11/27/2024
Emotional intelligence and its relationship with fascia: a link between mind and body
Emotional intelligence, the ability to perceive, understand, express and regulate one's emotions, plays a central role in our psychological well-being. But what science is exploring more and more today is how our emotions are not only housed in our minds, but also deeply rooted in our bodies, particularly in an unknown but fundamental network: the fascia.
The fascia: bodily memory and emotional mediator
The fascia is a three-dimensional web of connective tissue that envelops and connects every organ, muscle, bone and nerve. While long perceived as a purely mechanical structure, recent research reveals its crucial role as a mediator between body and mind.
The fascia contains an abundance of nerve terminals and sensory receptors that communicate directly with the central nervous system. It is not only sensitive to mechanical stimulus (such as pressure or tension), but also to neurochemical signals related to emotions. During stress or emotional trauma, the body produces hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which directly influence the tension state of the fascia, making it stiff or contracted. This process explains why intense emotions, such as fear or sadness, often manifest through body pain, muscle tension, or a closed posture.
Trapped emotions in the fascia
Untold or suppressed emotions can literally take place in our bodies. Neuroscience and somatic therapies show that fascia acts as a “body memory” that records physical and emotional trauma. This facial memory can lead to restrictions in the body, disrupting not only physical mobility but also our emotional well-being.
Thus, a person who has experienced a traumatic event may develop chronic pain or unexplained tension in certain areas of the body, such as the shoulders or pelvis. These tensions aren't just mechanical; they're often a reflection of a ripped emotion that continues to resonate in the fascia.
Emotional intelligence: a bridge to fascist liberation
Emotional intelligence plays a key role in resolving these bodily tensions. By developing an awareness of our emotions, by learning to recognize and express them, we can indirectly influence the state of our fascia. For example, practices such as meditation, mindful breathing, or body therapy can help relax the nervous and fascial systems, releasing built-up tension.
Myofascialogy: An Integrative Approach
Myofascial Myofascialogy embodies this union between emotional intelligence and bodily relaxation. Working on the fascias to release them from their restrictions, it also works on the emotional level. When a tense area is loosened, it's not uncommon for buried memories or emotions to resurface. This underlines how fascia is the silent witness to our emotional history.
By integrating an approach that takes the patient's emotional state into account, Myofascialology becomes a powerful tool to not only restore physical mobility and balance, but also promote better emotional regulation.
Conclusion: a dialogue between body and mind
The link between emotional intelligence and fascia is a reminder that we are holistic beings, where body and mind become one. Unexpressed emotions are embedded in our tissues, but they can also be released through greater understanding of oneself and adapted therapeutic practices.
Thus, by cultivating our emotional intelligence and caring for our fascia, we establish a soothing dialogue between our mind and body, strengthening our resilience, well-being, and ability to live fully.
Jean Francois Brabant
