Episode 64 Recap: Unlocking the Power of Breath and Fascia with Deanna Hansen
In this enlightening episode of Beneath the Helmet, we explore the transformative world of fascia and diaphragmatic breathing with Deanna Hansen, founder of Block Therapy and Fluid Isometrics. Deanna shares powerful insights into how fascia, our body’s connective tissue, affects physical health, emotional well-being, and resilience—especially crucial for those in high-stress roles like first responders. Her approach shows how understanding fascia can unlock new ways to manage pain, stress, and emotional health.
Here’s a closer look at five powerful takeaways from Episode 64, packed with actionable insights for anyone aiming to boost their resilience.
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1. Pain is Your Body’s Messenger
Deanna reframes pain as an essential signal from the body—a “call for care” rather than an adversary. Rather than masking pain, she explains that tuning into it can help identify areas where adhesions, or fascia restrictions, might be blocking blood flow and causing discomfort or health issues.
Nugget: Rather than ignoring or silencing pain, view it as your body’s way of guiding you toward healing. Developing this awareness can help you respond with intention and care.
2. The Role of Fascia in Physical and Emotional Health
More than just structural tissue, fascia impacts everything from blood flow to nervous system regulation and even stores emotional trauma. Deanna explains how adhesions can restrict movement, limit breathing, and store negative emotions. Releasing these adhesions can bring both physical relief and an unexpected emotional lightness.
Nugget: Physical and emotional health are intertwined. Fascia release can promote healthy flow throughout the body, improving both movement and emotional well-being.
3. Diaphragmatic Breathing: A Path to Calm and Resilience
Deanna highlights the benefits of diaphragmatic breathing, especially for those in high-stress roles. Shifting from shallow chest to deep belly breathing engages the nervous system, helping you remain calm, clear-headed, and resilient—even in the most intense situations.
Nugget: Diaphragmatic breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and helping reset your body for peak performance.
4. The Impact of Proper Posture on Health and Alignment
Deanna explains how posture, especially the positioning of the feet and alignment of the ribcage, plays a crucial role in fascia health. Improper alignment can lead to undue strain on certain areas, causing tension, discomfort, and a cascade of related health issues.
Nugget: Make minor posture adjustments throughout the day, whether standing or sitting, to help maintain body alignment and ease the strain on muscles and fascia.
5. The Power of Simple Self-Care Practices
For those starting their fascia journey, Deanna suggests a simple exercise using a rolled towel to decompress and stimulate the fascia in the abdomen. This practice, combined with conscious breathing, can help release adhesions, boost circulation, and bring more oxygen to the cells—an easy, affordable way to experience the benefits of Block Therapy.
Nugget: Add fascia-focused self-care to your routine with simple, consistent practices that make a meaningful difference in physical and emotional health.
Take the Next Step in Your Health Journey
In this episode, Deanna provides practical and accessible methods to improve health, manage stress, and promote resilience. Whether you’re looking to alleviate physical discomfort, support mental well-being, or maintain peak readiness for demanding roles, her strategies are tools you can start using today. For hands-on practice, try the BLOCK THERAPY STARTER PACKAGE!
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