WHAT TO EXPECT
Many people ask Human Garage what they’re supposed to feel while performing the fascial maneuvers. Sometimes the effects of these movements are surprising, and we get questions about whether physical and emotional responses are okay or “normal.”
Every body responds to the maneuvers in its own way, but there are a few common reactions that we have observed.
DURING
Sometimes people experience lightheadedness or increased heartrate while doing maneuvers. This is normal! If you feel unsteady or like you may pass out, please take a pause and allow your body to adjust before continuing. It may be necessary to sit down for a moment.
Other times, people feel and hear their bones and joints cracking as they naturally readjust. Some start sweating profusely, feel itchy, pass gas, burp, or begin to cry. There are a multitude of reactions the body may have as fluid and pressure are redistributed throughout the three zones of fascia.
Emotions are also being moved and released. Our fascia carries all of our feelings- from anger, to sadness, to euphoria. Emotion is magnetic, it’s density that can be stored or transmuted within our physical bodies. That’s why when we begin manipulating the fascia, opening it and removing blockages, our emotions begin to flow more strongly.
You may even experience an internal pinching or tearing sensation. When you feel this, it means that you’ve found an area where your fascia is especially rigid. This part of your body will need more attention and care. With regular effort to reopen the area, the tearing feeling will subside.
If you are experiencing pain in a spot that you weren’t before starting the maneuver, stay calm and continue to work on that area. Try more maneuvers that target that area before giving up- it’s the only way you will see progress and decrease pain.
AFTER
Most people who begin doing the maneuvers regularly become addicted to them because of how good they feel. Who wouldn’t want to feel more peaceful and regain their full range of mobility? Oftentimes people even report feeling “high” immediately afterwards.
This is because of the combination of increased blood flow and the release of feel-good hormones initiated by the movements.
Once you restart your body’s natural healing process through the fascial maneuvers, you may experience a detox. This could manifest in many ways. There have been people who have an intense emotional release. Others get sick for a few days, develop a rash, or have some other adverse symptoms crop up. These symptoms are always temporary and should be taken as a good sign that your body is expelling the toxins it has been holding on to.
The best way to integrate the changes your body will go through is to support the detoxification process by taking Epsom salt baths. Going for a long walk, around 30 minutes after each session, will allow your body to adjust quickly and relearn how to move the way it was intended.
ACCESSIBILITY ALTERATIONS
The fascial maneuvers can be performed sitting as well as standing. While only two of the three zones will be engaged, meaning the seated fascial maneuver will be less effective than standing, it’s still beneficial for the body to release tension in any capacity.
The maneuvers require reaching across-body, grasping, torqueing the wrists, and turning the head. Individuals with limited mobility may find that having someone to assist them getting into the proper positions is helpful. If you need more guidance on how to do seated maneuvers, please watch this YouTube video or reach out to Human Garage on our app or social media channels.
TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED
* To perform a spinal pelvic lock: draw your belly button back toward your spine and simultaneously pull up your sex organs (the sensation should be similar to “holding it” when you have to go to the bathroom.) Try to hold this throughout the movement. If you aren’t able to the entire time, that’s okay, just do your best!
* How to perform a staged breath: breathe in, hold it, breathe in some more, hold it, and then breathe in a little more. Hold the breath for a couple seconds and then exhale. Drawing in as much air as possible expands the body and increases internal pressure.
* When exhaling, don’t force it. Just let the air flow out naturally.
* If you feel lightheaded during or between movements, that’s okay! Pressure and fluid are moving throughout the body during maneuvers. Taking a walk will help those changes integrate more smoothly. If you feel like you’re going to pass out, take a pause and safely seat yourself until the feeling passes.
* While walking between movements, scan your body for changes. Do you feel lighter, heavier on one side, nauseous, energetic? Track the way your body responds!
* After a class or a personal session, go for a 30 minute walk.