Les chaines Postéro-Antérieures – AP

Description

This book, ISBN 2-9510513-6-0, EAN 9782951051362, explores in depth the postero-anterior (PA) and antero-posterior (AP) chains, Godelieve Denys-Struyf's true 'chains'. These chains, underpinned by the notion of the ideal and the search for what is just and perfect, are among the most complex and fascinating in her work. They provide a link with Littlejohn's work on vertebral and pelvic mechanics. Sometimes they split into PA or AP chains, but can also form a single chain in certain circumstances.

The term "chain" seems inappropriate for these structures, which are characterised by a great need for freedom. Unlike the other chains on the vertical axis, AM (anteromedial) and PM (posteromedial), which can be described as static, PA and AP form a pair of reciprocal tensions, distinguished by their rhythmicity, like the beating of the heart, breathing, or the expression of the cranial respiratory movement of osteopaths.

PA and AP are also involved in the mechanisms governing postural balance and are therefore connected to the proprioceptive nervous system. From a functional point of view, G.D.S. grouped some of the muscles in these chains into groups, each with a specific function:

• The muscles of the "sentinels of the vertical axis" group, essentially of the PA, play the role of active ligaments of the intervertebral joints, ensuring that the best possible coaptation is maintained. They are responsible for the axial straightening of the spine, making this chain a veritable anti-gravity chain.
• The muscles of the "respirators and pressors" group, of PA and AP, are responsible for breathing and for the alternation of pressure between the thoracic and abdominal cavities, which results from diaphragmatic activity. Consequently, the circulation of blood and lymph in the body depends on the good health of this PA-AP.
• The muscles of the AP "centre of gravity adjusters and regulators" group are responsible for balancing the masses in all planes of space, intervening whenever necessary to re-establish the horizontality of the masses and bring them back into line with each other.

The analogy between these chains and the fire element, as well as the energetic lodge of the heart and small intestine, reaffirms the global vision of the G.D.S. method.

So many points are developed in this book, in addition to details of the useful and disturbing imprints that postero-anterior and antero-posterior chains can leave on the body.