Life begins as an embryonic disc that folds into a tube-like, curved shape. Some of our earliest developments are the spine, nervous system, and gut— then we are surrounded by amniotic fluid, and the umbilical ring forms from fascia. This connects us to the placenta, which provides nutrients from our Mothers. Our stomachs are how we relate to our mothers. Attached by a cord at first and surrounded by fluid, we begin to feel our Mother’s experience of the world prenatally—early imprints. Birth, which can be traumatic (some are euphoric), is our first big transitional stage and boundary- it literally gives us space and air to breathe, with ground under our feet. Early formative experiences lay the foundation for my approach.

We orient to myofascial release (MFR) around the neck, spine, and sacrum, relaxing and stimulating the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS in the sacrum, or tailbone, innervates the pelvic floor, preparing it for craniosacral (CST) and fascial work later on. When the length of the spine is taken care of, I work outwards on the back with some deep tissue as well, addressing the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Then we turn face up.

We begin with the stomach, touching into the enteric nervous system (ENS). The CNS works with the ENS via the vagal nerve, so we already prime the stomach through some work with the spine. CST and MFR use gentle holds and tractions with the sacrum, lower abdomen, pelvic floor, and diaphragm. The lateral fascia in the lower abdomen and diaphragm form a circular web around the stomach. This is directly affected by boundaries in your closest relationships. The stomach and ENS, in conjunction with the pelvic floor, help you ground when things are relaxed, engaged, and aligned. Think of it as your connection to Earth (mother), with the organs of the abdomen as a sphere surrounded by circular fascia like the atmosphere. The rest of the body outside of the spine and stomach could be considered the PNS. I view this as space, cosmos. Fascia relaxes primarily with boundaries so that we can functionally ground through the stomach. Energetically and emotionally, things run mostly from head to heart and stomach/pelvic floor, where anything that’s stuck can dissipate. When fascia runs outside of the core, it helps organize structure as we find space (the ability to strive from a grounded place).

Typically, after the core, I move to the ribcage and jaw to ensure we have an uninhibited line of energy from mouth to pelvic floor, known as the nurturing canal. This is the interplay of the vagal nerve down the neck and wrapping the esophagus into the gut. It helps you process emotions. Working on the jaw, neck, and throat facilitates the suck, swallow, and breathe synchrony— SSB reflex. This is an early development in childhood where muscles and nerve chains help you feed and breathe but can be thwarted by birth trauma and seems to be the primary cause of neck pain for adults. An attachment issue occurs earlier than the introduction of family dynamics. Tension around the back of the skull and neck can inhibit the SSB and make eye contact (secure attachment/gaze) challenging. An unsafe home skews our ability to regulate and bring the SSB into sync, understand safety, or develop sensitivity to suffering. Ideally, the SSB and nurturing canal work in tandem so we embody the front of ourselves fully. You can view life challenges or transitions as bids for rebirth- where boundaries, space, ground, structure, and fluid reorganize so you can move and relax again with grace.