Fascial Movement for Bones and Joints

The Therapeutic Movement class above is an example of a recorded class from the Whole Health archive.

In this Somatic and Mindful Yoga practice, we explore how the quality of our movements, such as spiralling, pulsing, and rebounding, can support ease, flexibility and strength in our joints and connective tissues. The accompanying blog describes the story of the practice to highlight how we can meet our bodily selves with curiosity and ease, for structure and stability that foster strength without stress, exhaustion or injury.

We take a journey from the ground to standing that follows the evolution of our bodily growth and movement patterns. Along the way, with primal and functional movement, we also bring in simple actions like rubbing or squeezing the hands help bring awareness to the joints and periphery, where tension can easily build without us even noticing. These small gestures start to invite release and presence into the practice.

The practice complements the theme of Charlotte's Natural Health Webinar on Structure & Collagen Support (in the Whole Health archive) which discusses many ways to help keep the fabric of our fascial and connective tissue, bones, joints, skin, hair and nails healthy and responsive. See more there for the nutritional considerations to help meet the nourishment of intelligent, fluid and embodied movement. 

See some of the aspects included in the practice below for the mindful language and qualities we can bring to the body for vital health; rather than the more mechanical approach that can often separate us from the true nature of our movement patterns, expressions and mind-body connection. 

Supporting the Health of Bones and Joints through Therapeutic Movement

This session centres on supporting the health of bones and joints through gentle, therapeutic movement. The focus is not on pushing or achieving, but on exploring movement in a spiralling, pulsating, enquiring and rebounding way. These qualities of movement help free up restrictions around the joints, enhance range of motion, and release the tension often held in the fascia.

Beginning in Constructive Rest

We begin lying on the ground in constructive rest; where we can a neutral positioning of the psoas muscle (the one that joins our legs to our torso) and even release in this place we can hold so much tension. This position takes the weight off the joints, helping us to arrive, settle and feel the natural weight of the bones. Lying here, we start to become aware of subtle shifts in our body as we gently roll and shift our weight. Bringing the hands together, we rub or squeeze them - whatever feels right. This not only grounds us, but also begins to awaken the joints and bones of the fingers. These natural, instinctive movements help release tension, particularly in the fingers and wrists, where so much often accumulates (from contact with technology) and feeds into tightening of the diaphragm and restriction of breath.

Waking Up the Hands and Periphery

From the periphery of the body, attention begins to draw inward - to the diaphragm, to the spine. As we tune in, we may notice small releases elsewhere: perhaps in the jaw, the belly, or along the spine itself. These are gentle cues from the body, revealing where tension is softening and space is opening. This awareness is not to jump into habits of looking for 'what's wrong' and 'how to fix it', but rather an opportunity to offer space and compassion around parts of us that have been holding in self-protection. 

Rolling, Releasing and Meeting the Edge

We continue to roll, shift, and move through the body with care. Gravity becomes a guiding presence, supporting us in whatever position we find most easeful. Through this slow practice, we may begin to feel our edges - our skin as a point of containment between ourselves and the outer world. This awareness of our boundaries can help us relate to the outer world and others in ways that do not wear down our resources and allow us to feel kindness towards others. 

Returning to Centre

Throughout, we return often to centre. With one hand on the heart and one on the belly, we come into a place of stillness and neutrality. Not from outside ourselves, but from within. Here, we might begin to feel the pulsation of the breath, the quiet movement within the fascia, and the suspended support of the tissues holding our bones and joints.

The session closes by bringing the hands together in front of the heart. A gesture of compassion and presence. A moment to fully arrive, fully occupy the space we are in, and be with ourselves in the here and now.

You can access more of my pre-recorded Therapeutic Movement classes through my Whole Health platform.

You can learn more about the support we can give to our bodies to help keep our bones and joints healthy in the webinar about Structure & Collagen Support within the Whole Health membership.

Use coupon code WH100 at checkout to receive your first month free and receive access to this special programme as well as all the content included with Whole Health (coupon applies to new memberships only).