The Funk'tional Nutrition Podcast Fascia & Lymphatics Explained: Healing Pain, Injury, and Immune Health with Tiffany Cruikshank from Yoga Medicine | Ep 351
In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the essential role of fascia and lymphatics in our health, and why these systems are vital for healing. Whether you're dealing with sports injuries, low back pain, chronic pain, digestive issues, or even tension headaches, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss.
I’m joined by Tiffany Cruikshank, founder of Yoga Medicine, a transformative online membership that goes beyond just yoga classes. Tiffany’s expertise spans over 15 years in the wellness space, from her early studies in premed and Chinese medicine to her specialization in sports medicine, acupuncture at Nike HQ, and her recent focus on fertility and women’s health.
What we cover in this episode:
- Fascia & Why It Matters: Learn why the fascial system is essential for overall health, how it impacts pain, mobility, and recovery, and why we need to treat our fascia to support overall well-being.
- Myofascial Release (MFR) to Support Your Nervous System and Body: Tiffany explains how Myofascial Release (MFR) can be an effective adjunct therapy to support the nervous system, relieve pain, and improve mobility. She also shares practical insights on how to do MFR at home as a tool for self-care and injury prevention.
- Lymphatics, Glymphatics & Brain Health: We discuss the fascinating connection between the lymphatic system, glymphatics, and brain health. Tiffany emphasizes the importance of considering lymph for anything related to immune health, especially in the context of autoimmunity and immune system dysregulation.
- Aging and Wellness: As two women who have been in the wellness space for decades, Tiffany and I have an unplanned but heartfelt discussion about aging. We explore how we can reframe the aging body, particularly from the lens of Chinese Medicine, and Tiffany offers her perspective on Chinese Medicine’s view on perimenopause and how it makes sense of the female reproductive system.
Tiffany will also be teaching an upcoming masterclass at the Funk’tional Nutrition Academy (FNA), which is currently open for enrollment. If you’re a practitioner looking for a comprehensive, holistic approach to client care, this is the program for you.
In This Episode:
(02:00) Exploring Fascia and Lymph Health
(08:46) Yoga Medicine: Purpose-Driven Practices
(12:46) Fascia's Response to Emotional Input
(17:47) Hyaluronan Aggregation and Mobility Issues
(24:30) Enhancing Proprioception: Yoga vs. MFR
(34:28) Fascia Care: Quick, Impactful Techniques
(41:12) Thoracic Pump and Pressure Dynamics
(44:43) Lymphatic Health Through Movement & Massage
(51:46) Embracing Aging Mindset Shift
(58:54) Yoga Medicine: Classes, Trainings, & Outreach
FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO:
https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/351-fascia-and-lymphatics-explained