Understanding the Core: A Deep Dive into the Deep Front Line

What Physically Defines the Core?

The term "core" often refers to only four myofascial entities: the rectus abdominis, internal and external obliques, and the transversus abdominis. These muscles surround the abdomen. However, if we define the core as the stabilizer of the human body around a vertical axis, this limited view restricts the ability of these tissues to coordinate and stabilize the full range of human movement. This indicates a neglect of a holistic view of movement.

The deep front line (DFL) in Anatomy Trains Structural Integration provides a comprehensive list of deep myofascial structures that constitute the core. The DFL starts from the feet, connects the arms, and extends all the way to the head. It is broken down into six segments, or ten if you include the arms individually. The segments include the lower common, lower posterior, lower anterior, upper posterior, middle, and upper anterior. Adding the arm lines completes the final four segments: the deep front arm line and deep back arm line on each side. For more details, refer to the Anatomy Trains Structural Integration book by Thomas W. Meyers.

The Importance of Fascial Layers and Their Communication

Fascia consists of three layers: superficial, deep, and serous. The superficial fascia lies just beneath the skin, while the deep fascia surrounds the muscles and bones. The serous fascia encases the organs. Each layer is interconnected within its own layer and with the other layers. A coherent and efficient system relies on effective communication and balance within each fascia layer and between them. However, these layers can become out of sync due to deviations and compensations, leading to problematic patterns.

Example of Fascial Imbalance

A common pattern in fascial planes involves the front plane dropping down while the back is pulled up. This imbalance generates deviations from the center, causing compensational rotations, tilts, bends, and shifts. These deviations arise to address overarching imbalances. They reduce effective communication among all layers of fascia and limit movement opportunities. The dropping of the upper superficial front line is often used as a visual representation rather than any part of the deep front line.

Upper SFL Dropped vs Upper SFL Balanced

How Internal and External Perception Shift Movement Opportunity

Fascia is the most innervated part of the human body, particularly the septa, which are the spaces between fascial sheets. A goal of structural integration is to achieve a complete perception of internal orientation of structures relative to one another. This internal perception is then extrapolated to external perception for effective movement in the world. The fibrous system, or fascia, provides the most information regarding spatial awareness and movement opportunities.

Bringing it Together: Embodying the 'Core'

An individual fully embodies their core when the entire deep front line is within their internal perception, and all layers of fascia communicate effectively with each other regarding external movement perception. The resulting effects include a sense of lift, graceful movement, increased energy, enhanced physical and emotional resilience, and an improved tensional environment for every cell to function optimally.

The sense of lift and graceful movement stems from improved tensegrity balance by settling into the vertical midline. This reduces the need for excessive movements to position oneself before moving in a desired direction, thus minimizing rotational inertia. Resolving deviations from the midline enhances physical and emotional resilience.

The Interconnection of Physical and Emotional Resilience

Physical and emotional resilience are closely linked. The more embodied one is, the more evenly and effectively their tissues distribute strain. With greater embodiment, there is less unresolved energy—whether trauma or limiting beliefs—occupying physical space in the body. This combination creates more space and possibilities for movement, enabling individuals to navigate the physical and emotional challenges of life. Additionally, a tumultuous system struggles to support the whole at a cellular level.

The tensional environment of a system directly impacts its resiliency. Each cell's functional capacity relies on an optimal tensional environment. If tension is excessive, cells may proliferate, creating more cells. Conversely, too little tension can lead to apoptosis, or cell suicide. Any deviation along the tensional spectrum outside the optimal range alters the cells' goals and can lead to dysfunction. A purpose of structural integration is to catalyze changes in the tensional environment, leading to a more coordinated and supportive system.

An embodied deep front line brings ease to many everyday activities. For instance, getting up and down from the floor, bending to pick up items, walking, and managing stress or emotional turmoil become more manageable. The list is extensive; a new deep front line equates to a new you.

Anatomy Trains Structural Integration 12 Series

The Anatomy Trains Structural Integration 12 series is highly effective in developing a new sense of deep front line awareness, support, and communication. The first four sessions focus on freeing the superficial tissues from being used for postural stability, allowing them to be utilized for power production. The next four sessions delve into the deep front line, the core of the body, fostering a new sense of inner coherence. The final four sessions emphasize coordinating communication between the layers of fascia, expanding movement opportunities. The 12th session marks the conclusion of this series, providing a send-off.

The resolution of a structural integration series invites ease and renewed enjoyment of movement. It offers a more coherent, alive, and coordinated deep front line, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life.