One month from today, I will arrive at the Fifth International 2018 Fascia Research Congress (FRC) in Berlin. I find it difficult to believe the inaugural congress was 11 years ago: October 4–5, 2007, at The Conference Center at Harvard Medical School in Boston. It was the first time clinicians and researchers gathered to discuss this living tissue that is the body’s interconnective tapestry. I was a fascinated and fortunate spectator as I watched bodywork icons such as Leon Chaitow, Erik Dalton, and Thomas Myers dive in and demonstrate their capacity for lifelong learning.
That first congress started lively conversations, spirited debates, and strategic partnerships among medical doctors, bodyworkers, anatomists, and researchers; conversations that inspired subsequent FRCs in Amsterdam (2009), Vancouver (2012), and Washington, DC (2015). So, November 14–15, some 1,000 of us will flock to the Urania Center in Berlin for the latest updates about fascia research and how the increasing knowledge feeds into clinical practice and influences client and patient outcomes. Several noted ABMP content experts will be on hand, including Thomas Myers, Til Luchau, Diana Thompson, and Barb Frye.
I’m thrilled that a special 36-page issue of Massage & Bodywork magazine will join me! This issue spotlights the birth of the Fascial Net Plastination Project (FNPP). This groundbreaking exhibit, created in conjunction with the Plastinarium in Guben, Germany (world headquarters for the acclaimed Body Worlds exhibition), will be debuted to FRC attendees. The pioneering project is led by fascia scientist Robert Schleip, PhD; clinical anatomist John Sharkey; professor of anatomy Carla Stecco, MD; and director of anatomy and plastination Vladimir Chereminskiy, PhD.
Supporting the FNPP initiative is just one contribution ABMP is making to bodywork education worldwide. I’m honored to be ABMP’s ambassador for our new ABMP Associate membership initiative that opens up our online education center, the digital Massage & Bodywork magazine, and our wealth of member benefits to practitioners around the world. We’ve welcomed members from countries such as Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, and Trinidad & Tobago. In 2018 alone, ABMP has connected with international practitioners at the National Conference of Massage & Myotherapy Australia, the International Spa Association Conference, and the Canadian Massage Conference. And we’re also welcoming practitioners from allied professions and other US associations who are interested in all ABMP has to offer.
For more wisdom on fascia from Massage & Bodywork magazine, visit the September/October 2018 “Explore the Science” issue and the award-winning “Insight into Fascia” issue from September/October 2016. ABMP members can also access our CE course on fascia to continue their education.
For more information about ABMP Associate membership, visit www.abmp.com/associate-membership.
Leslie A. Young, PhD
ABMP Vice President of Communication and Professional Outreach