UNDERSTANDING SOFT TISSUES

I am no scientist. I do not hold a degree in any medical discipline. I’m an artist by nature, and so when I found myself catastrophically injured with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive strain injuries, I needed a crash course in understanding soft tissues. For me, the most eloquent writing on the subject came from nationally certified bodyworker Deane Juhan in his book Job's Body. Thankfully, Juhan continues to write on topics for massage therapists through a regular newsletter to which anyone can subscribe. An article in a recent issue titled Web of Structure, Web of Chi focused on the intelligence of connective tissue. Juhan describes how collagen forms a web like structure throughout the soft tissues to form a living matrix. Recent research reveals that this living matrix actually has semi-conducting properties—proving the existence of ancient Chinese medicine's Chi. Juhan describes how Chi forms an electromagnetic energy field in the body that is used to send information. It acts like an intricate antenna, a precursor to our neurological system. From reading Juhan's work, it is easy to understand how nerves, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons are all equally important when it comes to successfully treating a repetitive strain injury. Enjoy the read! @JillGambaro +DeaneJuhan,