Berlin

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FR:EIA is the new plastinate at the BODY WORLDS Museum in Berlin, which was officially unveiled on November 24 during a webinar! In front of over 1000 participants from all over the world, BODY WORLDS curator Dr. Angelina Whalley, fascia expert Dr. Robert Schleip, and the definitive leaders of the fascia project, Dr. Vladimir Chereminskiy and Gary Carter, explained in detail the complicated and elaborate process of fascia plastination, as well as the importance of this unique plastinate for medical research and education.

The fascial connective tissue makes up about 20% of our body, depending on our constitution, and forms an all-encompassing net-like network that connects the individual body structures and anchors them glidingly in the body. This does not sound very spectacular, and that is why scientists have paid little attention to this tissue for centuries.

The actual functions of connective tissue were completely misunderstood for a long time. Only in recent years has it begun to be understood that it plays a central role in our health. Thus, back pain often has its cause not in vertebral or disc damage, but in the fasciae. Muscle soreness and sports injuries are also usually based on fascia injuries.

Although fascia is the focus of scientific and therapeutic attention today, three-dimensional imaging of fascial tissue has been a challenge until now. This is precisely what the team led by BODY WORLDS creator Dr. Gunther von Hagens, together with experts from the International Fascia Society, has now succeeded in doing. For three years, anatomists, scientists, physicians and physiotherapists from both teams from different countries worked to illustrate the complex and extremely unstable connective tissue network on an entire body. The resulting whole-body plastinate, called FR:EIA (= Fascia Revealed: Educating Interconnected Anatomy), shows this reticular tissue system in minute detail. It is the only preparation of its kind in the world.

Dr. Robert Schleip has put fascia in a new light with his years of research and has thereby contributed significantly to a rethinking in the sports, fitness, yoga, osteopathy and physiotherapy fields as well as in Chinese medicine. For him, FR:EIA is a breakthrough in three-dimensional fascia representation: "FR:EIA realizes a historically significant extension of conventional anatomy. In this novel representation, the fascial connective tissue takes center stage instead of being recognized only as a supportive background and packaging organ. Without the blessings of plastination, this beautiful whole-body representation of the fascial network would not have been possible. FR:EIA is therefore a unique object of study for all physicians, therapists and fascia experts, but also a revelation for the medical layman," says Dr. Robert Schleip.

For BODY WORLDS curator Dr. Angelina Whalley, the plastinate is the absolute highlight of the exhibition: "Even Leonardo da Vinci admonished us to recognize that everything is connected to everything else. The ever-growing findings in fascia research impressively prove his view. FR:EIA will permanently change the way we look at ourselves, our understanding of our physical needs and the way we treat our bodies. I am delighted to be able to present this unique plastinate to a broad public in our BODY WORLDS Museum in Berlin."

Click here for the webinar-recording.

We cordially invite you to explore the new fascia area at the BODY WORLDS Museum at Alexanderplatz for yourself!

From now on, the museum offers a free audio guide for your own smartphone.

How does it work?
Just connect to the WLAN with your smartphone, scan the QR code at the cash desk, and then you're ready to go. The audio tour for your smartphone is available in German and English.

We wish you an exciting visit to our exhibition!

Exploring the Origins and Evolution of Fascia Bodywork
The origins of fascia bodywork can be traced back to the work of Dr. Ida Rolf, who developed the method now known as Rolfing® Structural Integration. As we approach what would have been her 127th birthday on May 19th, it is a good time to reflect on the origins of fascia bodywork and the impact of her pioneering work.

Discovering the Role of Fascia in the Body
Dr. Rolf was a biochemist who became interested in alternative views of health and well-being. Her approach was based on the idea that the body's structure and function are intimately connected.

She discovered that by manipulating the fascia - the connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles and organs - she could improve the body's alignment and overall health. Her method involved a series of ten sessions, each lasting around an hour, during which the practitioner would work the fascia using deep tissue manipulation and other techniques.

Scientific Recognition of Fascia
Today, fascia is recognized as an important and complex system in the body. Research continues to explore its many functions and interactions with other tissues. It is now scientifically proven that fascia is a network of connective tissue that runs throughout the body, providing support, protection, and structure to muscles, bones, and organs.
The collection of fascia plastinates at the BODYWORLDS Museum Berlin reflects the increased scientific interest in fascia. These preserved specimens showcase the intricate network of fascia in the human body and offer a unique opportunity to study and appreciate the complexity of this previously often-overlooked tissue.

The Leading Method of Fascia Bodywork
Dr. Rolf's early recognition of the importance of fascia and her fascia-focused bodywork have shaped our understanding of this complex and dynamic system. The field has continued to evolve and expand since her time. Practitioners may use a variety of techniques to work on the fascia, including deep tissue manipulation, myofascial release, and stretching.

Today, fascia bodywork receives more recognition than ever, with a growing body of research supporting its many benefits for health and well-being. As the study of fascia continues to evolve, Rolfing Structural Integration remains the leading method for working with this important tissue in the body. The Dr. Ida Rolf Institute® Europe continues to train more and more Certified Rolfers®, who work on their clients’ fascial structure to improve mobility, reduce pain, and promote overall well-being.

More information: rolfing.org.