stated that ‘ the visceral fascia is rich in autonomic innervation , the superficial fascia shares with the skin mechano- and thermic-receptors , and the deep fascia has a role in proprioception ’.
Interoception is defined by Garfinkel and Critchley 23 as ‘ the awareness of the bodily condition based on the information derived directly from the body . The pathways pertaining to interoception project towards the autonomic and medullar homoeostatic centres and the brainstem , where they are routed to the frontal cingulate cortex and the dorsal posterior insula , by the thalamocortical circuit ’. Garfinkel and Critchley 23 and Tsay 24 further highlighted the interrelationship between emotions and physiology with interoception ’ s role in modulating ‘ the exteroceptive representation of the body , as well as pain tolerance ; dysregulation of the pathways that manage or stimulate interoception could cause a distortion of one ’ s own body image , influencing emotionality ’. Schleip 25 also agreed that ‘ the fascia seems to be an organ of interoception — 80 % of the afferent nerves in musculoskeletal tissues are interstitial muscle receptors located in fascial tissues , of which 90 % stimulate afferent C – fibres that project to the insular cortex ’. Bordoni and Marelli 21
( p . 29-33 ) argued that ‘ manual treatment of the myofascial continuum activates the interoceptive system and thus also stimulates areas of the brain that are concerned with emotions ’.
Osteopathic treatment focusses on the measure of coherence from oscillations and rhythmic patterned motion received through palpatory experience and interaction with the body interfaces . This aims to increase vitality and positively impact the way in which fascia communicates with other systems . It is suggested that to have long-term impact on overall health and optimise myofascial treatment ‘ a psychologist should work alongside the manual practitioner , creating a multidisciplinary team that considers both the physical
21 ( p . 29-33 ) and emotional aspects ’.
The effects of osteopathic treatment in relation to mental health , according to Tozzi et al ., 26 Zein-Hammoud and Standley , 27 and Parravicini and Bergna , 28 are anti-inflammatory and hyper – parasympathetic . ‘ The treatment of peripheral tissues may modify sensitisation states and change interoceptive processes , thus reducing an underlying inflammatory condition . From a fascial perspective , research demonstrates that osteopathic techniques produce biological ( in vitro and in vivo ) effects on the fascia .’
As more integrative health pathways forge ahead , the development of communication skills training that is specific to mental health conversations can enhance the patient experience and therapeutic alliance . The integration of musculoskeletal therapies . such as osteopathy , into conventional mental health strategies can lead to improvement in the management of mental health and alleviate the growing associated chronic disease burden on society . By improving these pathways , the shared commitment of healthcare providers to holistic patient care that works with nature ’ s principles of healing will shape the landscape of this integration and potentially the overarching health and vitality of our future .
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