I am back in clinic treating after being online this weekend and my client asked, “so what did you do at the weekend”.
Well, actually, I spent two evenings narrating a livestream dissection while watching the amazing Todd Garcia uncover the anatomy of the breath on a fresh tissue cadaver. It’s a conversation-stopper!
That description pales in comparison to what I experienced. This is my third time narrating a dissection, and it is one of the most mind-blowing. At one point, Todd asked me if I had anything to add, and I was speechless, emotional and close to tears at this stunning anatomy.
We all breathe without even thinking about it, on average, 12-18 breaths a minute. However, the complexity yet simplicity of the anatomy that allows this to happen is fantastic. From the beautiful fluid respiratory diaphragm to the lungs and their double-bagged fascia that suction them to the wall of the thoracic cavity and allow expansion on inhalation.
Observing the connections from the respiratory diaphragm to many other structures and clearly seeing how dysfunction can occur and the knock-on effect this has on our emotional well-being and quality of life. It highlights why I do my job and how much we can help people, whether through our hands or movement.
The livestream dissections challenge me and push me out of my comfort zone.
I am an introvert who likes to teach in class where I can use my hands and body language and read the student’s body language. Online dissection challenges my anatomy knowledge in a good way; it also informs my anatomy knowledge. It challenges me on how to express my thoughts through a camera (I still use my hands a lot to talk). This one also hit hard for me and was made more emotional due to my family history of lung cancer.
I learn so much about anatomy, how to be a better teacher, and most of all about myself as a human being from every dissection.
I have been researching and writing about these fascial connections for a while now and going through many research papers. Piecing together different descriptions of fascial connections. There is no substitute for seeing this tissue up close and personal, and then the excitement of seeing all of my reading connect together.
I was also blown away by how the attendees shared information, answered each other’s questions, formed networks, and absolutely supported each other. All of them masterfully guided by the very talented Melanie Burns.
If you are swithering about joining an online dissection – do it!
You will leave in awe of the human body with a different outlook on life and your own body.
I will be back in the lab in October face to face again after a long hiatus, and I cannot wait!!
Thank you for the experience.
Todd, Melanie, Thadd, Gary and the beautiful donor
Tell me, what is it you plan to do.
With your one wild and precious life?
– Mary Oliver
