, knowing that each organ – such as heart or lung – is surrounded by a connective tissue sheath which interacts with the muscular tissues. Fascia is made of fibres mainly of protein collagen and plenty of water (68 percent). The exciting news is that collagen tissue varies depending on their requirements and the local context. It can be flexible, but it can also condense into tendons and membranes. An impressive feature of fascia is the ability of force transmission. Another exciting discovery of modern Fascia is that it is now proven to be innervated by countless of sensory nerves, so it acts as sensors and makes our body sense – the so-called proprioception. This largely determines the ability to perceive, feel and move.

What should I do if I want to train the fascia?

First, it is important to understand that fascia needs specific and adequate movement stimuli to make it strong and healthy. As we know the principle of “use it or lose it”. In fascial fitness, we pay particular importance to train a unique property of fascia: the so-called elastic recoil. This has been documented to play an important role, particularly in the human Achilles tendon. Therefore, we include “elastic suspension” training for the legs, the shoulder girdle and the back in our basic exercise program. This catapult-like, dynamic movement strengthens the collagen tissue. This increases the load capacity, the efficiency of movement and also formed, for example, firm and well-shaped thighs.

And how can I get a supple collagenous tissue?

The motto here is: “What does not move, get stuck”.  However, there are genetically different types of tissues. In my classes, I distinguish between the strong, but mostly immobile “Viking type” and the (hyper) mobile, but tend to be unstable “Temple Dancer Type”. The classic Viking type is mostly made up of rugged and strong connective tissues. However, the fibre network is prone to tangles and bonds. This then goes at the expense of mobility and flexibility which gets worse with aging.

And what should make the temple dancers?

This type is very articulated, they can bend their legs effortlessly. We can find them in most ballet or yoga classes. However, the high flexibility is at the expense of stability. This can lead to lower back pain or wear of the hip joints since the capsular and ligamentous structures virtually “wear out”. Here, a targeted strengthening of the fascia is needed.

Is Fascial Fitness suitable for everyone?

Because of these two very different types of connective tissues, we recommend a tailored exercise according to their needs. Long chain stretching, as traditionally practiced in yoga, is recommended for the rigid and immovable Vikings. In addition, the stretch should be fascially charged, for example, via mini suspension. Best combined with resistance or by means of a weight. For this tissue type, the melting stretch is quite effective to restore the suppleness of the tissues. However, for the inherently mobile temple dancer type, it is not advisable to extensively practicing the yoga-type stretching. This type of connective tissue can benefit from pulses which render the fascia to be strong and resilient. Exercises that include elastic suspension. We also realize the aspect of the final grade for flexible stretching  and rather weak collagen structures replaced by the element of muscular tonicity. Here, the fascial sheath is strengthened by the muscle around the short end. The fabric is characterized tighter!

Simply: The Vikings need a bit of temple dancers for its fascia and vice versa the temple dancers need a bit of Vikings.

What do you find most exciting about bodywork therapy?

To share the feel and somatic experience movement with my clients. The honesty of the expression of a body and the moving intelligence embedded in bones, soft tissues and fluids. I find it over and over exciting to be part of a healing process whether it’s primary taking place in the physical body or unfolds in the emotional or psychological process of a person. To facilitate the capacity to evolve into a mature human being through bodywork as an ongoing sensuous embodiment and foster the integrity of body mind and soul, makes my heart sing.

What advise you can give to fresh bodyworkers who wish to make a career out of it?

Besides the skills and techniques, follow the path of the ‘constant dripping wears away the stone’, – presenting or talking about your work wherever you can.  Stay connected to your fellow colleagues and to those who trust your abilities and support your strengths. In times when the road is rough and bumpy remember what you love about the work and the qualities you have to offer, and feed that back into your own heart and soul and just keep going.

Divo Muller will teach Fascial Fitness and Fascial Toning in Sydney, in October 2016. More details here.