67: Hyaluronan, Fascia & Yoga: Research Roundup

Today hosts Tiffany and Katja are back for another research roundup, this time on hyaluronic acid or hyaluronan. This molecule is not only used in face creams, but also helps to create tissue properties related to the slide and glide between tissue layers. In this episode, we talk about where it is found in the body, how it is produced, and how it is affected by bodily movement.

Listen in to learn how hyaluronan works, how it relates to the yoga practice, and why it’s important for our lives.

“This molecule has even a bit more in its bag than just the sliding and the gliding.” – Katja Bartsch

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“Densification is also associated with that change in viscosity which is really what creates a lot of the functional issues.” – Tiffany Cruikshank

Show Notes:

• Main attributes of hyaluronan [3:24]
• Fasciacytes and other cells that produce hyaluronan [9:21]
• The many functions of hyaluronan [14:46]
• The process of recycling hyaluronic acid in the body [16:12]
• How the length and weight of hyaluronan molecules affect function [17:29]
• Self-aggregation/ densification of hyaluronan [21:05]
• Factors affecting self-aggregation: mechanical force and temperature [24:05]
• How movement affects hyaluronan [25:34]
• Understanding hyaluronan as a yoga teacher [33:16]
• Biochemical milieu (local pH) and hyaluronan [38:05]
• Densification, fibrosis and hyaluronan [43:27]
• Diagnostic challenges with hyaluronan [46:32]

Links Mentioned:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Hyaluronan Resources Doc
• Yoga Medicine® Online
• Myofascial Release Training
• Yoga for Athletes Teacher Training
• Shoulder: Anatomy, Dysfunction & Application Yoga Teacher Training
• Hip: Anatomy, Dysfunction & Application Yoga Teacher Training
• Spine: Anatomy, Dysfunction & Application Yoga Teacher Training
• Functional Anatomy Online Course with Yoga International
• Connect with Katja Bartsch:

Facebook | Instagram | Kalamana Yoga | Yoga Medicine® Online Guest Teacher

“This molecule is precious partly because it’s attracting water and utilizing it to both help support communication and movement…but that it’s not as straightforward as just drinking water or having hyaluronic acid in itself, but that it is really about the specificity of it, the molecular weight of this molecule, the concentration, and how it’s binding.” – Tiffany Cruikshank