What is Structural Integration and what does it do? Structural Integration was developed by Ida Rolf, a biochemist and research scientist, who also studied physics, mathematics and homeopathy. She later explored healing modalities including chiropractic, osteopathy, yoga, the Alexander technique and Korzybski's states of consciousness. She used hands on work for family and friends with chronic pain and found results. Her drive for knowledge and need to understand healing is quite admirable.Her work continued to evolve and she open the Rolf Institute in 1971 to teach others. Since her death in 1979 several schools have taken her recipe (10 specific sessions) of structural integration and added different vantage points. The recipe is a methodical, sequential, hands on bodywork series that unravels the layers of holding in a persons fascial network and helps support a more integrated postural relationship to gravity and a easier experience within their body.Structural Integration aligns and balances the body by lengthening, releasing and repositioning the fascia, also known as connective tissue. The fascia surrounds and permeates the muscles, bones, organs, and nerves of the body. The fascia holds the shape of the body and the muscles, bones, organs and nerves communicate within that shape.When the body has to work against gravity there are usually symptoms of pain, tightness or weakness. Structural Integration helps to balance the way the body relates to gravity; bringing joints closer to neutral and facilitating movement that comes with less compensation and more balance.Because we are not just physical matter but also thinking, feeling, conscious matter, the bodywork allows for balance, from how we stand to how we stand and feel in the world.in each session:postural assessment to find balance of fascia.the work is done in collaboration. There is dialogue to find the right pressure for the client. movement along with manual manipulation guides the tissue in the intended direction the sessions are 90 minutes done in shorts and bras for women "We are not truly upright, we are only on our way to being upright. This is a metaphysical consideration. One of the jobs of a Rolfer (Structural Integrator) is to speed that process along. We want to get a person out of the place where gravity is an enemy. We want to get them into the place where gravity reinforces them and is a friend, a nourishing force".-Ida Rolf What is fascia? Fascia is connective tissue. Fascia holds each muscle spindle, bundle of muscle, muscle belly, group of muscles. Comprises the tendons, ligaments, bone casing, spinal discs and organ casing. It permeates the nervous system. It is the web that hold the body together.That fascial network is one of our richest sensory organs with a total surface area that by far surpasses that of the skin or any other body tissues. Not only does it create form but it also creates communication within and throughout the human form.(Schleip) It is a web of connection, and consciousness.Fascia has a fluid and plastic component that allows for movement as well as a dense component for structure. That balance is what we are concerned with in Structural Integration. We are looking for balanced and clear movement that allows the whole person to feel lighter in form and thought.What is a three series?A concise set of three bodywork sessions ideal for bodies that need a little fine tuning as well as an intro to the bodywork and practitioner. Addressing fascial balance of the superficial layers: front of body from tops of feet to head-lifting back of body from bottom of feet to brow-grounding side of body and relationship of front to back-balanceThis series can be extended into the 12 series $160 for each of the three 90 minute sessionsWhat is a five series?Five bodywork sessions that move deeper into the core stabilizing layers of the body in order to address deeper or longer held patterns in the body. Ideal for those with deeper issues/imbalances that do not need a full twelve series.$160 for each of the five 90 minute sessions.What is a twelve series?Twelve sessions to explore the balance of the body's layers. For those with deeper patterns in the body; scoliosis, side bends, chronic pain, depression.Four sessions to open and soften the superficial layers-link to the worldFour sessions to open the core stabilizing layers-link to ourselves.Four sessions to balance and marry the superficial layers and the deeper core stabilizing layers-link to balancing ourselves $160 for each 90 minute session
