advanced anatomy - myofascial meridians

8/10/2019 Advanced Anatomy - Myofascial Meridians

1/37

Advanced Anatomy: Myofascial Meridians (3

Continuing Education Hours)

This course is approved for 3 hours of Continuing Education for Massage Therapistsby the Texas Department of State Health Services: Approved Provider: MARK SCOTT

URIDELCE0009 and for Registered Yoga Teachers by the Yoga Alliance. Mark S.Uridel is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage andBodywork (NCBTMB) as an approved continuing education provider.

This course provides foundational information about the myofascial system in the humanbody and indentifies the major myofascial meridians. Pictures are provided to point outmajor anatomical structures and guidelines are given for the practical application of massageand yoga when working with the myofascial meridian system. The massage techniques arenot demonstrated via video because on-line courses are not allowed to contain techniquecontent.

Learning Objectives: After reading this course, you will

be able to describe the anatomy of fascia. be able to explain the anatomy of the myofascial net.

be able to describe the anatomy of the myofascial meridians throughout the body.

be able to identify access points along the myofascial meridians for bodyworkapplications.

Introduction

In most anatomy courses, the emphasis is placed on the bones and muscles whilethe fascia,the connective tissue web that surrounds the muscle, is neglected. This fascia notonly surrounds the muscle, but invaginates the muscle tissue to the cellular level and morphsinto the tendon that attaches the muscle to the bone.

The fascia affects the structure and function of muscles and therefore it affects the postureand movement of our body. To disregard the fascia is to disregard a major component of ourbody structure that affects us down to the cellular level. As you see below,the epimysiumsurrounds the whole muscle, theperimysium surrounds bundles of muscle

fibers and theendomysium surrounds individual muscle fibers. These all join at the end of themuscle forming the tendon.


2/37

Anatomy of Fascia

From basic anatomy we know that there are 4 tissue types: epithelial tissue, nerve tissue,muscle tissue and connective tissue. Although we make distinctions between these tissuetypes, remember these tissues interact with one another in complex ways. Epithelial tissueforms boundaries as in between our inner world and the outside world (eg. the skin) and

between cavities inside our body (eg. membranes). Epithelial tissue is also involved insecretion (eg. glands) and absorption (eg. intestinal wall). Nerve tissue functions incommunication and control. It sends electrochemical signals from the brain to all parts ofthe body and back. Muscle tissue has the primarily function of contraction, whether it is thecardiac muscle that contracts the heart, the smooth muscle that contracts around the bloodvessels and our digestive tract, or the skeletal muscle that contracts to move us and hold ourposture. Connective tissue is the unique tissue that holds everything together. On one endof the spectrum is loose areolar connective tissue like the visceral and parietal fascia thatgently suspends the internal organs within their cavities and wraps them in layers ofconnective tissue membranes. Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that gives cushion andsupport to our joints. Ligaments connect from bone to bone providing passive support to ourskeletal structure. Bone is also considered a type of connective tissue and the outer coatingon bone (theperiosteum) is a type of fascia that provides a strong connection for ligaments

and tendons. Dense Connective Tissue (DCT) forms strong yet flexible connections betweenmuscles and bone (eg. tendons) and also forms the deep fascial connections we will belooking at in this course. The deep fasciae envelop all or our bones (periosteum andendosteum); cartilage (perichondrium), and blood vessels (tunica externa) and becomespecialized in muscles (epimysium, perimysium, and endomysium) and nerves (epineurium,perineurium, and endoneurium).

Fascia is composed of reticular fibers (collagen) and elastic fibers (elastin) in an extracellularmatrix (ECM) aka ground substance. The high density of collagen fibers is what gives thedeep fascia its strength and integrity. The amount of elastin fibers determines how muchextensibility and resilience it will have. These collagen and elastin fibers are suspended in a

gelatinous extracellular matrix made ofproteoglycans, fibrillin, fibronectins, laminin andpolysaccharides like hyaluronic acid.Proteoglygans (glycosaminoglycans) are carbohydrate polymers and are usually attached to

extracellular matrix proteins. Proteoglycans have a net negative charge that attracts watermolecules, keeping the ECM and resident cells hydrated. Fibrillin is a glycoprotein, which isessential for the formation of elastic fibers found in connective tissue. Fibrillin is secreted intothe extracellular matrix by fibroblasts and becomes incorporated into the insoluble

microfibrils, which appear to provide a scaffold for deposition of elastin. Fibronectins areproteins that connect cells with collagen fibers in the ECM, allowing cells to move through theECM. Fibronectins bind collagen and cell surface integrins, causing a reorganization of thecell's cytoskeleton and facilitating cell movement. Fibronectins are secreted by cells in anunfolded, inactive form. Binding to integrins unfolds fibronectin molecules, allowing them toform dimers so that they can function properly. Fibronectins also help at the site of tissueinjury by binding to platelets during blood clotting and facilitating cell movement to the

affected area during wound healing. Laminins are proteins found in the basal laminae ofvirtually all animals. Rather than forming collagen-like fibers, laminins form networks of web-

like structures that resist tensile forces in the basal lamina. They also assist in cell adhesion.Laminins bind other ECM components such as collagen. Hyaluronic acid in the extracellularspace confers upon tissues the ability to resist compression by providing a counteractingturgor (swelling) force by absorbing significant amounts of water. It is a chief component ofthe ECM gel.

Reference: Kielty CM, Baldock C, Lee D, Rock MJ, Ashworth JL, Shuttleworth CA. Fibrillin:from microfibril assembly to biomechanical function. Biol. Sci.2002;357(1418):20717.

Several types of cells inhabit this matrix of fibers and ECM ground substance. Fibroblasts arefull-time residents of the ECM. A fibroblast is a type of cell that synthesizes the extracellular

matrix and collagen. If the fascia is injured, fibroblasts are responsible for synthesizing therepair components that create scar tissue. Adipocytes are fat cells that are sometimes

present in fascia, especially in the superficial fascia just below the skin. A mast cell(ormastocyte) is a resident cell of several types of tissues, including fascia, and containsmany granules rich in histamine and heparin. Although best known for their role in allergy


3/37

and anaphylaxis, mast cells play an important protective role as well, being intimatelyinvolved in wound healing and defense against pathogens. Macrophages, white blood cells,are wandering part-time residents in fascia. Their role is to phagocytose (engulf and thendigest) cellular debris and pathogens either as stationary or as mobile cells, and to stimulatelymphocytes and other immune cells to respond to the pathogen. Due to its diverse natureand composition, the ECM can serve many functions, such as providing support andanchorage for cells, segregating tissues from one another, and regulating intercellularcommunication. The plasticity and pliability of our fascia is related to the quantity and

quality of collagen and elastin fibers, the consistency of the ground substance and thehydration of the tissue. Many factors influence this, like our diet, our posture and movementhabits and the level of mechanical stress and mental/emotional stress in our lives.

The Myofascial Net

So you can see that fascia is a complex and important connective tissue in the body. Thefascia not only provides an important structural function, but is involved in communication,wound healing and immune function. Fascia interpenetrates and surrounds muscles, bones,organs, nerves, blood vessels and other structures. The Myofascial Net is an uninterrupted,three-dimensional web of connective tissue and muscles that extends from head to toe, from

front to back, from interior to exterior. Now we will explore the way the deep connectivetissue fascia and muscles are interconnected throughout our body in continuous lines, ormeridians. This material is presented in a fairly linear fashion where one myofascia connectsto another often with a boney attachment in between. Some of the myofascial meridians arestraight forward and some are more complex. Ultimately, understanding the interplay ofthese meridians will be important to fully understand the practical application and functionalimplications of this information. At the end of each section, I will attempt to provide thisapplied insight for bodyworkers and movement specialists.

The Superficial Back Line

The Superficial Back Line is a myofascial meridian that connects the entire back side of thebody from the plantar surface of the toes to the brow-line of the frontal bone on theforehead. This symmetrical line originates on the plantar surfaces of the toe phalanges of

both feet and follows the plantar surface of the foot, including the intrinsic flexors of the toes(quadratus plantae and flexor digitorum brevis) and theplantar fascia.

Quadratus Plantae & Flexor Digitorum Brevis


4/37


5/37

connected. When the knee is bent, this functional link is broken and the superficial back lineis divided into the lower leg portion and the upper portion (that we will now see).

Functional Attachment of Gastrocnemius and Hamstrings

The hamstrings originate on the ischial tuberosity, sitting bone, and it is here that thehamstrings connect with the fibers of the sacrotuberous ligament. The sacrotuberousligament is a strong, wide and thick ligament that connects from the sacrumto the ischialtuberosity. Since we have two sitting bones, there are two sacrotuberous ligaments thatattach to the back of the sacrum on each side of the spine of the sacrum. At this point, thesacrotuberous ligaments become continuous with the sacrolumbar fascia, the connective

tissue attachments of the erector spinaemuscle group to the lower back (lumbar vertebrae)and sacrum.


6/37

Hamstrings- Ischial Tuberosity- Sacrotuberous Ligament - Lumbosacral Fascia

The erector spinae is a large muscle group made up of the iliocostalis muscles, longissimus

muscles and spinalis muscles(lateral to medial). Each of these muscles overlaps its superiorcounterpart. Iliocostalis lumborum overlaps iliocostalis thoracis, which overlaps iliocostaliscervicis. Longissimus thoracis overlaps longissimus cervicis, which overlaps longissimuscapitis. Spinalis thoracis overlaps spinalis cervicis, which overlaps spinalis capitis. Thesemuscles all have myofascial continuity on their respective side of the spine. At the top of thespine, these muscles attach to the base of the occipital bone. Just underneath these muscleattachments are the suboccipital muscles. Although not true structural components of the

superficial back line, the rectus capitis posterior and obliquus capitis muscles are consideredintegral functional parts of the superficial back line.


7/37

The erector spinae attach at the base of the occipital bone at the superior nuchal line. Herethe superficial back line continues via the galea aponeurotica. The galea aponeurotica (scalpfascia) is a tough layer of dense fibrous tissue which covers the upper part ofthe cranium(skull); in the back, it is attached to the occipitalis muscle, to the externaloccipital protuberance and highest nuchal lines of the occipital bone; in the front, it forms ashort and narrow prolongation between its union with the frontalis muscle, which goes on toattach to the brow-line on the frontal bone.

This completes the myofascial anatomy of the Superficial Back Line. Below is a visualsummary.


8/37

Superficial Back Line

Yoga Applications

From an applied functional perspective, the superficial back line actively holds the body in anerect position when standing. In strengthening backbend postures like salabhasana (locust

pose), the superficial back line is activated anti-gravity and strengthened. To see a graphicanimated display of this yoga pose click on thislink: http://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.html (then click on salabhasana tab) Canyou identify the key muscles of the superficial back line?

In forward bending postures, like uttanasana(standing forward bend), the superficial backline is stretched. To see a graphic animated display of Uttanasana, click on this link and thenclick the uttanasana tab.http://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.html(click on theuttanasana tab)

Massage Applications

In massage, I often spend considerable time using myofascial release techniques to releasethe erector spinae, including the lumbosacral fascia. This is an exellent place to beginlengthening work on the superficial back line (SBL). Particularly the lumbar erector spinaeand lumbosacral fascia are often restricted and cause compression on the lumbar vertebrae.

The cervical erector spinae are also an important access point for the SBL. Often there istension in these muscles that can be released by inferior to superior stripping finger glidesand OA release techniques. The hamstrings, gastrocnemius muscles and plantar fascia often
http://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.html


9/37

respond to functional releases, which stretch the tissue in a more active way. Many of mypatients suffer fromplantar fasciitis, inflammation of the plantar fascia. To learn more aboutthis condition, you can check out another course on this website,Research-Based Massagefor Plantar Fasciitis

The Superficial Front Line

The next myofascial meridian that we will examine is the Superficial Front Line (SFL). TheSuperficial Front Line functionally balances the Superficial Back Line in the sagittal (anterior-posterior) plane. As we saw earlier, the SBL acts to contract the back of the body and thenstretches during forward bends. The SFL, antagonistic to this, acts to contract the front ofthe body and then stretches during backbending activities.The SFL begins on the dorsal surface of the toes through the short and long toe extensormuscles. This includes the anterior crural compartmentand the anterior tibialismuscle. Theboney station that the meridian attaches to is the tibial tuberosity.
http://healingartsce.com/lmtfasciitis.htmlhttp://healingartsce.com/lmtfasciitis.htmlhttp://healingartsce.com/lmtfasciitis.htmlhttp://healingartsce.com/lmtfasciitis.htmlhttp://healingartsce.com/lmtfasciitis.htmlhttp://healingartsce.com/lmtfasciitis.html


10/37

Extensor Digitorum Longus (bright red) and Tiabilis Anterior

From the tibial tuberosity superiorly the SFL follows thepatellar ligament to thepatella (kneecap) and upward to thepatellar tendon, which is the insertion point ofthe quadriceps tendon.


11/37

Patellar Ligament, Patella and Quadriceps Tendon

The quadriceps consists of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and vastus

intermedius. All of these muscles insert on the patellar tendon. The vastus lateralis, vastusmedialis and vastus intermediusall originate on the femur bone. The rectusfemoris originates on the pelvis.


12/37


13/37

At this point, the Superficial Front Line attaches on the Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine (AIIS),which is the origin of the rectus femoris.This is just below the Anterior Superior Iliac Spine(ASIS). It is here that the SFL takes up a new origin point as it continues upward on thepubic tubercle. Since the bones of the pelvis are fused, this new origin is structurallyconnected to the ileum and therefore has myofascial continuity. The continuation of the SFLnow follows the rectus abdominis muscle on either side of the mid-sagittal line. Thelineaalba offers a mid-sagittal connection for the two halves of the rectus abdominis.

The rectus abdominis muscle attaches from the pubic tubercle to the 5th rib bilaterally. Now,the SFL continues up the sternum via the sternochondral fascia and continues from the origin

point of thesternocleidomastoid muscle on the sternum up to the insertion point onthe mastoid process of thetemporal bone.


14/37

Sternocleidomastoid Muscle (Origin: Sternum & Clavicle; Insertion: MastoidProcess)

This concludes the run of the Superficial Front Line myofascial meridian. It is worthy to notethat scalp fascia wraps around the backside of the head connecting the twosternocleidomastoid muscles. Below is a visual summary of the SFL:


15/37

Superficial Front Line

Yoga Applications

The Superficial Front Line acts to contract the front of the body. A perfect example of thisis navasana or boat pose. In this pose the entire SFL is anti-gravity. Follow this linkBandhaYogaand click on Navasana.

The Superficial Front Line stretches in backbends and one of the quintessential backbendsis Ustrasana or Camel Pose. Follow this linkBandha Yogaand Click on Ustrasana.Noticehow the SFL is being lengthened in this pose.


In massage, key muscles involved in releasing the SFL are rectus femoris, especially justbelow the origin at the AIIS. This opens the front of the hip and helps to reduce anterior

pelvic tilt, which aids in reducing lumbar lordosis. The sternocleidomastoid muscles areimportant to release forward-head posture. The sternocleidomastoid wraps around the backof the skull and acts as a sling that pulls down and forward. Using a three-finger pincer
http://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.html


16/37

technique with light pinching and gliding with the client in supine works best. Combine thiswith chin-tuck and nod for optimum results!

The Lateral Line

As the name implies, the Lateral Line traverses the sides of the body. The Lateral Line beginsat the base of the 1st metatarsal at the insertion point of theperoneus longus muscle. Theperoneus longus assists in holding up the medial and lateral longitudinal arches.Theperoneus brevis inserts on the base of the fifth metatarsal and joins the line here.

Now, the peroneals travel up the outside of the lower leg and insert on the head of the fibula

bone.


17/37

The Lateral Line makes a short jump to the lateral tibial condyle via the anterior ligament ofthe head of the fibula. From there the Iliotibial Band (ITB) takes over and connects theLateral Line up the outside of the thigh to thegluteus maximus and tensor fascialata muscles.


18/37

The Lateral Line attaches via the Iliotibial Band, the Tensor Fascia Lata and Gluteus Maximusto the iliac crest. From here there is an interesting series of "basket weave" connections upthe outside of the torso. The first criss-cross comes in the form of theinternal and externalabdominal oblique muscles. The external obliques are back ribs to front of pelvis (as inplacing your hands in your front pockets) and the internal obliques are front ribs to back ofpelvis (as in placing your hands in your back pockets). The second criss-cross comes inbetween the ribs as theexternal intercostals (same fiber direction as the external obliques)and the internal intercostals (same fiber direction as the internal obliques).


19/37

Lateral Line criss-crosses up the side of the torso

At the top of the ribcage, the criss-cross pattern repeats once last time via the splenius

capitus muscle and the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM). The SCM originates on thesternum and inserts on the mastoid process of the temporal bone (following the fiberdirection of the external intercostals). The splenius capitus originates on the spinousprocesses of the thoracic and cervical vertebrae and inserts on the lateral border of theoccipital bone and posterior border of the temporal bone (following the fiber direction of theinternal intercostals).

This concludes the path of the Lateral Line myofascial meridian. A visual summary isprovided below:


20/37

The Lateral Line

Yoga Applications

The lateral line is activated in strengthening sidebends like ardha chandrasana (half-moonpose). Click this link to see this yoga poseBandha YogaThen click on ardha chandrasana

The lateral line is stretched in lengthening sidebends like utthita parsvakonasana (extendedside-angle pose). Click this link to see this poseBandha YogaThen click on utthitaparsvakonasana

http://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.html


21/37

The lateral line is most often accessed at the tensor fascia lata and iliotibial band to releaselateral hip and thigh tension, especially in runners. The myofascia can be released with fist,forearm or knuckle deep glides superior to inferior. Another common access point is thesplenius capitus, as this muscle is often implicated in the posterior neck tension. Deep thumband finger glides inferior to superior work well with the client in prone or supine. Lastly, theSCM is a common place for trigger points and asymmetrical anterior neck tension. Aspreviously eluded to, the SCM is notorious in pulling the head down and forward. Threefinger pincer pressure and gliding is indicated here.

The Spiral Line

The Spiral Line myofascial meridian is somewhat more complicated than the lines we havealready examined. It forms distinct spirals of deep myofascial connections looping around thelegs and torso.

The first part of the Spiral Line that we will look at is a spiral loop that starts at the anteriorsuperior iliac spine(ASIS) and follows the tensor fascia lata muscle and iliotibial band downthe side of the thigh connecting to theanterior tibialis muscle just below the lateral knee andfollowing the tibialis anterior to its insertion on the base of the 1st metatarsal. If you

remember from the Lateral Line, theperoneus longus tendon also inserts here and now theSpiral line continues up the peroneus longus muscle to the insertion of the bicepsfemoris muscle, which is the lateral hamstring muscle that attaches on the head of thefibula. From here, the Spiral Line follows the biceps femoris to its origin on the ischialtuberosity (sitting bone). This "myofascial loop" gives structural evidence of the connectionbetween pelvic tilt and the arch of the foot. In other words, if the arch of the foot is collapsedthen this can be related to anterior pelvic tilt. This is functionally very significant.

The Spiral Line continues into the torso where the lower portion left off. It continues from theASIS on the anterior pelvis and traverses the front of the abdomen via the internalabdominal oblique on one side of the body and crosses over to the external abdominal

oblique on the other side of the body. This follows the functional connection of contra-lateralobliques during twists of the torso. The spiral continues around the side ribs via theserratusanterior muscle.


22/37

Now, the Spiral Line continues around the back as the serratus anterior connects through thescapula to the ipsilateral rhomboids and then across the spine to the contralateral spleniuscapitus and splenius cervicis.

The final connection of the Spiral Line in the torso is from the occipital ridge (where thesplenius capitus attaches) down the erector spinae, through the lumbosacral fascia, acrossthe sacrum and sacrotuberous ligament and back to theischial tuberosity (sitting bone). Sothere are essentially two spiral loops...one from the ASIS around the foot and back to theipsilateral sitting bone and another from the ASIS across the torso contralaterally, aroundthe upper back to the ipsilateral neck and down the back to the sitting bone. This is acomplex myofascial meridian and has functional implications. Below is a visual summary intwo parts:


23/37


24/37

The upper portion of Spiral Line is very complex in that it crosses the over the midline of the

torso. I have already introduced the functional implications of this myofascial meridian. Now,we will look at yoga and bodywork applications.

Yoga Applications

In yoga, the Spiral Line comes into play in twists of the torso and lifts of the arch. Asin utthita trikonasana(triangle pose), the torso is twisted and the arch lifts to support pelvicposition. Follow this link to look at triangle pose...Bandha YogaClick on trikonasana


In massage, the most practical application of releasing the Spiral Line is for balancingpostural asymmetries. One access point would be the TFL and ITB to release anterior andinferior forces pulling the pelvis into anterior rotation. Another access point would be
http://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.html


25/37

contralateral rhomboid to ipsilateral splenius capitus to release spiral tension across theupper back into the posterior neck. These myofacial release techniques need to be learned ina hands-on format to fully embrace the proper application.

Front Arm Lines

There are two Front Arm Lines (Superficial and Deep)

The Superficial Front Arm Line begins on the sternum, clavicle and ribs at the origin ofthepectoralis majormuscle. Although thelatissimus dorsi comes from the back of the body,it is a part of the Superficial Front Line due to its anatomical and functional relationship tothe pectoralis major. The latissimus dorsi inserts on the medial bicipital groove and alongwith the pectoralis major connect here to the medial intermuscular septumalongthe humerus. The intermuscular septum then is continuous with thecommon flexor

tendons that originate at the medial epicondyle of theulna. Finally, the Superficial Front ArmLine passes through the carpal tunnel and ends in the insertion into the palmar surface of thefingers.

The Deep Front Arm Line begins on the 3,4 and 5 ribs at origin of thepectoralis minor which

inserts on thecoracoid process of the scapula. From there, it is continuous with the shorthead of the biceps brachaii muscle all the way to its insertion on the radius and deep alongthe periosteum of the radius, across the scaphoid to the thenar eminence of the thumb.


26/37

Yoga Applications

In yoga, opening the chest and shoulders (heart openers) are key to releasing tension in theFront Arm Lines. This can be accomplished with any open-kinetic chain movements of thearms into horizontal abduction. Along with stretching the Front Arm Lines, strengthening theBack Arm Lines is important to functionally maintain the openess of the Front Arm Lines. Toaccomplish this, strengthening backbends like salabhasana (locust pose) with the palmsdown and arms lifting up and out can activate the arms to resist "rounded shoulder"

posturing. You can see a picture of salabhasana if you follow this link.Bandha Yogaclick onsalabhasanaNOTE: the arm position in this posture is in the classic palms upposition. To full access opening the Front Arm Lines, you would turn the palmsdown and lift the arms up and out.In the closed kinetic chain, adho mukhasvanasana(downward facing dog pose) elongates the Front Arm Lines. Follow thislinkBandha Yogaclick on adho mukha svanasana


In massage, the most important implication is for myofascial release of the Front Arm Linesfor decreasing tension associated with "rounded shoulder" and "forward head" postures. Byreleasing along the pectoralis major and underneath it, the pectoralis minor, the "down and

forward" myofascial pull can be reduced. I use a stool with a pillow on it to allow my client toopen their arm out to the side to release the Front Arm Lines.

Back Arm Lines

There are two Back Arms Lines (Superficial and Deep)

The Superficial Back Arm Line begins on the wide origin of the trapezius muscle, the nuchalline of the occipital bone, nuchal ligament (nuchal line to C7), and spinous processes of C7-T12. All of the fibers of the trapezius muscle converge on the spine of the scapula and thencontinue into the deltoidmuscle. The middle and lower trapezius fibers continue into the

posterior deltoid, the cervical trapezius fibers are continuous with the middle deltoid and theoccipital trapezius fibers continue into the anterior deltoid. The three heads of the deltoidconverge on the deltoid tubercle on the humerus. The Superficial Back Arm Line thencontinues along the lateral intermuscular septum to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.
http://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.html


27/37

From here the line melds into the common extensor origin and follows the wrist and handextensor muscles under the dorsal retinaculum and then on to insert on the carpals andphalanges.

Superficial Back Arm Line

The Deep Back Arm Line

The Deep Back Arm Line has two orgins. One begins at the origin of the rhomboids (C7-T5

spinous processes) and follows the rhomboids over to their insertion on the medial border ofthe scapula. From here the line continues on the fibers of the infraspinatus and teresminor muscles (two of the rotator cuff muscles). The second origin of the Deep Back ArmLine begins on the lateral occiput at the origin of the rectus capitus lateralisand continues tothe transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae. Now, the line continues down the fibers ofthe levator scapula to the superior angle of the scapula and melds intothe supraspinatus muscle in the supraspinous fossa of the scapula. The supraspinatus is

another rotator cuff muscle and it is here that the two origins converge on the head of thehumerus. The rotator cuff muscles keep the "ball" of the humerus in the "socket" of theglenoid fossa of the scapula. From here, the Deep Back Arm Line connects into the tricepsbrachiimuscle and down to the olecranon process of the ulna. The line continues along theperiosteum of the ulna to the hypothenar eminence.That concludes the Deep Back ArmLine...below is a visual summary.


28/37

Yoga Applications

The mobility of the shoulder joint and the shoulder girdle require a balance between theFront Arm Lines and the Back Arm Lines. The general tendency is for the Front Arm Lines tobe shortened and the Back Arm Lines to be lengthened. As this is often the case (due to thefunctional use of our arms), yoga postures would be good to open the chest and front of theshoulders and strengthen the upper back and back of the shoulders. Refer to the Front ArmLine section above.


In massage, tightness in the levator scapula is very common. Functionally, this can berelated to a stress-related "turtle" response and/or improper use of the lower trapezius inraising the arms. Either way, releasing the levator scapula is important in relaxing posteriorand lateral neck tightness. The rhomboids, while often tight, are usually "locked long" and inneed of shortening. So it is fine to work on trigger points in the rhomboids, but know thatyou will most likely have to release the Front Arms Lines to achieve a balance here.

The Deep Front Line

The Deep Front Line makes up our myofascial "axial core." This means that out of all themyofascial meridians, it is the deepest and has the function of maintaining our corealignment and core stability. Not to say that other muscles and structures are not alsoimportant in maintaining our core, but the Deep Front Line is a key component of all thingscore.

The Deep front Line begins on the sole of the foot with the distal phalanges and the flexordigitorum longus andflexor hallicus longus. Also a part of this origin is theposterior

tibialis, which has attachments to all of the metatarsal bases and most of the tarsal bones(ankle bones), except the talus. These tendons, together with the anterior tibialis andperoneus longus "stirrup", help to lift the arches of the foot.


29/37

The Deep Front Line continues along these tendons and muscles up the back of the leg,including thepopliteusmuscle behing the knee.


30/37

From the attachment of the popliteus on the medial condyle of the femur, the Deep FrontLine continues upward via the adductor muscle group. This group is comprised of

the adductor longus, adductor magnus, adductor brevis andpectineus. These muscles, alongwith the intermuscular septum, insert at the ischiopubic ramus of the pelvis.


31/37

From here the Adductor Group continues through the ischiopubic ramus to theobturatorfascia and unite with the pelvic floor, which consists of the levator ani muscles, and then onto the anterior sacral fascia. Another aspect of the Deep Front Line connect from the

pectineus to the Iliopsoas, which makes its way upward along the transverse processes viathe quadratus lumborum and the vertebral bodies via the psoas and anterior longitudinalligament.


32/37

The anterior sacral fascia unites witht the anterior logitudinal ligamenton the front of thelumbar vertebral bodies and then travels upward. The Deep Front Line now splits into three

portions, anterior to posterior. The anterior portion follows the respiratory diaphragmanteriorly and attaches to the back side of the sternum and upward to the hyoid muscles.The middle portion follows the crura of the respiratory diaphragm to the pericardium to thepharyngeal raphe and upward to the scaleni muscles. The third and deepest component ofthe Deep Front Line follows the anterior longitudinal ligament up the front of the spine all theway to the longus colli and longus capitus muscles.

The functional implications of this are vast. The involvement of the respiratory diaphragm as

an integral part of our core stabilization, and therefore our breath. This also eludes to thecore stabilizing function of the hyoid muscles, the core implications of our pharyngeal raphe(throat) and scalene muscles, and lastly the importance of the activation of the longus colli


33/37

and longus capitus in anterior neck stabilization. The Deep Front Line is not only complex,but is perhaps the most important myofascial networks in our body. The last important pieceis the connection of the pelvic floor to the pubic bone (via the pubococcygeus muscle) and onto the linea alba up to the umbilicus (navel). At the deepest level, this connection wrapsaround the entire abdomen via thetransversus abdominis muscle (the deepest of theabdominal muscles). This then completes the Deep Front Line's core connection through theentire body. Below is a visual summary:

Deep Front Line

Yoga Applications

The Deep Front Line is the "up" line in yoga. As in "lift the inner arches" ; "activate the innerthighs" ; "lift the pelvic floor" (mula bandha) ; "draw the navel in and up on the exhales"(uddyana bandha) ; "deep diaphragmatic breath" with "ujjayi pranayama" ; "scoop the chin


34/37

in and up" and "grow tall through the crown of the head." All of these cues are associatedwith axial core support and the Deep Front Line.


I usually associate the Deep Front Line with an active support system, so the only time I seemyofascial release as appropriate is in the case of overuse of some portion of the line. As inthe case of overuse of the adductor muscle group, which could use some release of tensionor perhaps overly tight psoas from too much sitting. It is important not to just randomly usemyofascial release techniques, but the techniques should be used specifically for specificreasons. This is why in-depth hands-on courses are the cornerstone of application of thisadvanced anatomy information.

The Functional Lines

These lines are more involved in functional movement and thus the name reflects this. Theyare seen as myofascial continuations of the Arm Lines.

The Front Functional Line begins with thepectoralis majorand its connection to the lowerribs, where it has myofascial continuity with the rectus abdominis to the pubic bone anddown via the contralateral adductor longus. This forms a functional line of mechanicalconnection during movement activities.


35/37

The Back Functional Line begins with the latissimus dorsi muscle and connects into the

lumbosacral fascia and crosses over to the gluteus maximus on the contralateral side. Theline continues into the iliotibial band andvastus lateralis muscle on the lateral thigh.


36/37

Yoga ApplicationsThe Front Funtional Line is considered active mainly in asymmetrical contraction of themover muscles on the front of the body, especially in sports-related activities like the tennisserve, pitching a baseball, etc. In yoga, we use the Front Functional Line symmetrically in acriss-cross fashio in navasana (boat pose). Follow this link to see navasana...BandhaYogaclick on navasana

The Back Functional Line is considered active mainly in asymmetrical contraction of themover muscles on the back of the body, especially in sports-related activities like the motionof making a layup in basketball. In yoga, the pose that activates the Back Functional Lineis virabhadrasana I (Warrior 1 pose). Follow this link to see virabhadrasana I...BandhaYogaclick on virabhadrasana I

http://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.htmlhttp://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.html


37/37

In massage, the most practical release for the Front Functional Line will be the pectoralismajor and contralateral adductor magnus in athletes or others who overuse these musclesand have myofascial tension, especially with asymmetrical activities like the tennis servewhere the dominant arm and contralateral leg will have the tension. Likewise, the BackFunctional Line can be released in people who perform a lot of asymmetrical activation of theback of the body. The main access points are the lumbosacral fascial attachment of thelatissimus dorsi and the iliotibial connection of the gluteus maximus into the lateral thigh(ITB) and vastus lateralis.

This concludes the Advanced Anatomy: Myofascial Meridians course. To receive a Certificateof Completion for Continuing Education documetation, simply click on "TAKE THE TEST" link,pass the short test with a score of 75% or better, and you will be able to pay on-line andautomatically receive your Certificate via email. You will be able to access the course contentduring the test.

advanced anatomy - myofascial meridians

Documents