Anatomy Slings and their Sinew Channel Correspondences

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), qi represents the dynamic processes of cellular respiration, ATP production, and overall muscle function and vitality, along with vagal tone and patency. By integrating insights from myofascial theory and neuroscience , we can enhance TCM treatments for conditions of chronic fight-flight that exhibit spasticity. This approach is particularly effective when using the Sinew Channels (jing jin) at crossing points where multiple layers of fascia intersect, allowing for simultaneous influence on multiple fascial layers.

Anatomy slings refer to specific groups of muscles and connective tissues that work together to produce and control movement, particularly dynamic and cross-body actions. These slings are especially relevant in sports medicine and physical therapy as they highlight how different parts of the body cooperate to maintain stability and facilitate movement.

Key Anatomy Slings

Anterior Oblique Sling

Components: External oblique, internal oblique, and contralateral adductors

Function: Supports rotational movements and stability in activities like throwing or swinging

Primitive Reflexes: Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR),, Rooting Reflex

• Movement Patterns: Rotation of the head to one side, causing extension of the arm and leg on that side and flexion of the opposite arm and leg

• Movement Patterns: Turning the head towards a stimulus near the mouth, involving facial and neck muscles

TCM Channels:

Yang Ming Channels (Stomach)

Stomach Sinew Channel

Large Intestine Sinew Channel

 

 Posterior Oblique Sling

• Components: Latissimus dorsi, thoracolumbar fascia, multifidus, and contralateral gluteus maximus
• Function: Facilitates powerful extension and rotational movements, stabilizing the pelvis and lower back
  
  
• Primitive Reflexes:
• Spinal Galant Reflex
• Movement Patterns: Stimulation of the skin along the side of the spine, causing lateral flexion of the trunk
• Moro Reflex
• Movement Patterns: Sudden extension and then flexion of the arms and legs in response to a perceived threat
• TCM Channels:
• Tai Yang Channels (Bladder)
• Bladder Sinew Channel
• Small Intestine Sinew Channel

• Components: Latissimus dorsi, thoracolumbar fascia, and contralateral gluteus maximus
• Function: Facilitates powerful extension and rotational movements, stabilizing the pelvis and lower back.

Lateral Sling

• Components: Gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tensor fasciae latae, and ipsilateral adductors
• Function: Supports lateral stability, particularly during single-leg stance and side-to-side movements
• Primitive Reflexes:
• Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
• Movement Patterns: Rotation of the head to one side, causing extension of the arm and leg on that side and flexion of the opposite arm and leg
• Landau Reflex
• Movement Patterns: Extension of the head, trunk, and legs when held in a horizontal position
  
  
• TCM Channels:
• Shao Yang Channels (Gall Bladder)
• Gall Bladder Sinew Channel
• San Jiao (Triple Burner) Sinew Channel

Deep Longitudinal Sling

• 
  Components: Erector spinae, multifidus, sacrotuberous ligament, biceps femoris, and peroneus longus
• Function: Provides support for upright posture and aids in forward propulsion during walking and running
• Primitive Reflexes:
• Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)
• Movement Patterns: Changes in muscle tone in response to head position changes relative to gravity, involving postural adjustments
• Palmar Grasp Reflex
• Movement Patterns: Flexion of the fingers when the palm is stimulated
• TCM Channels:
• Tai Yin Channels (Lung, Spleen)
• Lung Sinew Channel
• Spleen Sinew Channel
• Shao Yin Channels (Heart, Kidney)
• Heart Sinew Channel
• Kidney Sinew Channel

Coordination of Sinew Channels in TCM

In TCM, the sinew channels (tendinomuscular meridians) describe pathways of connective tissue, muscles, and tendons that facilitate movement and maintain structural integrity. When considering the coordination of movement, sinew channels can be understood similarly to anatomy slings, as they describe how different parts of the body work together.

 Comparison and Integration

1. Cross-Body Movements:
• Anatomy Slings: Anterior and Posterior Oblique Slings work across the body to facilitate rotational and stabilizing movements.
• Sinew Channels: Channels such as the Yang Ming (Stomach) and Tai Yang (Bladder) integrate to support rotational actions and stability.
2. Top-Bottom Movements:
• Anatomy Slings: Deep Longitudinal Sling supports vertical stability and forward propulsion.
• Sinew Channels: The Deep Front Line (DFL) and corresponding Tai Yin and Shao Yin channels (Lung, Spleen, Heart, Kidney) support core stabilization and balance.

TCM Channels and Corresponding Anatomy Slings

• Yang Ming Channels (Stomach) and Superficial Front Line (SFL): Facilitate flexion and forward movements.
• Tai Yang Channels (Bladder) and Superficial Back Line (SBL): Support extension and upright posture.
• Shao Yang Channels (Gall Bladder) and Lateral Line (LL): Aid in lateral and rotational stability.
• Jue Yin Channels (Pericardium and Liver) and Spiral Line (SL): Integrate spiral and rotational movements for overall stability.

Conclusion

Anatomy slings describe the functional cooperation of muscles and fascia to coordinate complex movements, much like how sinew channels in TCM describe interconnected pathways facilitating movement and structural integrity. Both systems highlight the importance of cross-body and top-bottom interactions for maintaining stability and facilitating dynamic actions. This understanding bridges traditional Chinese medicine concepts with modern anatomical insights, providing a comprehensive framework for movement and therapy.

 

  Kendall, Frank P., McCreary, Elizabeth Kendall, and Provance, Patricia Geise. Muscles: Testing and Function, with Posture and Pain. 5th ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005. ISBN: 978-0781747806.

  Myers, Thomas W. Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual Therapists and Movement Professionals. 4th ed., Elsevier, 2020. ISBN: 978-0702078132.

  Schultz, Robert, and Feitis, Rosemary. The Endless Web: Fascial Anatomy and Physical Reality. North Atlantic Books, 1996. ISBN: 978-1556432286.

  Stecco, Carla. Functional Atlas of the Human Fascial System. Elsevier, 2014. ISBN: 978-0702058523.