Have you ever heard the word piezoelectricity? This is the phenomenon that describes how various materials discharge an electric response when mechanical forces are applied to them. May sound boring at first, but this is one of the main characteristics of the human body’s connective tissue, also known as fascia.
Every time we apply pressure to any body part, electrical impulses travel in and out of our system in response. Some body parts have more nerve endings than others and are therefore more sensitive, so our body’s reaction to a change in pressure in that area tends to be faster.
Swedish massage and acupuncture are great examples of different kinds of pressure that elicit electric responses (piezoelectricity) in the body for therapeutic effect. Let’s say a person has digestive issues. An acupuncturist will use needles (made of metal and known to be the best conductors of electricity) to help this person’s digestive system move and operate more efficiently. Depending on the person’s conditions, and the pressure, direction, movement and frequency of the practitioner’s needle, this connection will change the tissue’s charge (+/-) on that channel and will positively affect their whole system.
A relaxing massage can also affect the charge in a person’s tissues. By applying light to moderate pressure over bundles of fascia (or muscle groups), a massage therapist enhances the effects of the acupuncture treatment and the movement of Qi by increasing the body’s osmotic pressure, which moves our lymphatic system, our digestive system and more.
There are many ways to increase osmotic pressure in the body. Just like massage, modalities like self-myofascial release, stretching, movement, and exercise all increase osmotic pressure and have been scientifically proven to improve the balance and overall health of our tissues.
Here are a few tips for keeping your tissues happy and healthy:
- Plantar Massage: When waking up in the morning, get a lacrosse or golf ball and roll the bottom of your foot for 3 min (Plantar Fascia). This helps release lower back tightness and neck tension.
- Movement: A few times throughout the day, swing your legs and move your hips and arms in different directions for 3 min. This increases body temperature and coordination between limbs and prevents body achiness.
- Acupuncture: The holistic approach contained in the tip of a Licensed Acupuncturist’s needle can help fine tune your body to overcome emotional traumas, which are held in our myofascial lines and are intrinsically connected to our digestive system.
Now that you know how various types of pressure can benefit your body, look for a qualified licensed massage therapist or acupuncturist to help support your healing and wellness journey.
In the next article, as part of the BIG 4 Series, we will talk about PERVASIVENESS!
Fascia Super Powers “The Big 4” Piezoelectricity, Pervasiveness, Thixotropy & Viscoelasticity Article 1/6 – Piezoelectricity “SHAZAM”
