There has recently been a development in art, math, science, and biology concerning
tensegrity systems. It has been posited by several that the principles governing the structure of these systems are the very principles that govern the structure of living biological systems. According to designer
Tom Fleming, "If tensegrity is seen not so much a building system as it is a
description of the most efficient way that all form is organized, in
terms of most economical use of energy and material, then we would
expect parsimonious nature to utilize this principle universally."
A tensegrity system is essentially a (1) self-contained, independent structure composed of (2) discontinuous compressive struts held together by a continuous network of tension lines (3) that are pre-stressed by a number of factors such that the structure is self-supporting and independent of gravity. One can
imagine quite ingeniously that the compressive struts are analogous to our bones and the tension lines to our connective tissues (muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia).
This dynamic not only functions on the macro, however. It has also been shown by researcher
Donald Ingber to be functioning at a cellular level such that this even seems to trigger gene expression to a certain degree.
I am working on a
Brickhouse Bodymind Blueprint for my blog that should be out in the next week or so on the inter-related subjects of Biotensegrity, Musculoskeletal Traction, and Yoga Posture Practice. Keep your eyes peeled for that and
subscribe to my blog if you'd like to know when that becomes available. It'll be free, of course.
I'll leave you with one last interesting tidbit. This is a
clip from a DVD put out by an orthopedic surgeon named
Steven Levin and the designer quoted above, Tom Fleming. Their conversation, even just the short bit that is free at the link above, is a great mind trip.
I'd love to hear from those of you who know about this stuff, and from those of you who are new to it. I find it all very fascinating.
Philip |
BrickhouseBodymind.com"Honesty in pursuit and tenacity of purpose will bring you to your goal." - Maharaj