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ENJOY FREE ABMP WEBINARS WITH THOMAS MYERS AS HE DETAILS HIS BODYREADING THE MERIDIANS SERIES. VISIT ABMP.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO VIEW HIS INTRODUCTORY BODYREADING PRESENTATIONS IN THE WEBINAR ARCHIVES. IS THE BELLY SHORT WITH THE CHEST PULLED DOWN? Again, a short belly—marked by a reduced distance between the sternum and the pubis, and a steeper-than- usual angle to the ribs—can be a combination of SFL tension and Deep Front Line (core) tension (Image 11). Some of these patterns are produced by the protective attitude we saw earlier, and some are produced by too many crunches. Work around the costal arch can help, but often it is the deeper laminae of the abdominal fascia—more associated with the transversus abdominis and umbilicus— that help relieve these patterns. freeing the tissues and the movement around the front of the sternum, sternocostal joints, and pectoral fascia can only help with respiratory enhancement, and often brings great relief, or even a wave of emotion. IS THE HEAD FORWARD? Because the SFL passes from the top of the sternum to behind the ear with the sternocleidomastoid (SCM), shortening and restriction in the SFL in general, or in the SCM in particular, is largely responsible for most head- forward posture. Viewed from the side, if the center of gravity of the head is forward of the center of gravity of the rib cage, then strain is created that can be the genesis of backaches, eyestrain, headaches, and neck pain (Image 12). Easing the superficial neck fascia back, and lengthening the SCM, along with a little movement reeducation, can put that head back where it belongs. IS HEAD ROTATION RESTRICTED? In more severe or long-standing head- forward postures, neck rotation may be restricted. How many degrees can they turn their head before the shoulder or ribs start turning? Ideally, the head should turn a full 90 degrees each way without disturbing the shoulder girdle. If it is a meager 25 degrees, get working by stretching and freeing up the various layers of neck myofasciae. Freeing the SFL can ease these restrictions; sometimes, even working the belly, chest, or even the legs will give you increased ease in head rotation. Of course, the SFL is not alone in controlling the neck and head—many other Anatomy Trains lines pass through the neck to the head. We have to divide the body up to talk about it coherently in these articles, but the Anatomy Trains is just a map—the lived body is the territory. In subsequent issues, we will return to the problem of proper head position and function several times—since it is so crucial to perception, orientation, psychology, and ease of movement. Next issue, we will explore the Superficial Back Line, and open its book to read the secrets. Front ribs pulled down. IS BREATHING RESTRICTED IN FRONT? A common effect of shortness in the SFL is restricted breathing. We have already discussed the SFL as mediator of the startle response, so sometimes it is hard to tell whether the reduced breathing is due to actual tension in the line restricting the excursion of the ribs, or is it the scare that has the person still—perhaps years later—holding their breath? In either case, sympathetic attention to Trains (Elsevier, 2009) and Fascial Release for Structural Balance (North Atlantic, 2010). Myers studied with Ida Rolf and has practiced integrative bodywork for more than 35 years. He directs Kinesis, which offers professional certifications and more than 100 short courses per year worldwide. For more information, visit www.AnatomyTrains.com. Thomas Myers is the author of Anatomy Head forward posture. NOTE 1. The asterion is where the temporal, parietal, and occipital bone come together. In other words, three sutures meet here. On the inside of the skull, this is a major attachment point of the tentorium cerebelli. On the outside, it is a major attachment of the sternocleidomastoid fascia above the mastoid process. It can usually be found as a small dimple that fits your fingertip about one inch behind the top of the ear. Boost your practice with ABMP's Website Builder—free for members on ABMP.com 79