Second part of a two part yoga sequence, focusing on opening up two lines of fascia in the body: the superficial back arm line and the deep back arm line :) See the following paragraph for a brief introduction to fascia to accompany the video practice: Fascia is like a honeycomb or matrix of connective tissue that surrounds our organs, bones and muscles, as well as anchoring these tissues to one another. The purpose of fascia is to help the body hold its form, keeping all the organs, bones and muscles in place. It also functions to distribute physical and emotional tension evenly throughout the entire body. The superficial back arm line extends from the base of the skull, down the length of the trapezius muscle, along the deltoids and the backs of the arms and hands. The deep back arm line extends from the lower cervical spine, to the upper thoracic spine, where the shoulder blades and rhomboid muscles sit. From the rhomboids, the deep back arm line includes the rotator cuffs and triceps, running through the elbow, along the outside of the little finger. Any dysfunction in either of these arm lines can lead to hand and or shoulder problems such as carpel tunnel and shoulder/elbow pain. Additionally, straining the elbow joint can affect the mid-back, and straining the shoulders can create neck pain and contribute to shallow breathing. These fascial lines are specialized for mobility in the shoulders and arms, as well as dexterity in the fingers and hands. When using yoga postures to engage these two fascial lines, it is valuable to note that opening up the shoulders will likely impact the neck, elbows and wrists, as well as the upper/mid-back. Furthermore, if one is suffering from elbow pain for example, strengthening the pinky fingers and opening the shoulders and triceps may prove useful, because of how the deep back arm line directly connects these areas of the body.

• published: 24 Jul 2013
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