I appreciated how you kept the wonder and the brakes in the same piece. The interstitium as a possible route for microbial signaling puts the gut-brain connection in a new light for me: molecules and receptors are still there, but now anatomy, pressure, flow, and passage enter the conversation. The ancient parallels feel extremely valuable too, and prompt us to ask deeper questions.
It is encouraging to see the interstitium being acknowledged as a major biological discovery. However, a critical blind spot remains: as a transport medium, it is not merely a structural compartment but a system governed by the physical constraints of diffusion. Understanding those constraints may be essential for understanding both health and disease.
My favorite use of the lymph system: ingested fat is packaged into chylomicrons and then released into lymph vessels. (Glucose and Protein go into blood). The lymph is released into the subclavian vein which flows into the heart thereby supplying most of the energy the heart needs.
if it the case that zombie cells also contribute to the appearance of skin ageing, by what mechanism can they be removed from skin; I mean is it different from the brain? cos it would be v handy if my microbes could shove some collagen and hyaluronic acid into my face tbh - I am extending the definition of mid forties on the basis that time is elastic, but i need skin to match!
The flow of lymph between the peripheral lymphatic system, the CSF and glymphatic system within the brain may be something for consideration as a mechanism for microbial transfer.
The fully integrated bodywide lymphatic system may not yet be recognised by scientific research.
Observing the inner healing of psychoneuroimmune and psychoneuroendocrine adaptations that occur as automatic subconscious intelligent human adaptations to adverse environments has been incredibly challenging, but has also provided insights into the uncharted and poorly understood aspects of human health across the lifespan.
I was a hospital pharmacist for over 20 years and believe that the biological impact of childhood emotional neglect, abuse and traumatic experiences is poorly understood.
My personal opinion is that the lymphatic system corresponds with Qi, prana or life force energy that is not yet medically understood.
Lymph becomes trapped and stagnates in response to psychoneuroimmune adaptations. There is a vast network of lymphatic vessels within the intestinal tract and pelvic area that perhaps require further consideration.
The lack of understanding around the integrated, highly complex and sensitive whole body lymphatic system that requires nervous system regulation and oxytocin exposure for optimal functioning (along with proper hydration and nutrition) is something that is not yet fully recognised for fundamentally underpinning human health.
If this is an area that may be of interest to explore further with yourself or someone else please let me know.
One of Scott's other articles mentioned beneficial effect of gut microbes on the Brian specifically hippocampus and amygdala, two areas that would have developed differently under trauma conditions than without trauma. I think that should also be explored.
Thank you for mentioning that, i also think it is poorly understood, and also under-discussed, as acquired neurodivergence (if it was formative) isn't a generally accepted category, and people affected have no 'in group' or forum to discuss the matter.
That is fascinating in loads of ways (and cos I know nothing to start with), esp. the piezoelectric bit, and, in a way also the system dynamics in relation to other types of systems descriptors and a proposition I read lately that boundaries should not be the primary framing of systems, rather things are defined by a series of patterned propogations and influence gradients.
So true! But once it was seen as continuous, it got promoted to a circulatory system capable of spreading cancer cells, microbes, and immune cells throughout the body. It's amazing that, like the glymphatic system, we are still discovering new anatomy in the 21st century!
Interesting you mention the Chinese link to Qi. An ancient parallel that stretches back thousands of years to Hinduism's naming of Prana.
For years, Western medicine discarded the "fuzz" between organs, but we now know the interstitium (the fluid-filled fascial network) is a body-wide, liquid-crystalline matrix. What you describe about the piezoelectric nature of the interstitium can be correlated to descriptions in Hinduism.
Prana: The vital life force; it is the measurable bioelectric current flowing through this electrified fascial matrix.
Nadis: The 72,000 energetic channels mapped out in Yoga and Ayurveda perfectly mirror this continuous, body-wide fascial highway. "Blockages" in the Nadis are essentially dehydrated, adhered sections of the interstitium restricting electrical flow.
Marma Points: Hinduism’s ancient pressure-point system targets major structural junctions where fascia, nerves, and vessels meet. Pressing a Marma point mechanically deforms the collagen, firing a piezoelectric signal down the fascial line to stimulate cellular healing.
Chakras: These energy hubs sit at major nerve and tissue intersections. High mechanical stress in these zones creates dense electromagnetic fields, which we literally "recharge" through the compression and stretching of Asanas (yoga postures) and Pranayama (breathwork).
By finally studying the interstitium as a living, communicating grid, modern science is proving that practices like Yoga and Ayurveda aren't just working on a symbolic level, they are advanced technologies for regulating our body's bioelectric network.
Is this why recently, the gut brain pathway of developing Parkinson's and how Alzheimer's (Diabetes of the brain) develops, is being revisited through a gut microbiome and diet lens?
The humour 'phlegm' is affected by the moon, and I was going to ask if the moon was a mechanism for interstitial movement as well...(especially in women?)
I just have to say WOW! The interstitium has been hiding in plain sight. Thanks for an illuminating article. Now, I have to go get my chakra acupunctured, taking care of my glymphatics.
I appreciated how you kept the wonder and the brakes in the same piece. The interstitium as a possible route for microbial signaling puts the gut-brain connection in a new light for me: molecules and receptors are still there, but now anatomy, pressure, flow, and passage enter the conversation. The ancient parallels feel extremely valuable too, and prompt us to ask deeper questions.
It is encouraging to see the interstitium being acknowledged as a major biological discovery. However, a critical blind spot remains: as a transport medium, it is not merely a structural compartment but a system governed by the physical constraints of diffusion. Understanding those constraints may be essential for understanding both health and disease.
My favorite use of the lymph system: ingested fat is packaged into chylomicrons and then released into lymph vessels. (Glucose and Protein go into blood). The lymph is released into the subclavian vein which flows into the heart thereby supplying most of the energy the heart needs.
Oh yay!! 😀. Thank you for this article!! 🙌👏🎉
if it the case that zombie cells also contribute to the appearance of skin ageing, by what mechanism can they be removed from skin; I mean is it different from the brain? cos it would be v handy if my microbes could shove some collagen and hyaluronic acid into my face tbh - I am extending the definition of mid forties on the basis that time is elastic, but i need skin to match!
Wonderful writing and awesome biology news!
There is a nice @RadioLab episode on the Interstitium.
I love the “secret doors” of the body!
Thank you for sharing this article.
I have a few observations or comments to offer.
The flow of lymph between the peripheral lymphatic system, the CSF and glymphatic system within the brain may be something for consideration as a mechanism for microbial transfer.
The fully integrated bodywide lymphatic system may not yet be recognised by scientific research.
Observing the inner healing of psychoneuroimmune and psychoneuroendocrine adaptations that occur as automatic subconscious intelligent human adaptations to adverse environments has been incredibly challenging, but has also provided insights into the uncharted and poorly understood aspects of human health across the lifespan.
I was a hospital pharmacist for over 20 years and believe that the biological impact of childhood emotional neglect, abuse and traumatic experiences is poorly understood.
My personal opinion is that the lymphatic system corresponds with Qi, prana or life force energy that is not yet medically understood.
Lymph becomes trapped and stagnates in response to psychoneuroimmune adaptations. There is a vast network of lymphatic vessels within the intestinal tract and pelvic area that perhaps require further consideration.
The lack of understanding around the integrated, highly complex and sensitive whole body lymphatic system that requires nervous system regulation and oxytocin exposure for optimal functioning (along with proper hydration and nutrition) is something that is not yet fully recognised for fundamentally underpinning human health.
If this is an area that may be of interest to explore further with yourself or someone else please let me know.
Thank you for reading!
One of Scott's other articles mentioned beneficial effect of gut microbes on the Brian specifically hippocampus and amygdala, two areas that would have developed differently under trauma conditions than without trauma. I think that should also be explored.
brain!! Not Brian 🤣
Thank you for mentioning that, i also think it is poorly understood, and also under-discussed, as acquired neurodivergence (if it was formative) isn't a generally accepted category, and people affected have no 'in group' or forum to discuss the matter.
That is fascinating in loads of ways (and cos I know nothing to start with), esp. the piezoelectric bit, and, in a way also the system dynamics in relation to other types of systems descriptors and a proposition I read lately that boundaries should not be the primary framing of systems, rather things are defined by a series of patterned propogations and influence gradients.
Fascinating!!
So true! But once it was seen as continuous, it got promoted to a circulatory system capable of spreading cancer cells, microbes, and immune cells throughout the body. It's amazing that, like the glymphatic system, we are still discovering new anatomy in the 21st century!
Interesting you mention the Chinese link to Qi. An ancient parallel that stretches back thousands of years to Hinduism's naming of Prana.
For years, Western medicine discarded the "fuzz" between organs, but we now know the interstitium (the fluid-filled fascial network) is a body-wide, liquid-crystalline matrix. What you describe about the piezoelectric nature of the interstitium can be correlated to descriptions in Hinduism.
Prana: The vital life force; it is the measurable bioelectric current flowing through this electrified fascial matrix.
Nadis: The 72,000 energetic channels mapped out in Yoga and Ayurveda perfectly mirror this continuous, body-wide fascial highway. "Blockages" in the Nadis are essentially dehydrated, adhered sections of the interstitium restricting electrical flow.
Marma Points: Hinduism’s ancient pressure-point system targets major structural junctions where fascia, nerves, and vessels meet. Pressing a Marma point mechanically deforms the collagen, firing a piezoelectric signal down the fascial line to stimulate cellular healing.
Chakras: These energy hubs sit at major nerve and tissue intersections. High mechanical stress in these zones creates dense electromagnetic fields, which we literally "recharge" through the compression and stretching of Asanas (yoga postures) and Pranayama (breathwork).
By finally studying the interstitium as a living, communicating grid, modern science is proving that practices like Yoga and Ayurveda aren't just working on a symbolic level, they are advanced technologies for regulating our body's bioelectric network.
Is this why recently, the gut brain pathway of developing Parkinson's and how Alzheimer's (Diabetes of the brain) develops, is being revisited through a gut microbiome and diet lens?
Also, did we only just discover it, or is it part of what is meant by 'humours'? if it affects mood it would seem so...
The humour 'phlegm' is affected by the moon, and I was going to ask if the moon was a mechanism for interstitial movement as well...(especially in women?)
I just have to say WOW! The interstitium has been hiding in plain sight. Thanks for an illuminating article. Now, I have to go get my chakra acupunctured, taking care of my glymphatics.