Anatomy Trains

Anatomy Trains
Myofascial Meridians
Instructed by James Earls
WWW.ANATOMYTRAINS.COM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TIMELINE OF STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION AND ANATOMY TRAINS / WHAT ARE THE
FORCES THAT SHAPE US? / LAYERS OF MYOFASCIA ............................................................1
RULES OF THE GAME / ANATOMY TRAINS IS NOT / ANATOMY TRAINS IS .....................2
TENSEGRITY / FASCIAL TENSEGRITY IS EVOKED WHEN TISSUES ENGAGE / FASCIAL
TENSEGRITY ALLOWS ...................................................................................................................3
TYPES OF FASCIA / MYOFASCIA / FASCIA IS: ..........................................................................4
THREE SYSTEMS/THREE TUBULAR NETWORKS / PAIN AREAS ..........................................5
ANATOMY TRAINS: SUPERFICIAL BACK LINE ........................................................................6
TRACKS AND STATIONS............................................................................................................7
FASCIAL RELEASE TECHNIQUES (FRT) .................................................................................8
ANATOMY TRAINS: SUPERFICIAL FRONT LINE ....................................................................10
TRACKS AND STATIONS..........................................................................................................11
FASCIAL RELEASE TECHNIQUES (FRT) ...............................................................................12
ANATOMY TRAINS: LATERAL LINE .........................................................................................14
ANATOMY TRAINS: SPIRAL LINE..............................................................................................18
ANATOMY TRAINS: FUNCTIONAL LINES................................................................................22
ANATOMY TRAINS: THE ARM LINES .......................................................................................26
ANATOMY TRAINS: THE DEEP FRONT LINE...........................................................................31
ANATOMY TRAINS: BODYREADING BASICS .........................................................................37
TERMINOLOGY ..........................................................................................................................37
KINESIS BODYREADING FORM..................................................................................................38
BODYREADING 101TM RED FLAGS.............................................................................................39
FASCIAL RELEASE TECHNIQUE.................................................................................................41
ANATOMY TRAINS PRINCIPLES AND APPLICATION ...........................................................45
PRINCIPLES OF USE ..................................................................................................................45
PRINCIPLES FOR APPLICATION .............................................................................................45
FASCIAL AND MYOFASCIAL MANIPULATION...................................................................46
ANATOMY TRAINS REFERENCE MATERIAL ..........................................................................47
GLOSSARY...................................................................................................................................47
KINESIS COURSE OFFERINGS.....................................................................................................48
KINESIS UK COURSES...............................................................................................................48
KMI TRAINING............................................................................................................................49
ANATOMY TRAINS ESSENTIALS ...............................................................................................50
READING/REFERENCES ...........................................................................................................50
FACULTY .....................................................................................................................................51
Copyright Kinesis UK
Table of Contents 1
A Timeline of Structural Integration and Anatomy Trains
Dr. Andrew Taylor Still

Discovered O steopathy
Dr. Ida P. Rolf

Structural Integration Founder
Tom Myers
Anatomy Trains / KMI Founder
Fredrik Mathias Alexander

Alexander Method Founder
Dr. Milton Trager
Trager Technique Founder
Dr. Daniel David Palmer

Chiropractic Founder
Buckminster Fuller
A Futurist and a World Healer
Moshe Feldenkrais
Feldenkrais Technique Founder
1872
1895
1932
1940
1955
1988
www.anatomytrains.co.uk
What are the forces that shape us ?
Our environment
Movement behaviors
Genetics
Hydrodynamics
Structural adaptation
Layers of Myofascia
Dermis
(Skin backing)
Periosteum
Septum
Epimysium
Superficial Fascia
Deep investing layer
Areolar / Adipose
Rules (Guidelines)
of the Game
Follow the grain or line of pull
Note the Stations (boney attachments) - no
changes in depth or direction
Note any tracks that converge or diverge
Look for underlying single joint muscles
(Expresses vs Locals)
Anatomy Trains is NOT

A comprehensive theory of manipulative
therapy
A comprehensive theory of muscle actions or
movement
The only way to parse the body
Anatomy trains IS
An excellent way to see & explain postural
compensations
An exploration & explanation of one structure
affecting a distant structure
Tensegrity:
Continuous tension members and
discontinuous compression members
operating with maximum efficiency.
--- Buckminster Fuller
Fascial Tensegrity
is evoked when tissues engage;
Along the ideal
vector of pull
Along the lines
with an even
tone
In a coordinated
manner
Fascial Tensegrity allows;

Maximized stability and mobility
Minimized joint compression
The feeling of lightness and ease (poise)
Types of Fascia
Adipose - highly vascular, found around
organs & subcutaneous
Areolar - loose network found between
structures seen in Guimberteau
Dense Connective Tissue

Irregular - dermis, periosteum, cartilage etc.
Regular - tendons, aponeurosis, ligaments
Myofascia
Consists of:
fibrous elements (tropocollagen,
collagen, elastin & reticulin) which
transmit force
ground substance (glycosaminoglycans,
mucopolysaccharides) which carry &
transmit chemistry & provides the viscoelasticity in the tissue (hyaluronic acid)
Fascia is:
The tissue of shape, support & organisation

Protective - mechanically & chemically
Visco-elastic
An adaptive matrix - self-monitoring
A tension distributor
Communicating - contacts every cell
Three Systems / Three Tubular Networks:

Reflect our whole shape
System Type
Neural
Vascular
Fibrous
Corresponds via
Electrical Codes
Chemical Signals
Mechanical Forces
Reaction Time
Milliseconds
Minutes / Hours
Days / Weeks
Centered In
Head / Brain
Chest / Heart
Pelvis / Gravity Ctr.
Governs
Thoughts/ Memory
Emotions
Beliefs / Movements
Governed By
Time
Matter
Space
Characteristics
Communicates
Sustains
Suspends
www.anatomytrains.co.uk
PAIN AREAS
PAIN
AREAS
AWARENESS
AVAILABILITY
MOVEABILITY
AWARENESS OF PAIN
ONE
EASILY AVAILABLE
MOVABLE
NONE
TWO
NOT SO EASILY
AVAILABLE
MOVES IF
CHALLENGED
CHRONIC
THREE
NOT AVAILABLE
NO MOVEMENT
AT ALL
DORMANT
SOMATIC AMNESIA
Where you think it is it aint!

---Ida P. Rolf
ANATOMY TRAINS: SUPERFICIAL BACK LINE
TRACKS AND STATIONS

13. Frontal brow ridge
12. Galea aponeurotica / Scalp fascia
11. Occipital ridge
10. Erector spinae / sacro-lumbar fascia
9. Sacrum
8. Sacrotuberous ligament
7. Ischial tuberosity
6. Hamstrings
5. Condyles of femur
4. Gastrocnemius / Achilles tendon
3. Calcaneus
2. Plantar fascia and short toe flexors
1. Plantar surface of toe phalanges
Overview: See also Chapter 3 pg 61
The Superficial Back Line (SBL) connects the entire posterior surface of the body from the bottom
of the foot to the top of the head. Originally thought to be derailed at the knee, the recent dissections
have now shown it to be continuous (for more information see Anatomy Trains Revealed: Early
Dissective Evidence DVD).
Postural function:
The overall postural function of the SBL is to support the body in full extension, resisting the
tendency to curl over into flexion. This all-day postural function requires a higher proportion of
slow-twitch, endurance muscle fibers in the muscular portions of this myofascial band and extraheavy sheets and bands of fascia in the fascial portions.
The exception to the extension function comes at the knees, which are uniquely flexed to the rear by
the muscles of the SBL. In standing, the interlocked tendons of the SBL assist the cruciate
ligaments in maintaining the postural alignment between the tibia and femur.
Movement function:
With the exception of the flexion at the knees and plantarflexion at the ankle, the overall movement
function of the SBL is to create extension and hyperextension. In human development, the muscles
of the SBL lift the baby's head from embryological flexion, with progressive engagement and
reaching out through the eyes and the rest of the body, as the child achieves stability in each of the
developmental stages leading to upright standing, about one year after birth.
Because we are born in a flexed position, with our focus very much inward, the development of
strength, competence, and balance in the SBL is associated with the slow wave of maturity moving
from this primary flexion into a full and easily maintained extension.
FASCIAL RELEASE TECHNIQUES (FRT)
SBL
Fascial Region: Plantar Surface of the Foot Technique: Plantar Fascia
Intention:
lengthen / differentiate / shift
Client position: Supine Knees UP/ Feet Down Side Lying
Prone
Sitting
Hand Positions: Fingers
Elbow
Other
Knuckles or Soft Fist
Forearm
Practitioner Movements: Sitting at the clients feet, engage tissue / move tissue from
metatarsal base towards calcaneus
Client Movements: Dorsi flexion and plantar flexion / spread toes
Considerations: Assess foot to heel ratio - lengthen for a short heel
SBL
Fascial Region: Posterior Calf Technique: Gastrocnemius
Intention:
Prone
Sitting
Elbow
Other
Knuckles
Soft Fist or Forearm
Practitioner Movements: Standing to side of leg, use one or both fists or forearm to engage tissue
and glide from below knee to Achilles tendon
Client Movements: Dorsi flexion and plantar flexion
Considerations: Assess foot to heel ratio - lengthen for a short heel
SBL
Fascial Region:
Intention:
Technique:

Hand Positions:
Fingers Knuckles
Soft Fist
Forearm
Elbow
Prone
Sitting
Prone
Sitting
Other:
Practitioner movements:
Client Movement:
Considerations:
SBL
Fascial Region:
Intention:
Technique:

Hand Positions:
Fingers Knuckles
Soft Fist
Forearm
Elbow
Other:
Client Movement:
Considerations:
ANATOMY TRAINS: SUPERFICIAL FRONT LINE
10
TRACKS AND STATIONS

13.
12.
11.
10.
9.
8.
7.
6.
5.
4.
3.
2.
1.
Scalp fascia
Mastoid process
Sternocleidomastoid
Sternal manubrium
Sternalis / sterno-chondral fascia
5th rib
Rectus abdominis
Pubic tubercle
Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine
Rectus femoris / quadriceps
Patella
Sub-patellar tendon
Tibial tuberosity
Short and long toe extensors,
tibialis anterior, anterior crural compartment
Dorsal surface of toe phalanges
Overview: See also Chapter 4 Pg 93

The Superficial Front Line (SFL) connects the entire anterior surface of the body from the top of the
feet to the side of the skull in two pieces toes to pelvis and pelvis to head - which, when the hip is
extended as in standing, function as one continuous line of integrated myofascia.
Postural function:
The overall postural function of the SFL is to balance the Superficial Back Line (SBL), and to
provide tensile support from the top to lift those parts of the skeleton which extend forward of the
gravity line the rib cage, pubis, and face. Myofascia of the SFL also maintains the postural
extension of the knee. The muscles of the SFL stand ready to defend the soft and sensitive parts that
adorn the front surface of the human body, and the tensile strength of the SFL myofascia protects the
viscera of the ventral cavity.
Sagittal postural balance (A-P balance) is primarily maintained throughout the body by either the easy
or the tense relationship between these two lines. When the lines are considered as parts of fascial
planes, rather than as chains of contractile muscles, it is worth noting that in by far the majority of
cases, the SFL tends to shift down, and the SBL tends to shift up in response.
Movement function:
The overall movement function of the SFL is to create flexion of the trunk and hips, extension at the
knee, and dorsiflexion of the foot. The SFL performs a complex set of actions at the neck level, which
comes up for discussion below. The need to create sudden and strong flexion movements at the
various joints requires that the muscular portion of the SFL contain a higher proportion of fast-twitch
muscle fibers.
11
SFL
Fascial Region: Sternal and clavicular region / Technique: Fountain Head or the I move
Intention:

Knuckles
Soft Fist
Forearm
Prone
Elbow
Sitting
Other:
Practitioner Movements: engage tissue and move in an upward direction

Client Movements: breathing and specifically, lateral breathing with clavicular work
Considerations: personal space, particularily for women. / Working on sternum is sensitive
SFL
Fascial Region: Thigh Quadriceps / Technique: Quadriceps / Quadratus Femoris
Intention:

Knuckles
Soft Fist
Forearm
Prone
Elbow
Sitting
Palm
Other
Practitioner movements: Engage tissue and move towards AIIS. / Secondly, work into the pocket
between rectus femoris, TFL, and sartorius.
Client Movements: Knee flexion and extension. / The pelvic response to knee flexion is posterior
tilt. / With the pocket at the top of RF, the client movement is to reach heel off of the table.
Considerations: Watch the hinging of the pelvis in combination of with knee flexion and extension.
Encourage the pelvis to drop back with knee flexion.
12
SFL
Fascial Region:
Intention:
Technique:

Hand Positions:
Fingers Knuckles
Soft Fist
Forearm
Elbow
Prone
Sitting
Prone
Sitting
Other:
Client Movement:
Considerations:
SFL
Fascial Region:
Intention:
Technique:

Hand Positions:
Fingers Knuckles
Soft Fist
Forearm
Elbow
Other:
Client Movement:
Considerations:
13
ANATOMY TRAINS: LATERAL LINE
14
TRACKS AND STATIONS

18.
16, 17.
14, 15.
13.
11, 12.
9, 10.
8, 7.
6.
5.
4.
3.
2.
1.
Occipital ridge / Mastoid process

Splenius capitis / Sternocleidomastoid
1st and 2nd ribs
External and internal intercostals
Ribs
Lateral abdominal obliques
Iliac crest, ASIS, PSIS
Gluteus maximus / Gluteus Medius
Tensor fasciae latae
Iliotibial tract
Lateral tibial condyle
Anterior lig. of head of fibula
Fibular head
Peroneal muscles
lateral crural compartment
1st & 5th metatarsal bases

The Lateral Line (LL) traverses each side of the body from the medial and lateral mid-point of the
foot around the outside of the ankle and up the lateral aspect of the leg and thigh, and passing along
the trunk in a 'basket weave' pattern to the skull in the region of the ear.
Postural Function:
The LL functions posturally to balance the front and back, and bilaterally to balance the left and
right sides. The LL also mediates forces among the other superficial lines - the Superficial Front
Line, the Superficial Back Line, the Arm Lines, and the Spiral Line.
Movement Function:
The LL participates in creating a lateral bend in the body - lateral flexion of the trunk, abduction at
the hip, and eversion at the foot - but also functions as an adjustable 'brake' for lateral and rotational
movements of the trunk. It is primarily a stabilizer of the body in movement with each heel strike
adjustments are made along its length to maintain upright posture. This is particularly obvious at
the level of the hip muscles.
15
LL
Fascial Region: Side of Hip Technique: Hip Fan Release
Intention:
Client position: Supine
Knees Up
Side Lying
Knuckles
Soft Fist
Prone
Sitting
Forearm
Elbow
Other:
Practitioner Movements: Sit on table behind client & engage tissue of hip flexors then extensors
as they perform opposing movement along bolster
Client Movements: Hip flexion then extension
Considerations: Place a pillow under the leg to be worked / concentrate on shorter group
dependent on pelvic tilt pattern
LL
Fascial Region: Side Body / Obliques / Technique: lateral abdominal scoop
Intention: lengthen / differentiate / shift
Knuckles
Soft Fist
Forearm
Prone
Sitting
Elbow Palm Other
Practitioner Movements: Engage tissue, drop the elbows and using a scooping motion. Lift the
tissue and carry it up onto the ribs.
Client Movements: Breathing / anchoring the pelvis
Considerations: Create space between pelvis and 12th rib / be very mindful of the heads of
floating ribs.
16
LL
Fascial Region:
Intention:
Technique:

Hand Positions:
Fingers Knuckles
Soft Fist
Forearm
Elbow
Prone
Sitting
Prone
Sitting
Other:
Client Movement:
Considerations:
LL
Fascial Region:
Intention:
Technique:

Hand Positions:
Fingers Knuckles
Soft Fist
Forearm
Elbow
Other:
Client Movement:
Considerations:
17
ANATOMY TRAINS: SPIRAL LINE
18
TRACKS AND STATIONS

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
Occipital ridge, Mastoid process,

Atlas, axis TPs
Splenius capitis and cervicis
Lower cervical, upper thoracic SPs
Rhomboids major & minor
Medial border of scapula
Serratus anterior
Lateral ribs
External oblique
Abdominal aponeurosis,
Linea alba
Internal oblique
Iliac crest, ASIS
Tensor fasciae latae
Anterior edge of iliotibial tract
Lateral tibial condyle
Tibialis anterior
1st metatarsal base
Peroneus longus
Fibular head
Biceps femoris
Ischial tuberosity
Sacrotuberous ligament
Sacrum
Sacro-lumbar fascia, Erector spinae
Occipital ridge

The Spiral Line (SL) loops around the body in a helix, joining one side of the skull across the back
to the opposite shoulder, and then across the front to the same hip, knee, and foot arches, running up
the back of the body to rejoin the fascia on the skull.
Postural function
The SL wraps the body in a double-spiral that helps to maintain balance across all planes. The SL
connects the foot arches with the pelvic angle, and helps to determine knee-tracking in walking. In
imbalance, the SL participates in creating, compensating for, and maintaining twists, rotations, and
lateral shifts in the body. Much of the myofascia in the SL also participates in other meridians,
involving the SL in a multiplicity of functions.
Movement function
The overall movement function of the SL is to create and mediate spirals and rotations in the body.
19
SL
Fascial Region: Abdominal Obliques / Technique: Internal and External Obliques
Intention:

Knuckles
Soft Fist
Forearm
Prone
Elbow
Sitting
Other
Practitioner Movements: start with the internal oblique and aponeurosis, across the linea alba to
pick up the opposite external oblique, over the ribs to the other side
Client Movements: breathing
Considerations: work the short leg of the abdominal X / be mindful of the ribs
SL
Fascial Region: rhombo-serratus sling / Technique: Serratus Anterior
Knuckles
Soft Fist
Forearm
Prone
Elbow
Sitting
Palm Other
Practitioner Movements: engage tissue into the serratus anterior / lateral border of the scapula.
Bring the tissue around the rib cage
Client Movements: breathing and lifting the sternum on the inhalation
Considerations: the breathing and lifting also helps to shift and / or reinforce the up the front /
down the back relationship.
20
SL
Fascial Region: Lower Spiral Line / Technique: TA and fibularis sling
Intention:

Knuckles
Soft Fist
Forearm
Prone
Elbow
Sitting
Other
Practitioner Movements: work the TA and fibularis in the appropriate directions. When working
to shift the tissue relationships, work close to your client with elbows wide. When working to shift
the tissue, keep hands within an inch of each other.
Client Movements: plantar and dorsiflexion
Considerations: imagine the TA / fibularis sling and decide what is locked long and locked
SL
Fascial Region:
Intention:
Technique:

Hand Positions:
Fingers Knuckles
Soft Fist
Forearm
Elbow
Prone
Sitting
Other:
Client Movement:
Considerations:
21
ANATOMY TRAINS: FUNCTIONAL LINES
22
TRACKS AND STATIONS

Back Functional Line
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Shaft of humerus
Latissimus dorsi
Lumbodorsal fascia
Sacral Fascia
Sacrum
Gluteus maximus
Shaft of femur
Vastus lateralis
Patella
Sub-patellar tendon
Tuberosity of tibia
Front Functional Line

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Shaft of humerus
Lower edge of pectoralis major
5th rib and 6th rib cartilage
Lateral sheath of Rectus abdominis
Pubic symphysis
Adductor longus
Linea aspera of femur

The Functional Lines are extensions of the Arm Lines across the surface of the trunk to the contralateral
pelvis and leg. These lines are called the functional lines because they are, in my experience, rarely
employed, as the other lines are, in modulating standing posture. They come into play during athletic or other
activity where one appendicular complex is stabilized, counterbalanced, or powered by its contralateral
complement. An example is in a baseball pitch, where the player powers up through the left leg and hip to
impart extra speed to a ball thrown from the right hand.
Postural function:
As mentioned, these lines are less involved in standing posture than any of the others lines. They are
superficial, for the most part, on the body, and involve muscles so much in use during day-to-day activities
that their opportunity to distort posture is minimal. Once the deeper myofascial structures relating to such
distortions have been balanced, these Functional Lines often fall into place without presenting significant
further problems of their own.
Movement function:
These lines enable us to give extra power and precision to the movements of the limbs by linking them
across the body to the opposite limb in the other girdle. Thus the weight of the arms can be employed in
giving additional momentum to a kick, and the movement of the pelvis contributes to a tennis backhand.
While the applications to sport spring to mind when considering these lines, the mundane but essential
example is the contralateral counterbalance between shoulder and hip in every walking step.
23
Functional Line
Fascial Region: Pectoral Region
Intention:
/ Technique: Pectoralis Major

Knuckles
Soft Fist
Forearm
Prone
Elbow
Sitting
Other
Practitioner Movements: following the leading edge of the pectoralis major and follow to the
division of the biceps and triceps
Client Movements: starting position with arm abducted and elbow flexed. Client stretches the arm
over head
Considerations: be mindful of breast tissue / nerve symptoms indicating you have come off of
pectoralis major.
Functional Line
Fascial Region: abdomen
/ Technique: Rectus Abdominis

Knuckles
Soft Fist
Forearm
Prone
Sitting
Elbow Palm Other
Practitioner Movements: Engage tissue and drop the heels of your hands to engage the fabric of
the abdomen. Work from the bottom towards the intersection of abdominals and pec major.
Client Movements: Breathing / client may also alternately engage and relax abdominals
Considerations: For reasons of privacy, do not work below umbilicus
24
Functional Line
Fascial Region:
Intention:
Technique:

Hand Positions:
Fingers Knuckles
Soft Fist
Forearm
Elbow
Prone
Sitting
Other:
Client Movement:
Considerations:
Back Functional Line Movement and Assessment Exercise

Fascial Region: Back Functional Line
Knees UP/ Feet Down
Side Lying
Prone
Sitting
Practitioner Movements: Standing behind the client holding both hands. 3 elements 1. Extend
through tension 2. Medially rotate arm 3. Walk across the body and sequence the movements.
Arm scapula upper ribs, - mid ribs lower ribs crossing over ~ L5 / S1 to hip
Client Movements: Passive while being organized by the practitioner and the clients hand.
However the client can organize this fundamental movement
Considerations: center of gravity is in the pelvis / the opposite arm being translated across the table
becomes a brake, should it feel like they are going to fall off of the table. If you are working on the
floor, you can roll completely over (assuming arms are over head).
25
ANATOMY TRAINS: THE ARM LINES
26
TRACKS AND STATIONS
Deep Front Arm Line

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
7a.
7b.
8.
9.
Ribs 3,4,5
Pectoralis minor, clavipectoral fascia
Coracoid process
Biceps brachii
Radial tuberosity
Radial periosteum
(anterior / lateral border)
Styloid process of radius
Radial collateral ligaments
Scaphoid, trapezium
Thenar muscles
Outside of thumb
Superficial Front Arm Line

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Medial third of clavicle, costal cartilages,

thoracolumbar fascia, Iliac crest
Pectoralis major, Latissimus dorsi
Medial humeral shaft
Medial intermuscular septum
Medial humeral epicondyle
Flexor group
Carpal tunnel
Palmar surface of fingers
Deep Back Arm Line

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
9a.
9b.
10.
11.
Spinous process of lower cervicals

and upper thoracic, C1-4 TPs
Rhomboids and levator scapulae
Medial border of scapula
Rotator cuff muscles
Head of humerus
Triceps brachii
Olecranon of ulna
Ulnar periosteum
Styloid process of ulna
Ulno collateral ligaments
Triquetrum, hamate
Hypothenar muscles
Outside of little finger
27
Superficial Back Arm Line

1, 2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Occipital ridge, Nuchal ligament,

Thoracic spinous processes
Trapezius
Spine of scapula, acromion,
lateral third of clavicle
Deltoid
Deltoid tubercle of humerus
Lateral intermuscular septum
Lateral epicondyle of humerus
Extensor group
Dorsal surface of fingers

In this chapter we identify four distinct myofascial meridians that run from the axial skeleton to the
four sides of the arm and hand, namely the thumb, the little finger, the palm, and the back of the
hand. Despite this apparently neat symmetry, the Arm Lines display more cross-over myofascial
linkages among themselves than do the corresponding lines in the legs. This is because human
shoulders and arms are specialized for mobility (compared to our more stable legs). Therefore these
multiple degrees of freedom require more variable lines of control and stabilization. Nevertheless,
the arms can still be seen quite logically as having a deep and superficial line along the front of the
arm, and a deep and superficial line along the back of the arm. The lines in the arm are named for
their placement as they cross the shoulder.
Postural function
Since the arms hang from the upper skeleton in our unique human posture, they are not part of the
structural 'column' as such. Thus we have included the appendicular legs in our discussion of the
cardinal and spiral lines, but left the arms for a separate consideration. Given their weight and their
multiple links to our activities, the Arm Lines do have a postural function: elbow position affects
the mid-back, and shoulder position has a significant effect on the ribs, neck, and beyond. This
postural relationship between the axial skeleton and the arms can also have a limiting affect on the
mobility and effectiveness of the arms in action.
Movement function
In myriad daily manual activities of examining, manipulating, and responding to the environment,
our arms and hands, in connection with our eyes, perform through these lines. The Arm Lines act
across the 10 or so levels of joints in the arm to bring things toward us, push them away, pull or
push our own body, or simply hold some part of the world still for our perusal and modification.
These lines connect seamlessly into the other lines, particularly the Lateral, Spiral and Functional
Lines.
28
DFAL
Fascial Region: clavipectoral fascia / Technique: pectoralis minor
Intention:
Knees Up/ Feet Down
Side Lying
Knuckles
Forearm
Soft Fist
Prone
Elbow
Sitting
Other
Practitioner Movements: Engage tissue pec minor attaches to 3rd, 4th and 5th rib. Practitioner
accesses the leading edge at approximately the nipple line. You may access the 1st, 2nd or 3rd slip
and its associated fascia. Take tissue towards the coracoid process or toward the proximal
attachments.
Client Movements: Breathing / Arm overhead / scapular depression and adduction
Considerations: The angle of the fingertips is crucial to avoid unnecessary discomfort. / Brachial
plexus runs underneath the upper pec minor. Discontinue in the event of nerve symptoms
SFAL
Fascial Region: upper arm / Technique: medial intermuscular septum
Knees Up/ Feet Down

Knuckles
Soft Fist
Side Lying
Forearm
Prone
Sitting
Elbow Palm Other
Practitioner Movements: Strum just proximal to medial epicondyle. Place 2 fingers at the center
of the string (no longer than 1.5 inches) and stretch towards either end. A few passes is often all
that is necessary to soften tissue.
Client Movements: none required, but could do a little elbow flexion / extension.
Considerations: nerve symptoms - discontinue
29
DBAL
Fascial Region: Rotator Cuff / Technique: Teres Minor
Intention:
Knees Up/ Feet Down
Knuckles
Soft Fist
Side Lying
Forearm
Prone
Elbow
Sitting
Other
Practitioner movements: Locate teres minor by going ! way between posterior acromion process
and axillary fold. Pin teres minor to the scapula and call for movement.
Client Movements: Medial rotation and of humerus as client reaches dangling arm forward
Considerations: Strum across and muscle test to differentiate from teres major.
30
ANATOMY TRAINS: THE DEEP FRONT LINE
31
TRACKS AND STATIONS

Upper anterior
Cranium and facial bones
Jaw muscles
23.
Mandible
22.
Suprahyoid muscles
21.
Hyoid bone
20.
Infrahyoid muscles,
Fascia pretrachialis
19.
Posterior manubrium
18.
Fascia endothoracica,
Transversus thoracis
17.
Posterior surface of subcostal
cartilages, xiphoid process
16.
Anterior diaphragm,
Crura of diaphragm
9.
Lumbar vertebral bodies
Upper middle
15.
Basilar portion of occiput, cervical TPs
14.
Fascia prevertebralis,
Pharyngeal raphe,
Scalene muscles,
Medial scalene fascia,
Mediastinum,
Parietal pleura,
13.
Pericardium,
12.
Central tendon,
Posterior diaphragm,
Crura of diaphragm
9.
Upper posterior
11.
Basilar portion of occiput
10.
Anterior longitudinal ligament,
Longus colli & capitis
9.
32
Lower anterior
9.
Lumbar vertebral bodies and TPs
8.
Psoas, iliacus, pectineus,
Femoral triangle
7.
Lesser trochanter of femur
Medial intermuscular septum,
(anterior to adductor group)
Adductor brevis, longus
6.
Linea aspera of femur
Lower posterior
9.
Vertebral bodies
Anterior longitudinal ligament,
Anterior sacral fascia,
Pelvic floor fascia,
Levator ani,
Obturator internus fascia
Ischial ramus
Intermuscular septum
(posterior to adductor group)
Adductor magnus
5.
Medial femoral epicondyle
Lowest common
5.
Medial femoral epicondyle
4.
Posterior fascia of popliteus,
Knee capsule
3.
Posterior tibia/fibula
2.
Tibialis posterior, long toe flexors,
Interosseus membrane
1.
Plantar tarsal bones,
Plantar surface of toes

Interposed between the left and right Lateral Lines in the coronal plane, sandwiched between the
Superficial Front Line and Superficial Back Line in the sagittal plane, and surrounded by the Spiral,
Functional, and Arm Lines, the Deep Front Line (DFL) comprises the bodys myofascial core. The
line begins deep in the underside of the foot, passes up just behind the bones of the lower leg and behind
the knee to the inside of the thigh, and in front of the hip joint, pelvis, and lumbar spine. The DFL
continues up along several alternate paths around and through the thoracic viscera, ending on the
underside of both the neuro- and viscero-cranium.
33
Compared to our other lines, this line commands definition as a three-dimensional space, rather than a
line. Of course, all the other lines are volumetric as well, but are more easily seen as lines of pull. The
DFL very clearly occupies space.
In the leg, the DFL includes many of the deeper and more obscure supporting muscles of our anatomy,
though the line itself is fundamentally fascial in nature. Through the pelvis, the DFL has an intimate
relation with the hip joint, and relates the pulse of breathing and the rhythm of walking to each other. In
the trunk, the DFL is poised, along with the autonomic ganglia, between our neuro-motor chassis and
the more ancient organs of cell-support within our ventral cavity. In the neck, it provides the
counterbalancing lift to the pull of both the SFL and SBL. A dimensional understanding of the DFL is
necessary for successful application of nearly any method of manual or movement therapy.
Postural function:
The DFL plays a major role in the bodys support:
!"lifting the inner arch
!"stabilizing each segment of the legs
!"supporting the lumbar spine from the front
!"stabilizing the chest while allowing the expansion and relaxation of breathing
!"balancing the fragile neck and heavy head atop it all
Lack of support, balance and proper tonus in the DFL (as in the common pattern where short DFL
myofascia does not allow the hip joint to open fully into extension) will produce overall shortening in
the body, encourage collapse in the pelvic and spinal core, and lay the groundwork for negative
compensatory adjustments in all the other lines we have described.
Movement function
There is no movement that is strictly the province of the DFL, yet neither is any movement outside its
influence. The DFL is nearly everywhere surrounded or covered by other myofascia, which duplicate
the roles performed by the muscles of the DFL. The myofascia of the DFL is infused with more slowtwitch, endurance muscle fibers, reflecting the role the DFL plays in providing stability and subtle
positioning changes to the core structure to enable the more superficial structures and lines to work
easily and efficiently with the skeleton.
Thus, failure of the DFL to work properly does not necessarily involve an immediate or obvious loss of
function, especially to the untrained eye or to the less than exquisitely sensitive perceiver. Function can
usually be transferred to the outer lines of myofascia, but with slightly less elegance and grace, and
slightly more strain to the joints and peri-articular tissues, which can set up the conditions over time for
injury and degeneration. Thus, many injuries are often set in motion by a failure within the DFL some
years before the incident that revealed them takes place.
34
DFL
Fascial Region: Thigh
Intention:
/ Technique: Posterior Intermuscular Septum
Client position: Supine Knees Up/ Feet Down Side Lying

Knuckles
Soft Fist
Forearm
Prone
Elbow
Sitting
Other
Practitioner Movements: Locate the medial femoral epicondyle. Locate the hamstring tendons
which create a valley with adductor magnus. Allow finger tips to move upward towards sitting
bones.
Client Movements: Flex and extend the knee / reach through the heel on extension.
Considerations: Awareness that this septum blends into the Obturator internus fascia and continues
fascially, to the pelvic floor.
DFL
Fascial Region: Illiopsoas
/ Technique: Junction between Iliacus and Psoas

Client position: Supine Knees Up/ Feet Down Side Lying
Prone
Sitting
Elbow
Palm Other
Knuckles
Soft Fist
Forearm
Practitioner Movements: fingers at level of ASIS. Following the bowl of the pelvis until you reach
the lateral line of the psoas. Rest your finger tips at this junction and call for movement.
Client Movements: To muscle test, hip flexion to feel contraction of psoas. Send knee forward over
foot/second toe or extend the leg through the heel.
Considerations: Do NOT go below the ASIS or above umbilicus. Discontinue with any sharp, acute
or radiating pain. Practitioner must differentiate between psoas and bowels by muscle testing /
reporting symptoms.
35
DFL
Fascial Region:
Intention:
Technique:

Hand Positions:
Fingers Knuckles
Soft Fist
Forearm
Elbow
Prone
Sitting
Prone
Sitting
Other:
Client Movement:
Considerations:
DFL
Fascial Region:
Intention:
Technique:

Hand Positions:
Fingers Knuckles
Soft Fist
Forearm
Elbow
Other:
Client Movement:
Considerations:
36
ANATOMY TRAINS: BODYREADING BASICS

TERMINOLOGY
Tilt
Describes simple deviations from vertical or horizontal.
The term is defined by the direction to which the top of the structure is tilted.
Example: In a left sided tilt of the pelvic girdle, the clients right hip bone would be higher.
Rotate
In standing posture, rotations usually occur around a vertical axis in a horizontal plane, and thus
often apply to, for example, the femur, tibia, pelvis, spine, head m humerus, or rib cage.
The term is modified by the direction in which the front of the named structure is pointing.
Example:
In a right rotation of the head, the nose or chin would face to the right of the sternum.
Shift
Describes a translation of one body part relative to another which moves its centre of gravity.
Examples:
The pelvis can be shifted anteriorly relative to the malleoli.
The torso is left shifted relative to the pelvis.
Bend
A bend is a series of tilts resulting in a curve, usually applied to the spine.
This is a short hand for describing what is really a series of tilts of one vertebra on the next.
Example:
A lordotic spine could be described as having a strong back bend to the lumbars.
37
KINESIS BODYREADING FORM
Goals / Results
KEY
Rotation
Obs:
/
!
"
Tilt
Shift
Bend
Short
Tx:
Long
(R)
Right
38
BODYREADING 101TM RED FLAGS

SFL- the Protector
Front: Where is the SFL open/closed?
Side : Excessive dorsiflexion
Leg tilt
Anterior pelvic shift
Anterior pelvic tilt
Pulled down rib cage/restricted breathing
Stuck on inhale/exhale
Anterior tilt of the neck
Head forward posture
Where is fascial cape pulled down?
SBL- the Sustainer
Back: Is the back alive?
Side: Areas of Hyperextension
Excessive Plantarflexion
Anterior Heel shift (3:1 from Lateral Malleolus)
Hyperextended knees
Posterior pelvic tilt
Bow in back line
Floating ribs inferiorly shifted, too close to pelvis
Breathing-pushed forward?
Primary/secondary curve balance/ Wave of maturity
Neck hyperextension/posterior tilt of the head
Where is the fascial cape pulled up?
LL (lateral line) the Stabilizer
Side:
Lateral X- is C7 to pubis same as sternal notch to sacral apex?
Relation of front to back-front of LL pulled down, back pulled up?
Lateral Arch
Freedom in peroneals/fibularii
Pelvic tilt
Does breath fill the sides?
Are Shoulders centered over hips? (Forearms on the shoulders test)
Front/Back:
Compare two sides- shoulders, hips , knees ,etc. Level?
Medial/Lateral tilt of foot/ arch support
Distance from iliac crest to lateral arch
Is tissue outside of knees pulled up? Or down?
X and O legs
39
SPL (Spiral line)- the double Helix

Red Flags: head tilt or shift
One shoulder forward of the other
Measure 7th rib to opposite ASIS
Medially rotated Knee
Shoulder X-Rhombo-Serratus balance
Pect. minor- Trapezius balance
(shoulder to spine relationship/ flat back vs. round back)
Arch patterning-pronated/supinated
4th hamstring: hip extension/knee flexion
Functional Lines- the Action heroes
These lines are rarely active in Posture, except for the most one sided athletes
Shoulder to opposite hip
Helical body patterning in strong arm or leg movement
Arm lines- the Manipulators
SFAL- Arm flexion , carpal tunnel, medial rotation of humerus
DFAL- Anterior scapular tilt, elbow flexion, radial deviation, base of thumb
SBAL- Trapezius superior shift, wrist hyperextension
DBAL- Rhomboid- Levator superior shift, rotator cuff trouble, ulnar deviation
DFL (Deep Front Line) the CORE
Medial arch support
Excess Plantarflexion
X and O legs
Medial or lateral rotation of the knee
Inner thigh issues-pulled up or down
Aliveness / motion in inner (medial) hip joint
Anterior/ Posterior pelvic tilt
Left /right pelvic tilt
Pelvic floor tonus/ responsiveness
Lumbar bend and support
Umbilicus points away from the tight Psoas
Pubic bone points to the short pectineus
Diaphragm / pelvic floor coupling
Rib tilts- left, right , anterior, posterior
Anterior neck flexion
Vocal or swallowing issues
Jaw tightening or tracking
Facial asymmetry-one eye more deeply set or higher than the other, or jaw to one side
40
FASCIAL RELEASE TECHNIQUE
Fig 1 Massage Stroke applying compression.
Fig 2 Fascial Release Stroke
Generally when performing massage techniques, the therapist glides over the top of the myofascia
applying compression to the tissue in order to stimulate flow of fluids and to affect neuromuscular
tension (fig 1). In order to manually stretch the connective tissue the therapist needs to use a
different style of contact. By first applying a downward pressure, sinking to the first level that
gives resistance and then dropping the angle of their contact in order to create a wave in front of the
point of contact (fig 2).
This wave is then pushed in front as the stroke is performed. The stroke must be carried out slowly
and at a speed determined by the interaction of the tool being used (ie thumb, forearm, elbow etc),
the amount of lubrication available along the surface and the rate at which the clients tissue can
melt and open up in front as you work along.
I sometimes think of it like taking an elevator down to the floor (tissue level) you want to be at and
then as you walk out the door you drop the angle of the contact, locking yourself into the
myofascial layer.
In order to perform these strokes an oil based lotion cannot be used as it will not create the
necessary grip needed. We recommend experimenting with different types of lubricant starting
with the using nothing other than the moisture of your own hands, should this prove insufficient,
youll recognise this by the inability to move through the stroke and/or a jerkiness in the movement,
then apply a little water. Only if this still fails to provide a smooth stroke then the practitioner
could try a water based moisturiser or wax style lubricant remember always to start with less as
its easier to apply more than to take it off if you use too much.
The client may feel a slow pulling and burning sensation this is partly what you are trying to
achieve and you quite literally melt the ground substance within the myofascia to a more liquid
state (changing it from gel to sol) and stretch the connective tissue bag surrounding and within
the target muscle.
If youre unfamiliar with palpating the fascial coverings around the muscles try exploring through
the layers of your forearm. Using the fingers of your dominant hand begin by first placing your
awareness on the surface of the skin, feel its resistance to your pressure, the tautness of the skin
giving a positive sensation in response to the slight weight of your fingertips. Try moving the skin
over the underlying adipose; is it separate from the layer beneath? Does the skin move more easily
in one direction than the other?
41
Now sink into the adipose layer become aware of the different quality of the sensations in your
fingers. How does this layer differ from being in the skin? Press a little more firmly and you can
feel another taught layer below this, more taut and bouncier than the skin. Can you move the
adipose over this second skin? Feel how the skin and the adipose move easily together gliding over
this first layer of myofascia; the deep investing layer. Maintaining your pressure to keep your digits
in the adipose tissue angle your pressure toward your elbow taking up any slack and then slowly
flex your wrist. Can you feel the stretch on the skin? With a firmer grip and more movement you
can feel how this type of contact can become uncomfortable, similar to a Chinese (or in the USA,
an Indian) burn so beloved of school playground bullies and older brothers the world over.
Once you recover from the slight abuse youve just given yourself (and hopefully not elicited too
many traumatic memories!) allow your fingers to descend through the layers again, this time
overcoming the resistance given by the deep investing layer of fascia. Youll feel yourself now
pushing onto the muscle belly, using the tone of the muscle as your guide to assess which level
youre on, the focus is the skin of that first muscle you encounter. You can check to see if you
are in the right layer by flexing your wrist again, do you feel the muscles stretching below your
point of contact similar to your first attempt or do you feel the tissue around the fingertips pull them
toward the wrist?
If you are in the correct layer you can now begin applying fasical release technique on your wrist
extensors by hooking the tissue, pushing toward your elbow as you slowly flex your wrist again.
Be aware of the different sensations in the tissues between the two different levels of connection. If
you have got it right it should now feel like a deeper burning but more pleasant, sometimes clients
report it as a good pain the tissue almost crying out for the release, stimulation and stretch.
You can now explore through all of the musculature of the forearm, feel for the differences in tone,
not just in the muscle but also that fascial skin, the epimysium. Compare the flexor compartment to
the extensors, use movement to find the intermuscular septum between the muscles, use movement
to identify exactly where you are play with flexion and extension in combination with radial and
ulnar deviation. What difference does it make in the tension produced under your working hand?
Can you sense that certain directions of movement give a better challenge to the tissue? As you
become more proficient using the technique, which is just a matter of doing it regularly, all of this
will give you information about the area youre working on, its condition and where you need to
focus your attention. You will be able to subtly alter the angles of movement to make your work
even more effective.
Under a skilled practitioners hands fascial release technique is a wonderfully releasing, pleasurable
but challenging experience, but like many tools, when wielded by a novice, it can be disastrous.
Often I have been mauled and not only by neophytes but also by some supposedly accomplished
therapists. In order to avoid putting your clients through this I recommend spending some time
working through and playing with the five stages below, it is a common mistake to believe that the
only thing that matters is getting the work done but if we are to be a client centred therapy then
its incumbent upon us to stay aware of the fact we are working on a person, not a collection of
dysfunctional tissue crying out for our saving, healing, sometimes over eager, touch.
Development
Many bodywork approaches talk of melting into the tissue, sinking through the layers and FRT
is no different in that. Just as you did in the exercise above be aware of the layers as you pass
through them, allowing the tissue to give way rather than bulldozing your way. Mould your hands,
fingers, knuckles or whichever tool you are using to the shape of the bodypart being worked, use
only enough tension and pressure to get you to that first layer of resistance, wait to be invited in.
42
Some schools teach that you can ask your client to exhale as you melt in and I often find this a
useful addition but sometimes overused and distracting from the touch. Experiment with using
your exhale to sink your bodyweight into the tissue. Having your centre of gravity high, keeping
your back foot raised allows you to position yourself over the area, exhaling (quietly!) and dropping
your centre of gravity (or sinking your Hara) is much easier for the client to receive than pushing
into it. The tension necessary to push will result in the clients tissue resisting and set up a struggle
either one of you has to win.
Maintaining a relaxed point of contact avoids putting tension into the area being worked but also
keeps you much more sensitive to variations in the myofascia. The less tone you have in your
working limb the better able you are to sense the changes in your client.
Achieve this by getting as much of your force from muscles as distant from the point of contact as
possible. For example, if you are using your fingertips they should retain only the tension needed
to get through the layers, the initial force comes from your bodyweight coming over the area, as you
need to get to deeper levels increase your bodyweight by altering the angle of your back foot, push
from the back foot (remembering to engage your core), stabilise your shoulder girdle and arm,
gently lock your elbow and wrist. Only as a last resort should you push with your fingers as it will
then feel pokey and uncomfortable.
Assessment
So now that youve got somewhere you need to check two things firstly, is it where you wanted
to be? If, for whatever reason, you were trying to find the peroneals how do you know that you are
really on them? Secondly, if you are on them how do they feel? What kind of work do they need,
what kind of tool should you be using? Your fingers, knuckles or elbow?
This is the stage of questions and obtaining information. Using both active and passive movement
you can gain much of what you need. Ask you client to pronate the foot as you search for the
peroneals can help you differentiate them from the soleus, feeling for the quality of the movement
you can assess which parts of the muscle open too much or not at all. You can begin to find the
areas youll need to focus on but also how are you going to do it?
Strategy
Youve got to where you want to be, youve found something that needs to be worked but now you
have to decide how youre going to do it. Which direction will best engage that area? Which
movement will you ask for? Which tool (fingers, knuckles, forearm etc) will best fit the area? In
the words of every protective father; what exactly is your intention?
These last two stages are often skipped by practitioners, they are not discrete moments in time but
merely part of a thought process, a mindful decision making, ensuring that your work is specific to
the needs of the client rather than a treatment by rote. Of course a certain amount of a recipe is
needed for beginning practitioners, those of you from a massage background were given a basic
sequence to get you through the early days of your practice but as you become more comfortable
with the techniques, more aware of their effects on the variations of clients and their tissue, the
more you adapt that template to suit the present requirements. With fascial release technique this
can be done with each and every stroke.
A stroke performed without the above two stages is a blind gesture.
43
Intervention
Finally youve got to the stage of doing the work. Youve got and checked the area youre working
on, youve decided on how to work it and now you can.
As part of your strategy youve already chosen which tool to use, youre locked in the level and
area you want to be and now you slowly glide and/or ask the client to move. However for this stage
it is not so much how you perform the stroke but much more about what effect is it having. The
practitioner has to constantly monitor what is happening below and around the point of contact; is
the tissue releasing? Is the right area being challenged with the movement? Is the tissue lifting or
moving? Is the client able to receive and process the information youre offering to her?
Throughout the intervention or stroke you set up a feedback loop assessing its effectiveness, what
changes can you make as you go through to assist you in the goals set above? With each change
you have to re-evaluate.
Now you are truly listening to the client and their tissue, youve set up what we sometimes refer to
as a communication between two intelligent systems. With your strategy in mind you are
offering information to the client, asking their tissue if it can change, and does the work make sense
to them. By listening to the collection of systems under your hand and keeping yourself open to
their messages back, you will be able to reflect the abilities of the clients tissue in your work.
Providing you can attune your ear to the language their tissue uses to inform you in response to
your contact.
Ending
As you begin, so should you finish.
So many therapists forget to that theyre working with a human, its almost like theyre so relieved
to reach the end of their stroke that they jump out of the tissue. Now Im not saying its wrong, just
rude.
If you take all that time to take care of your client, sinking in, feeling its condition, listening to it as
you work give it a little respect by coming out of it slowly. Take your body weight back into your
forward leg, dont push into the client to jerk yourself up; a mortal sin in my book. Once you have
your weight back in your legs then you can lift yourself out of the stroke allowing the tissue time to
settle back in rather than letting it snap back.
Sometimes it can be more pleasant for the client to spiral out of the contact, slowly peeling your
skin out of contact with theirs. This is especially true when you work in areas where the skin may
be more sensitive such as around the armpit or the thigh adductors.
It is these small things that the client may not be aware of but makes a huge difference in their
experience of the treatment. Fascial release can be a challenging treatment and the more
comfortable we can make it for the client the better they will be able to accept it.
44
ANATOMY TRAINS PRINCIPLES AND APPLICATION

PRINCIPLES OF USE
Guidance in using the Anatomy Trains Myofascial Meridians system:
1. In assessment, start from the affected / restricted / injured / painful area and move out
along the trains. If treatment to a local area is not working, seek other areas along the meridian
which may yield results at the affected area, e.g. if the hamstrings are not yielding to direct
manipulation or stretching, try elsewhere along the Superficial Back Line on the plantar fascia
or sub-occipital areas, for example.
2. Work on the meridians can often have distant effects. By whatever mechanism, work on
one area of a meridian can show its effect somewhere quite distant, either up or down the
meridian involved. Be sure to reassess the whole structure periodically to see what global
effects your work may be having.
3. Work the tissue of the meridian in the direction you want it to go. If you are simply
loosening a muscular element of a meridian, direction is not as crucial. If you are shifting the
relation among fascial planes, it is. Put it where it belongs and call for movement, was Dr Ida
Rolfs terse summary of her method. Frequently, for instance, the tissues of the Superficial
Front Line need to move up in relation to the tissues of the Superficial Back Line, which need to
move down.
4. Work from the outside in, and then inside out. Sort out the compensations in the more
superficial layers first, as far as is possible, before taking on the more deeply imbedded patterns.
In general, look for a uniform resilience and adaptability in the Superficial Front and Back
Lines, and the Lateral and Spiral Lines before attempting to unravel the Deep Front Line. Going
for deep patterns too quickly, before loosening the overlying layers, can result in driving
patterns deeper or reducing the bodys coherence, rather than resolving problems. Once some
resilience and balance is established in the DFL, return to the issues remaining in the more
superficial lines, and drape the Arm and Functional Lines over the rebalanced structure.
5. Watch for where meridians cross each other. Where affected meridians cross each other
particularly where the Spiral and Functional Lines cross the cardinal lines are areas that
frequently bind when there are adverse or conflicting tensions.
PRINCIPLES FOR APPLICATION

Goals of myofascial or movement work:
1. Complete body image the client has access to the information coming from and motor access
to the entire kinaesthetic body, with minimal areas of stillness, holding, or sensory-motor
amnesia.
2. Skeletal alignment and support the bones are aligned in a way that allows minimum effort
for standing and action.
3. Tensegrity / palintonicity the myofascial tissues are balanced around the skeletal structure
such that there is a general evenness of tone, rather than islands of higher tension or slackened
tissues.
4. Length the body lives its full length in both the trunk and limbs, and in both the muscles and
the joints, rather than moving in shortness and compression.
5. Resilience the ability to bear stress without breaking, and to resume a balanced existence
when the stress is removed.
6. Ability to hold and release somato-emotional charge the ability to hold an emotional
charge without acting it out, and to release it into action or simply into letting go when the time
is appropriate.
45
7. Unity of intent with diffuse awareness structural integration implies the ability to focus on
any given task or perception while maintaining a diffuse peripheral awareness of whatever is
going on around this focused activity. Focus without contextual awareness is fanatic; awareness
without focus is ineffective.
8. Reduced effort in standing and movement less parasitic tension or unnecessary
compensatory movement involved in any given task.
9. Range of motion, generosity of movement less restriction in any given activity, and that,
within the limits of health, age, history, and genetic make-up, the full rage of human movement
is available.
10. Reduced pain that standing and activity be as free of structural pain as possible.
FASCIAL AND MYOFASCIAL MANIPULATION

General principles for fascial and myofascial manipulation:
1. Layering - Go to the layer that offers resistance, and then work along that layer.
2. Pacing - Speed is the enemy of sensitivity; move at or below the rate of tissue melting.
3. Body mechanics Minimal effort and tension on the part of the practitioner leads to maximum
sensitivity and conveyance of intent to the client.
4. Movement - Client movement makes myofascial work more effective. With each move, seek a
movement direction to give the client. Again, Put it where it belongs and call for movement.
The clients movement serves at minimum two purposes:
1. it allows the practitioner to feel with ease in which level of myofascia he is engaged,
2. it involves the client actively in the process, increasing the proprioception from muscle
spindles and stretch receptors.
5. Pain - Pain accompanied by the motor intention to withdraw is a reason to stop, let up, or
slow down
6. Trajectory - Each move has a trajectory or an arc a beginning, a middle, and end. Each
session has an arc, and each series of sessions has an arc. Know where you are in these
overlapping arcs.
46
ANATOMY TRAINS REFERENCE MATERIAL

GLOSSARY
Anatomy Trains
The entire system of eleven myofascial meridians
Myofascial Meridian
A connected string of myofascial or fascial structures, one anatomy train line
Myofascial Continuity
Two or more adjacent and connected myofascial structures within a myofascial

meridian
Track
Myofascial or fascial element in a myofascial meridian
Station
A place where the myofascial continuity or track in the outer

myofascial bag is tacked down or attached to the fascial webbing of
the inner bone-ligament bag
Express
An express is a multi-joint muscle that thus enjoys multiple functions
Local
A local is a single-joint muscle that duplicates one of the functions of a nearby or

overlying express
Cardinal line
A cardinal line runs the length of the body on one of the four major surfaces: the SBL
on the back, the SFL on the front, and the LL on right and left sides
Branch line
An alternative track, often smaller or less usually employed, than the primary
myofascial meridian
Derailment
An area within a myofascial meridian where the linkage only applies under certain
conditions
Roundhouse
An area within the skeleton where many myofascial continuities join, which is thus
subject to a number of different vectors; in simple language, a bone where muscles
coming from many directions meet.
Switch
An area where fascial planes either converge from two into one, or diverge from one
into two.
Direct connection
A connection between two tracks across a station where the fascia is clearly
continuous between the two
Mechanical connection
A connection between two tracks across a station where the connection passes through
an intervening bone
Locked long
Used to designate a myofascial unit held in a state longer than it usual efficient length.
Locked short
Used to designate a myofascial unit held in a state shorter that its usual or efficient
length.
47
KMI TRAINING
49
ANATOMY TRAINS ESSENTIALS

READING/REFERENCES
Web Sites Resources:
!" Myers, Thomas: Courses, Products, Forums, Explorations
www.anatomytrains.com
!" Schleip, Robert: Related articles for Professional and Layman
http://www.somatics.de/
!" International Association of Structural Integration:
www.theaisi.org
!" Structural Integration Resource Website
http://insidesi.com/
Connective Tissue Subject Resource List:
!" Myers, T. Anatomy Trains: Chapter 1
!" Schleip, Robert: Fascial Plasticity A New Neurobiological Explanation Part 1 and Part 2
http://www.somatics.de/
!" First International Congress on Fascial Research
www.fascia2007.com
!" Horwitz, Alan F. Scientific American, May 1997, Integrins and Health
!" Stanborough, M. (2004) Direct Release Myofascial Technique. Elsevier, Edinburgh
!" Smith, J. (2005) Structural Bodywork Elsevier, Edinburgh
!" Myofascial Research Summaries:
http://www.myofascialpainrelief.com/MFRresearch.html
!" Schultz, R. Louis and Feitis, Rosemary: Endless Web: fascial anatomy and physical reality.
1996, North Atlantic Books. Berkley, California
Tensegrity Subject Resource List;
!" Flemons, Tom The Geometry of Anatomy the Bones of Tensegrity.
http://www.intensiondesigns.com
!" Myers, Thomas. Anatomy Trains: Chapter 1
!" Myers, Thomas. Body 3, The Spine: Tensegrity Continuum
!" Myers, Thomas. Anatomy Trains Fascial Tensegrity DVD
!" R. Buckminster Fuller: www.bfi.com
!" Solit, Marvin:
http://www.fnd.org/pgs/geo/holistic_geometry.htm
!" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tensegrity
!" Scientific American: January 1998 pg. 49
The Architecture of Life, by Donald E. Ingber
!" Available as a download via http://www.childrenshospital.org/research/ingber/PDF/1998/SciAmer-Ingber.pdf
Tom Myers Anatomy Trains Myofascial Meridians Resources:
!" Fredericks, Anne & Chris. Stretch To Win
!" Myers, Thomas. Anatomy Trains Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists,
!" Myers, Thomas. Anatomy Trains DVD
!" Oschman, James. Energy Medicine
50
FACULTY
James has been practicing bodywork for over 17 years and has trained in a variety of approaches.
He is founder and director of Ultimate Massage Solutions, specializing in Myofascial Release and
Structural Integration to rid the body of restrictions and restore the bodys natural postural balance.
Ultimate Massage Solutions stocks a wide range of Books and DVDs, from some of the worlds
best educators, aimed at students and practitioners of Bodywork
James has trained with Tom Myers, originator of the Anatomy TrainsSM theory, and is a registered
teacher of his approach. In December 2007, James collaborated with Tom to launch Kinesis UK, an
independent branch of Kinesis Inc. Its purpose is to bring high quality training in Structural
Integration and Toms Anatomy TrainsSM model to Europe, as well as providing continuing
education in myofascial and movement work.
James has also trained and facilitated workshops alongside Art Riggs, author of Deep Tissue
Massage: A Visual Guide to Techniques and will be working with both Robert Schleip (Germany)
and George Kousaleos (USA) in London in 2009.
James has traveled widely to learn from some of the top educators in the field and he now teaches a
range of courses for schools in the UK, Ireland, Europe and the USA. He has worked at the World
Triathlon Championships in Hawaii and been invited to work with Premiership Football and
Premier League Rugby teams, teaching their Sports Medicine teams and working on problem
players.
51

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Anatomy Trains

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Anatomy Trains

Instructed by James Earls

A Timeline of Structural Integration and Anatomy Trains

Dr. Andrew Taylor Still

Dr. Ida P. Rolf

Fredrik Mathias Alexander

Dr. Daniel David Palmer

What are the forces that shape us ?

Deep investing layer

Anatomy Trains is NOT

Fascial Tensegrity allows;

Dense Connective Tissue

The tissue of shape, support & organisation

Three Systems / Three Tubular Networks:

Pelvis / Gravity Ctr.

Where you think it is it aint!

ANATOMY TRAINS: SUPERFICIAL BACK LINE

TRACKS AND STATIONS

FASCIAL RELEASE TECHNIQUES (FRT)

lengthen / differentiate / shift

Client position: Supine Knees UP/ Feet Down Side Lying

Hand Positions: Fingers

Knuckles or Soft Fist

lengthen / differentiate / shift

Client position: Supine Knees UP/ Feet Down Side Lying

Hand Positions: Fingers

Soft Fist or Forearm

lengthen / differentiate / shift

Client position: Supine Knees UP/ Feet Down Side Lying

lengthen / differentiate / shift

Client position: Supine Knees UP/ Feet Down Side Lying

ANATOMY TRAINS: SUPERFICIAL FRONT LINE

TRACKS AND STATIONS

Overview: See also Chapter 4 Pg 93

FASCIAL RELEASE TECHNIQUES (FRT)

lengthen / differentiate / shift

Client position: Supine Knees UP/ Feet Down Side Lying

Practitioner Movements: engage tissue and move in an upward direction

lengthen / differentiate / shift

Client position: Supine Knees UP/ Feet Down Side Lying

lengthen / differentiate / shift

Client position: Supine Knees UP/ Feet Down Side Lying

lengthen / differentiate / shift

Client position: Supine Knees UP/ Feet Down Side Lying

ANATOMY TRAINS: LATERAL LINE

TRACKS AND STATIONS

Occipital ridge / Mastoid process

Overview: See also Chapter 5 Pg 121

FASCIAL RELEASE TECHNIQUES (FRT)

lengthen / differentiate / shift

Client position: Supine

Hand Positions: Fingers

Elbow Palm Other

lengthen / differentiate / shift

Client position: Supine Knees UP/ Feet Down Side Lying

lengthen / differentiate / shift

Client position: Supine Knees UP/ Feet Down Side Lying

ANATOMY TRAINS: SPIRAL LINE

TRACKS AND STATIONS

Occipital ridge, Mastoid process,

Overview: See also Chapter 6 Pg 139

FASCIAL RELEASE TECHNIQUES (FRT)

lengthen / differentiate / shift

Client position: Supine Knees UP/ Feet Down Side Lying