Deep Front Line (DFL)

 Overview: The Deep Front Line (DFL) is a core stabilizing myofascial line running from the feet through the legs, up through the pelvis, and along the spine to the base of the skull. It involves deep muscles that are crucial for maintaining posture, core stability, and internal balance.

Primary Muscles/Structures:

• Tibialis posterior
• Popliteus
• Adductors
• Pelvic floor muscles
• Diaphragm
• Psoas major
• Quadratus lumborum
• Anterior longitudinal ligament of the spine
• Scalene muscles
• Deep neck flexors (longus capitis and longus colli)

TCM Sinew Channel Correspondences

1. Leg Shao Yin (Kidney) Sinew Channel

   • Muscles/Structures: Psoas major, iliacus, pelvic floor, diaphragm, deep spinal stabilizers.
   • Function: Stabilizes the lower spine and pelvis, contributes to balance and postural alignment.
   • Primitive Reflexes:
     • Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR): Related to the extension and flexion of the spine, which the DFL supports, especially in movements like crawling or transitioning from seated to standing positions.
   • Overlap: The Kidney sinew channel aligns closely with the DFL’s path, particularly in how it stabilizes the spine and supports deep, internal balance (limbic).

1. Leg Tai Yin (Spleen) Sinew Channel

   • Muscles/Structures: Adductors, deep abdominal muscles, pelvic floor.
   • Function: Supports core stability, internal organ function, and balance.
   • Primitive Reflexes:
     • Moro Reflex: The Moro reflex involves a sudden extension and then flexion response, which corresponds with the DFL’s role in stabilizing core movements during sudden shifts in posture or balance.
   • Overlap: The Spleen sinew channel connects with the DFL’s stabilizing functions in the lower body, particularly in how it influences the pelvic floor and deep abdominal muscles (limbic).

2. Arm Tai Yin (Lung) Sinew Channel

   • Muscles/Structures: Deep chest muscles, diaphragm, anterior neck muscles.
   • Function: Coordinates respiratory functions with arm and shoulder movements.
   • Primitive Reflexes:
     • Palmar Grasp Reflex: The Lung sinew channel, particularly in its connection with the diaphragm and breathing, supports the reflexive grip that is part of core stability and upper body movements.
   • Overlap: While the Lung sinew channel is more superficial, its connection to the diaphragm and respiratory functions ties it into the DFL’s role in coordinating breathing with deep core stability (limbic).

3. Arm Jue Yin (Pericardium) Sinew Channel

   • Muscles/Structures: Deep anterior shoulder muscles, upper chest, diaphragm.
   • Function: Involved in emotional regulation (limbic) and deep physiological processes, which are stabilized by the DFL.
   • Primitive Reflexes:
     • Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR): The Pericardium channel’s influence on deep emotional states and physiological processes aligns with the TLR’s role in postural adjustments in response to head position.
   • Overlap: The Pericardium sinew channel’s connection to deep emotional and physiological regulation (limbic) complements the DFL’s role in core stabilization and overall body balance.

Summary of Overlaps

• Deep Front Line (DFL):
  • TCM Channels: Leg Shao Yin (Kidney), Leg Tai Yin (Spleen), Arm Tai Yin (Lung), Arm Jue Yin (Pericardium).
  • Primitive Reflexes: Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR), Moro Reflex, Palmar Grasp Reflex, Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR).
  • Movement Patterns: Core stabilization, deep breathing, posture regulation, emotional grounding.
  • Key Insight: The DFL's deep, stabilizing role connects it with sinew channels that govern internal balance, core stability, and deep emotional and physiological regulation (limbic).