Fascia: The Body’s Bridge Between Trauma and Transformation
The subtle web that connects your body, mind, and spirit
If You’re New Here—A Little About Me:
Hi, I’m Seth. I’m a Multidimensional Coach with a Master’s of Science degree in Exercise Physiology specializing in Strength and Conditioning. Most of my peers work in elite athletic training facilities, hospitals, and human performance labs. I’ve coached Olympians, Hall of Famers, and billionaires. I’ve owned private training studios and a big ass gym. But I’ve always known that strength, wellbeing, and thriving transcend and include the body. So I’ve spent decades studying not just biomechanics, but somatics, esoteric anatomy, Tibetan Tantra, sexology, and interspiritual ministry driven to understand the connections between all dimensions of our lives from a commitment to excellence, longevity, and quality of life.
But here’s the problem: Most of this knowledge never reaches the people who need it most.
The fitness and wellness industries are flooded with misinformation, quick fixes, and training methods that actually hurt people. How we approach our bodies needs to evolve—to be more comprehensive, multidimensional, and trauma-informed.
Your body isn’t a machine, and it doesn’t need fixing.
Your body is a living, breathing, multidimensional system, and how you exercise should reflect that. At the end of this essay I offer a few options to go deeper with me, should you find them supportive.
OK, let’s get into it.
We’ve been taught to think of our bodies like machines—separate parts that either work smoothly or need fixing when they break. But your body isn’t a machine. It’s living, dynamic—a network of systems working together in harmony, growing, changing, and even holding onto the experiences you’ve been through.
At the center of this network is something called fascia. Fascia is a type of connective tissue that runs through your entire body. It wraps around and connects everything—your muscles, bones, nerves, and organs. It’s what holds your body together, but it also does much more than that. Fascia is alive and responsive, playing an essential role in how you move, how you heal, and even how you feel.
I first learned about fascia while earning my master’s degree in exercise science, through my studies in kinesiology and physiology. I understood it as connective tissue, essential for movement and structure. However, it wasn’t until I had a direct experience of somatic healing that I truly grasped the power of fascia and how it shapes every moment of our lived experience.
Years ago, during a breathwork session, I had an experience that changed how I saw my body. The facilitator guided me to take a deep, full breath, expanding my chest and stomach. As I breathed in, they placed two fingers gently on my solar plexus, just below my sternum. In that moment, something shifted. I felt a release deep inside me—a wave of crackles and tension melting away. It was like my body had been holding onto something for years, and it finally let go. After that, my breathing felt deeper, and my heart felt more open. Even now, I can feel how that moment changed how I live in my body.
Looking back, I understand that this release wasn’t just physical—it was emotional. It was my fascia letting go of tension it had been holding onto.
This moment taught me that fascia isn’t just tissue. It’s a key part of how we experience life and how we heal. And this is what I want to explore with you: how fascia connects modern science, healing practices, and ancient wisdom. It’s not just what holds your body together—it holds the keys to releasing trauma, restoring balance, and connecting you to something greater.
Want to See Fascia in Action?
For a deeper understanding of how fascia works and why movement is so important, watch Gil Hedley’s “The Fuzz Speech.” In this short video, Hedley demonstrates with cadavers how fascia behaves in real life and explains why moving your body daily is crucial for maintaining mobility, ease, and flow. It’s a fascinating, accessible look at the science behind fascia—one you won’t forget!
The Fascial Web
Fascia is a dynamic, living tissue that wraps every muscle, bone, organ, and nerve in a continuous web of support. It doesn’t just hold the body together; it facilitates communication between its systems. Recent research reveals that fascia is rich in sensory receptors, making it one of the body’s most significant sensory organs.¹
We often think of our senses as just the five we learned about as kids—sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. But our bodies actually have additional senses, like proprioception and interoception, that are just as vital. When we’re unaware of these senses, we lose a crucial connection to our body’s wisdom. Sensations that might hold important information about our needs or environment are often misinterpreted as emotional states like anxiety or restlessness.
• Proprioception is your body’s ability to sense its position and movement in space. It’s what allows you to walk without watching your feet or catch yourself if you trip.
Try this: Close your eyes for a moment and stretch one arm out to the side. Without looking, try to point your index finger to your nose. Notice the awareness your body has of where your arm is, even without seeing it. That’s proprioception in action.
• Interoception is your ability to perceive internal states—like hunger, thirst, your heartbeat, or the tightness in your chest when you’re stressed.
Try this: Take a slow, deep breath. Now, bring your awareness to your chest. Do you feel tightness or ease there? Shift your focus to your stomach—what do you notice? This simple act of tuning in can help you connect with what your body is telling you in real-time.
Together, proprioception and interoception help you navigate the world, regulate your emotions, and maintain a sense of physical and emotional balance.
Fascia also acts as a fluid transport system, forming part of what scientists call the interstitium—an organ-like network that moves water and electrolytes throughout the body.² All of this points to fascia’s role as more than structural—it is also a medium for information flow, much like the nervous system.But fascia’s importance extends beyond its physical properties. It connects us not just internally but also to larger systems. Like the mycelium networks that sustain forests—where roots and fungi share nutrients and signals—or the cosmic dance of celestial bodies in orbit, fascia mirrors these systems of interconnected balance. It serves as a reminder that we, too, are part of a greater ecological web.
Biotensegrity: The Tensional Integrity of Living Systems
If fascia reveals the body’s interconnectedness, biotensegrity shows us how it’s all held together. This revolutionary framework, first conceptualized by architect and systems theorist Buckminster Fuller, describes how stability emerges not from rigidity but from a dynamic balance of tension and compression.³
In the body, fascia provides continuous tension, while bones act as compression elements, creating a resilient, adaptable structure capable of movement, stress absorption, and healing.
Dr. Jean-Claude Guimberteau, a pioneer in fascia research, offers a compelling description of this dynamic network:
“Fascia is a tensional, continuous fibrillar network within the body, extending from the surface of the skin to the nucleus of the cell. This global network is mobile, adaptable, fractal, and irregular; it constitutes the basic structural architecture of the human body.”
This model mirrors patterns found in nature, where interdependence shapes all design. A spider’s web is a classic example: every strand contributes to the integrity of the whole, and even a single disruption alters the system. On a cosmic scale, galaxies maintain their form through similar principles of balance and interconnected tension.
Biotensegrity invites us to see our bodies not as static machines but as living, dynamic systems designed for adaptability and flow. It helps us understand how the same principles of balance and tension that sustain our bodies operate across every scale of life, from cells to galaxies. When we embrace this lens, we begin to see how the micro (our fascia) and the macro (the universe) reflect the same underlying truths of resilience and harmony.
Trauma: Fascia as the Body’s Archive
If biotensegrity shows us how the body maintains balance, fascia reveals where that balance has been disrupted. Trauma doesn’t just live in our memories; it lives in our bodies. Defined simply as any event, emotion, or experience not fully processed by the body, trauma often becomes “stuck” in the fascia. This stored tension creates patterns of discomfort, restriction, and imbalance that ripple through every dimension of life.
When trauma becomes ‘stuck’ in the fascia, it’s like a song that keeps playing on repeat. Our survival responses become so ingrained in us that we will often mistake them for our personality traits. This tension doesn’t just affect the body—it ripples into how we think, feel, and connect to others. It shapes the way we perceive the world, the people we love, and the potential for transformation, not only within ourselves but collectively.
A simple way to observe this is by recognizing the Red Light Reflex⁴—the body’s automatic protective mechanism, activated in response to perceived threats. You’ve likely felt it in action: the shoulders hunch forward, the chest collapses inward, and the head juts slightly forward as if bracing for impact. This posture is your body’s way of shielding itself from harm, a survival response deeply habituated in our nervous system.
No matter where you are in the world, this reflex is universal. If a firecracker suddenly goes off behind you, your body will instinctively contract into this braced posture, ready to protect itself.
Unfortunately, within our modern lives, the Red Light Reflex has become all too common. Constant shocks—whether from notifications, deadlines, or overstimulation—keep our nervous systems on high alert. The postures we adopt when using phones and computers reinforce this stance, creating rigidity in our fascia and undermining our ability to feel regulated, present, and responsive to the here and now.
In the animal kingdom, we see a powerful example of how the body instinctively resolves trauma. After a life-threatening encounter, animals will often shake, tremble, or engage in spontaneous movements to discharge the pent-up survival energy from their nervous systems. This allows them to return to a state of balance without storing the trauma in their bodies.
Humans, however, often interrupt this natural process. Cultural conditioning, overthinking, and the chronic stress of modern life keep us stuck in the protective tension of the Red Light Reflex. The fascia tightens, the nervous system stays on high alert, and the result is a body that feels rigid, fatigued, or disconnected—and a mind that mirrors these same patterns of tension and reactivity.
Healing starts with recognizing the wisdom of the body’s protective responses. They’ve done their job to keep us safe. But when these patterns are no longer needed, they can become barriers to ease and connection. Releasing them requires more than physical effort; it calls for a compassionate and intentional approach.
By working with fascia, we create space for the body to shift out of survival mode, allowing it to reset long-held patterns. This process isn’t just physical—it’s an opportunity for the mind to rewrite old narratives and for the nervous system to rediscover a sense of safety, calm, and flow.
The Subtle Energy Body: Bridging East and West
On a spiritual level, fascia can be seen as the physical medium for our connection to the greater web of life. Just as it integrates the physical body, it may also serve as a conduit for aligning the self with universal energy, grounding us in the present moment while opening us to the transcendent.
In the ancient teachings of yoga and Vajrayana Buddhism, the body is understood as an energetic system composed of nadis (channels) and chakras (energy centers) through which prana (life force) flows. In these traditions, yoga refers not just to physical postures but to a multidimensional system of practices designed to harmonize body, mind, and energy. These teachings describe the central channel as a pathway for connection between the physical and the transcendent—a vital thread linking the material body with consciousness itself.
Modern science offers a fascinating parallel. Fascia’s interconnected network and the central nervous system both serve as conduits for communication and flow, acting much like the nadis described in ancient texts. Recent research into fascia’s structured water suggests it may facilitate the transmission of energy and information at a cellular level, providing a physical framework for these energetic concepts.⁵
What’s more, emerging theories in quantum biology propose that the body’s smallest structures—like proteins and the water molecules within fascia—may play a role in consciousness. Quantum processes, such as entanglement or coherence, could allow for the instantaneous exchange of information across cells, tissues, and even the nervous system.⁶⁷ This suggests that fascia, with its fluid, responsive matrix, might contribute to the body’s ability to process and transmit signals that we perceive as awareness.
Could fascia be a critical link between frameworks found in Eastern wisdom and Western anatomy? Both perspectives remind us that the body is far more than a collection of parts—it is a dynamic, unified set of systems capable of profound transformation and connection.
Why This Matters: A Path to Multidimensional Alignment
Understanding fascia isn’t just an intellectual exercise—it’s an invitation to transform how we move, heal, and connect. Fascia is the thread that weaves together every dimension of our being. When we engage with this remarkable system intentionally, we open doors to profound healing and integration.
At the heart of this work is a simple yet transformative formula:
Breath + Touch + Awareness = Somatic Healing
Each element plays a unique and essential role:
• Breath: Conscious breathing calms the nervous system, increases oxygen flow, and promotes relaxation. It brings awareness to areas of tension and facilitates the release of stored emotions.
• Touch: Intentional touch, whether through self-massage or placing hands on the body, helps connect us to areas that need care and attention. For some, movement—like yoga, dancing, or subtle somatic exercises—or sound, such as singing or chanting, can be equally powerful ways to engage with fascia and the nervous system.
• Awareness: Tuning into bodily sensations, emotions, and thoughts with curiosity and purpose deepens the connection between mind and body. This intentional focus helps identify and process stored tension while creating trust in your body’s innate ability to heal.
This formula is radical in its simplicity. It reminds us that healing doesn’t always require complex tools or practices. Dancing, singing, or journaling—when approached with intention and presence—can all activate this formula, making somatic healing an accessible part of daily life.
By working with fascia, we can:
Release the trauma stored in our bodies, liberating patterns of tension and restriction.
Improve physical movement, flexibility, and resilience while reducing pain.
Build emotional balance and mental clarity by addressing the somatic roots of stress and overwhelm.
Deepen our connection to our subtle energy, aligning body, mind, and spirit.
This is multidimensional work. Fascia bridges the physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and even sexual dimensions of life. Consider how much tension, trauma, and “stuckness” people often hold in their pelvic floors—a part of the body so deeply connected to movement, breath, and emotional well-being. It reminds us that healing is not linear or compartmentalized but holistic and interconnected.
This is why I’ve committed myself to continuing my education in all of these areas—learning not only from what we know today but also staying open to the discoveries, connections, and dimensions we may uncover in the future.
When we tend to fascia—this living, responsive matrix—we aren’t just working on the body. We’re cultivating a relationship with our entire being, rediscovering the inherent wisdom within, and reconnecting with the profound interconnection that binds us to the greater web of life.
The Power of Awareness, Even at a Distance
One of the most remarkable aspects of working with fascia is that profound, lasting transformation doesn’t require physical touch from another, or even in-person presence. Some of the deepest breakthroughs I’ve experienced in my own somatic journey have happened while working remotely with clients and my own somatic therapist over Zoom. Being in the comfort of our own homes makes it easier to attune to our body’s signals and fully engage with the process.
In fact, working somatically in your own space can sometimes deepen the experience and support integration. When you’re in a familiar environment—whether it’s your couch, bed, or a cozy corner—you naturally feel more at ease. This safety is foundational for healing, especially when working with stored tension or trauma. Beyond comfort, the shifts and patterns you explore in these sessions are formed and therefore rooted within the very environment where you live your daily life. So rather than going out somewhere outside of your daily existence for healing to happen, you’re going in, both in your body and in your home. This helps the transformations deepen and last.
Nearly all of my clients work with me virtually, and the depth of change I witness in their relationship with their fascia, their self-image, their patterns, and their relationships never ceases to amaze me. This is not just about releasing physical tension; it’s about reconnecting with our bodies as intelligent, living systems; tuning into the messages that fascia is expressing; and unlocking spaces of stored trauma, emotion, and memory. The results are often life-changing.
This approach is centered on empowering you to turn your attention inward. As a practitioner, my role isn’t to “fix” you, because you aren’t broken and you aren’t a machine. My role is to support you in developing a deeper relationship with your body’s innate intelligence. Together, we focus on attuning to your interoception—the ability to sense and interpret the signals from within your body. By noticing areas of tension, breathing into them, and gently moving through them, you create the conditions for your fascia to release and recalibrate.
Your Body’s Living Network
So, to recap.
Your body is a living, dynamic network—a web that connects every muscle, bone, and organ, as well as your experiences, memories, and capacity for transformation. Fascia is more than tissue; it’s the continuum through which your body, mind, and spirit communicate and heal.
Trauma leaves its imprints in the body, but transformation begins here too. Fascia has the capacity to release what’s been held, creating space for healing and a deeper connection to yourself.
What might shift if you approached your body with curiosity? What if the tension, aches, or stuck patterns you feel aren’t signs of failure but invitations to explore and release?
Fascia reminds us that healing isn’t a one-time experience. It’s about aligning with the deeper rhythms of your body, unraveling old patterns, and rediscovering the ease, flow, and connection that are your birthright. This process is ongoing, and can be deepened every time we wake up and get out of bed.
Multidimensional thriving isn’t about fixing what feels broken—it’s about reclaiming your relationship with yourself and with life. When you listen to your body and tend to the web of fascia, you’re not just releasing tension or easing pain; you’re opening a doorway to transformation.
Your body already holds the wisdom.
Are you ready to listen?
Bringing This Into Practice: Steady Strength + A Free Workshop Invitation
If you’ve read this far, you now have a deeper understanding of how fascia, trauma, and the nervous system shape the way we move, heal, and experience life. But this isn’t just theory—it’s something you can apply right now to transform the way you train, move, and live.
That’s why I want to invite you to two opportunities to go deeper:
Steady Strength
If you’re ready to apply these principles in a structured, sustainable way, I invite you into Steady Strength—a multidimensional approach to movement that integrates nervous system regulation, fascia, and strength training into a cohesive, adaptable practice.
This isn’t just about getting stronger—it’s about moving smarter, deeper, and with more awareness.
Two Pathways:
Self-Guided: A full-year of access, designed for those who want structure and science-backed guidance to train at their own pace.
Mentorship: A high-touch, fully supported path with personalized movement coaching, direct mentorship, customized plans and meditations, and deeper integration of nervous system and fascia work.
This beta program is only available at this price while I am developing the program and you’ll receive unparalleled support as we shape this approach together. Whether you’re new to training, recovering strength after a challenging season of life, or a seasoned professional, this program is designed to meet you where you are and help you build deep, sustainable strength—physically, mentally, and energetically.
Your body is a living system. When you stop fighting against it and start training in alignment with it, everything changes.
I’d love to support you in this journey.
🖖✨🐌,
Seth!
References:
Wilke, J., & Krause, F. (2022). Innervation of human superficial fascia. This study highlights the significant innervation of the superficial fascia, suggesting its substantial role in sensory perception, including proprioception and pain. Read more here.
Benias, P. C., et al. (2018). Structure and Distribution of an Unrecognized Interstitium in Human Tissues. Scientific Reports. Read more here.
de Solórzano, S. L. (2021). Everything Moves: How Biotensegrity Informs Human Movement. This comprehensive exploration introduces biotensegrity as a revolutionary framework for understanding human anatomy and movement, emphasizing the dynamic balance of tension and compression in the body. Available here.
Hanna, Thomas. Somatics: Reawakening the Mind’s Control of Movement, Flexibility, and Health. Da Capo Press, 1988. Available here.
Pollack, G. H. (2013). The Fourth Phase of Water: A Role in Fascia? This article discusses how radiant energy can convert bulk water into an ordered, liquid crystalline state within fascia, suggesting a mechanism for energy transmission in the body. Read more here.
Quantum Entanglement in Neurons May Actually Explain Consciousness. This piece explores the possibility that quantum entanglement within neuronal structures, such as microtubules, could be fundamental to consciousness, indicating a quantum basis for cognitive processes. Read more here.
The Quantum Biology of Consciousness and Visual Perception. This scholarly article examines how quantum processes, including entanglement and coherence, might operate within biological systems, particularly in relation to consciousness and perception.Read more here.
Seth, this isn’t just education: it’s an initiation into deeper embodiment. 🔥
We talk about releasing trauma, but rarely do we acknowledge where it actually lives. Not in the past, not in the mind alone, but in the web of the body.
When I studied shiatsu, fascial work was the core of everything. Every tension, every story, every unprocessed experience - it’s all there, woven into the body’s fabric. The idea that fascial tension isn’t just tightness but a held survival story: that shifts everything.
What you’re sharing here isn’t just knowledge; it’s a permission slip to move differently, to listen differently, to heal differently.
Damn good work.
Love this bro! First place I have seen articulate the power of the fascia at this level!
I watched the fuzz video in my YTT a few years back and more recently started to understand much more in relation to healing.
My co-facilitator on my retreats describes it the internet of the body. The same way the internet of the world creates the matrixes we exist in, the internet of the body creates our own matrix we exist in.
Super important with the rise of nervous system repatterning becoming mainstreamed that we don't forget the fascia - its fascia-nating stuff!