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I was more than happy to write this foreword to “Fascial Manipulation for Internal Dysfunctions” by Luigi Stecco, because I have always encouraged manual therapies dealing with internal dysfunctions. My enthusiasm derives from the extraordinary results I obtain using “Visceral Manipulation”, the method I have developed from my experiences as an osteopath. In recent years, many scholars have shifted their attention from the organs to their surrounding fasciae, but this is the first book to provide an overview of all the internal fasciae. Furthermore, it proposes a biomechanical model that defines the specific relations between organs, fasciae and musculoskeletal system, and it is supported by beautiful images of dissection that help to comprehend these relations.

This book examines all facets of the fascia, showing how this is the only tissue of the human body that modifies its consistency when under stress (plasticity), yet it is capable of regaining its elasticity when subjected to manipulation (malleability) I particularly appreciate the concept of the tensile structures that explains perfectly how different trunk cavities can interact with the internal organs. In fact, the fasciae of the trunk are arranged according to the principles of tensile structures, allowing for ample trunk movements without interfering with internal organ function. This concept effectively shifts the therapist’s attention from the organ itself to its ‘container’, and treatment can then focus on recreating a suitable environment within which the organs can move according to their physiological rhythms.

In our books, we have always sustained the importance of the mobility and motility of the internal organs. Now, this book by Stecco maintains the guiding principles of the fasciae, but it extends it further, to include the apparatus and systems. Initially, the reader may be somewhat disconcerted by the numerous different manual approaches that are proposed. However, once these approaches have been studied it will be comprehensible that they are all useful for the treatment of the clinical variations that any single patient may present.

Based on these considerations, one can understand that this manual by Stecco represents a useful guide for all therapists interested in treating internal dysfunctions without the use of medications (such as antacids, pain killers, antispasmodics, etc.), which can often mask the signs and symptoms expressed by the human body.

Last, I would like to underline the clarity with which Stecco has described the autonomic system and its affiliations with the internal fasciae. Seen in this light, the autonomic system no longer represents an incomprehensible chaos. Moreover, it becomes a sort of peripheral brain, regulating the functions of the different organs perfectly, thanks to its interactions with the visceral fasciae.

I sincerely hope that therapists, medical doctors, osteopaths, chiropractors and researchers will take the proposals presented in this book into consideration, both in order to realise the potential our hands possess to cure many internal dysfunctions, as well as to ascertain the validity of these ideas.

‘Fascial Manipulation for Internal Dysfunctions’ certainly provides a simple but effective biomechanical model for guiding the therapist’s hand in unravelling the chaos of fascial anatomy. To quote the Fascial Manipulation motto: manus sapiens potens est - a knowledgeable hand is potent.

JP BARRAL

Diploma in Osteopathic Medicine European School
of Osteopathy, Maidstone, England. and Faculty of Medicine, Paris du Nord (Department of Osteopathy and Manual Medicine).

Fascial Manipulation is a valid therapeutic method. Its efficacy has been demonstrated through clinical experience, as reported in this book, and by numerous scientific articles indexed in PubMed. Using a scientific logic, according to the criteria of modern medicine, the explanation of the aforementioned clinical efficacy may reside in the rich innervation of the muscular fascia that, when appropriately stimulated, can excite multiple areas of the Central Nervous System via reflex pathways. This could also explain the positive actions on internal organs and viscera that have been observed. Nevertheless, the foundations of Chinese medicine supply an ulterior fascinating explanation.

This book presents both meridians and acupuncture points, along with their relative actions and indications, in a precise manner. Therefore, it is a complete work that will be useful for anyone who is dedicated to fascial massage, but also to the clinical practice of physiotherapy.

The Authors, Luigi Stecco and his collaborators, deserve congratulations for the practical way in which these concepts are described and for the valid theoretical layout of this book.

Giorgio Di Concetto

Founder of the Italian School of Chinese Medicine

The world of Fascia is infinite and marvelous, connecting organs and tissues and altering function and structure. The exploration and research from professors in various specialized fields not only connect the diversified ways of treatment but also provide medical recognition of the East and the West. New knowledge from recent research allows the West to better understand the East or, in other words, for the modern world to comprehend the ancient concepts more clearly.

I have read the Stecco family’s series of articles and books with appreciation, feeling honored to translate and introduce them to China. I am surprised to discover that the exploration and contribution of the Stecco family appears to support our Chinese predecessors’ concepts and technologies step-by-step, introducing further innovations and developments. The medical practitioners in ancient China built a Meridian and Collateral Model, which is highly effective in guiding the clinical practice of acupuncture. Nevertheless, due to the long-gone ages, the ancient language that was used could not be correctly understood by modern people, leading to divergent points of views.

The Stecco family, with their comprehension and passion for acupuncture, have built a biomechanical model, called Fascial Manipulation, that both refers to acupuncture and verifies its effectiveness from the viewpoint of anatomy and clinical practice, which is a tremendous contribution for both Chinese traditional medicine and Western medicine.

Western medicine emphasizes isolated pathology within the human body, while Eastern medicine pays much more attention to the whole. The West looks specifically at details of the anatomical structures, while the East attaches importance to the connections between these structures. Therefore, Eastern acupuncture theories tend to aim towards building an anatomical model, constructing formulas and mastering interrelationships. The authors of this book, starting from the viewpoint of biomechanics, clearly develop the relations of movement and simplify the complexity of treatment. These new discoveries have been compiled in a series of publications, including this book, which is the newest edition about Fascial Manipulation for Level II.

I highly recommend Eastern and Western readers to read this book, stepping into the gate of Fascial Manipulation in order to appreciate its mystery and brilliance.

Ling Guan, MD PhD Professor
Director of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital
President of non-Medicamentous Therapy Association, TCM Promotion and Research Society