In Rolfing, the “7 Tension Bands” refer to seven specific zones within the body where unresolved emotional and physical tension becomes locked into the myofascial network. These anatomical regions are commonly explored during structural integration and myofascial release practices.
These myofascial tension bands map across the body from bottom to top:
- Pubic Bone: Associated with the pelvic basin and foundational support.
- Inguinal Ligaments: Located in the crease where the thighs meet the torso.
- Navel: The core integration zone in the abdomen.
- Diaphragm: The primary muscle for breathing, heavily affected by stress and posture.
- Collar Bone: The pectoral and shoulder girdle.
- Jaw: A highly active strap relating to stress, speech, and biting.
- Eye: Tension surrounding the temples, visual focus, and the suboccipital region of the head.
Rolfers believe that daily physical and emotional stressors cause the body’s connective tissues (fascia) to tighten and “concretize,” creating unnatural bands of holding. In Rolfing and Yoga, practitioners aim to release these bands through deep tissue manipulation and movement, respectively, allowing the fascia to regain its fluid, flexible network.
The bands I am focusing on in this blog are listed below:
Band 6 – JAW: runs from the apex vertebra at the top of the cervical spine to below the lower ears and along the jaw line. Blockages in this band interfere with the 5th CHAKRA (Vishuddha) — your body’s communication and self-expression centre, located at the throat. The nearby Jaw Band impacts your ability to speak your truth, listen actively, and express your authentic self.
To open this energy centre:
1. Vocal Toning: Chanting the seed sound (mantra) “Ham” (sounds like hum) creates deep vibrations in the throat.
2. Throat Asanas: Poses that stretch the neck and chest—such as Upward Plank Pose (Purvottanasana), Camel Pose (Ustrasana), or Fish Pose (Matsyasana)
3. Self-Expression: Practice journaling, singing, or simply speaking your needs clearly and honestly.
Band 7 – EYE: runs from the occipital joint at the back of the skull to above the upper ears to around the eyes. Tension in this band interferes with the 6th CHAKRA (Ajna) — the Third-Eye chakra is your energetic centre for intuition, imagination, and inner wisdom, located at the centre of your forehead between the eyebrows. The nearby Eye Band impacts your ability to perceive beyond physical sight and connect with higher truths.
To open this energy centre:
1. Meditation: Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus your attention on the space directly between your eyebrows.
2. Brow Asanas: Poses that bring energy to the brow–such as Child’s Pose (Balasana) and Forward Fold (Uttanasana).
3. Vocal Toning: Chant the mantra “OM” (AUM) to calm the mind.
The asana sequence below focuses on easing tension in these two bands and opening the energy channels to your body’s healing wisdom.
BALASANA (Child Pose) 3Minutes
– arms alongside legs or forward
OCCIPITAL-CERVICAL ALIGNMENT 3M
UTTANASANA 3M
– clasp opposite elbow
ADHO MUKHA SVANASANA 1-2M
OCCIPITAL-CERVICAL ALIGNMENT 3M
ARDHA PURVOTTANASANA 1M
– head level with heart
PURVOTTANASANA 1M
– release head back if cervical spine does not compress
OCCIPITAL-CERVICAL ALIGNMENT 3M
MATSYASANA 3M
– head supported: either level with the heart or releasing toward the mat
USTRASANA 2 reps @ 1M ea
– pubic bone presses into wall
– back of neck long or release head back
SAVASANA 5-10M
– bolster or blanket to support head
For more yoga actions and teachings, click here. Namaste.
