Article Spotlights an Often-Neglected Part of the Body Director’s Page Helene M. Langevin, M.D.

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/about/offices/od/director/past-messages/article-spotlights-an-often-neglected-part-of-the-body?nav=govd I was so pleased to speak recently with The New York Times reporter, Danielle Friedman, for her recent story on fascia, “The Tissue That Connects Our Muscles May Be a Key to Better Health.” The role of fascia in how our bodies function and the impact on our health is a topic that hasn’t gotten enough attention, but that is beginning to change, and it’s encouraging to have a thoughtful discussion on this subject. As Ms. Friedman explained, fascia is “the tough, flexible tissue that surrounds and connects muscles, bones, and organs like cling wrap.” I’m proud of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health’s work to advance research on this significant yet understudied part of our bodies. Our efforts are aimed at answering questions on how the health of fascia relates to overall health and wellness, physical performance, and its relationship to chronic pain, which affects about one in five Americans.