How Fascia Decompression Benefits Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome is a condition that includes several risk factors for cardiovascular disease. These include obesity, high blood pressure, high blood triglycerides, low levels of HDL cholesterol, and insulin resistance which leads to Type 2 Diabetes. Improving diet and adding exercise is the recommended course to manage or reverse this condition, but is that the only solution, and is traditional exercise even accessible to those that have aches and pains riddled throughout the body?

I recently watched a video where they mentioned they have now found a different explanation for Type 2 Diabetes. The pancreas, which resides in the center of the abdomen just below the diaphragm, has a cluster of cells called the Islets of Langerhans. This is where insulin is created to manage blood sugar. In the video, they mentioned that they have found for those with this condition that there is a sticky film covering the pancreas, stopping the ability for the insulin to be released. This rings true to me as the fascia, which connects every cell in the body, is burdened from this toxic world we live in, and unless the body is working efficiently to remove waste, it builds up.

When discussing blood sugar, as with everything, there is a range that is a healthy amount. When you eat and begin to break down food, blood sugar levels spike. Insulin is released into the bloodstream to keep the sugars in balance so the fuel can be efficiently utilized and not cause damage, which will happen if your blood sugar is too high. A well-functioning pancreas is needed for this to be the case.

If someone has Type 2 Diabetes, it has been believed that the pancreas isn’t functioning properly – that it is unable to produce the needed amount of insulin, and this makes sense. If you eat a healthy diet, then the pancreas can keep up, manufacturing enough insulin to balance the sugars present in the blood. However, if you have an unhealthy diet of too many carbohydrates, then the pancreas is working on overdrive to keep up, eventually exhausting. This is when medication is offered to manage high blood sugar.

However, in this explanation of this sticky film, this adds a different perspective and understanding of what needs to happen to support change, and I agree that this is at least part of the issue from the perspective of fascia and compression that occurs from incorrect breathing and unconscious posture.

When the diaphragm is doing its job and we are active participants, rather than passive participants in how we breathe, this plate of muscle moves up and down in the core. As mentioned, the pancreas resides just below it so proper breathing gives the pancreas a continual massage. This creates heat/energy and allows the body to efficiently melt fats (that sticky film), as well move the waste effectively out of the body. Combining this with the understanding of how to support proper postural foundations, space is maintained in and between the cells, allowing for a smooth passage and ease of elimination of that which doesn’t serve a healthy body.

When the diaphragm is weak and the breath is largely coming from the upper chest, the weight of the ribcage and everything above crashes down into the core space as the foundation, the diaphragm, can’t support the weight. The combination of the crushing pressure, combined with the lack of movement of this muscle, creates a perfect storm. Not only is the pancreas getting squished, it is also becoming colder causing the fats in the area to be solid rather than liquid. The toxins get trapped in the fats and then create this sticky film, and not only on the pancreas, but everywhere. The fascia in general in this scenario is ladled with waste and debris, adding insult to injury to an already inefficient flow.

The great news is that by focusing on proper breathing, and particularly the exhalation phase of the breath, you begin to heat the body, melt and mobilize the fats, and move the waste to create space for health. It can be overwhelming if your body has been challenged for years to know where to start, but this is it – start with understanding how important proper breathing is and take the steps to make this muscle a focus in your everyday life. We make it simple with our process of fascia decompression, and day after day with practice change will take place.

One step at a time, in time, creates a far distance traveled. Begin now and notice the change that tomorrow brings. This earth suit of ours is worth the effort, as it will only bring joy, health and longevity to your journey.

Learn more in this week's episode of The Fascia Masters below.