What
is
Structural Integration?
Structural Integration is a
scientifically validated body therapy. Unlike
massage, Structural Integration focuses not on
the muscles but on their protective layer, called
fascia (also known as connective tissue). Muscles
are contracting tissues that give the body and
organs physical movement. The fascia surrounds
the muscles, bones and organs in the body. The
fascia gives muscles their shape and the body its
structure. Structural Integration aligns and
balances the body by lengthening and
repositioning the fascia. As fascia is lengthened
it allows the muscles to move more efficiently.
The practitioner will apply pressure to the body,
working the entire fascial system in a systematic
way. When restricted fascia is released and
lengthened the body can return to its
structurally optimal position
The continuing pull of gravity, the stress of
daily activities and physical injuries can pull
the body out of alignment. The fascia gradually
shortens, tightens and adjusts to accommodate the
misalignment. When the body is out of alignment
it creates inefficiency and imbalance resulting
in stiffness, discomfort and loss of energy.
When a body is aligned and balanced it moves
with greater ease. It requires less energy to
function. Good posture is effortless and
breathing is easier. The body becomes more
flexible, more coordinated and athletic
performance improves.
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What will I experience in a Structural Integration
session?
Structural Integration is performed in ten
sessions. Each session is approximately one hour
in length. It is preferable that the sessions are
received, one per week for ten weeks in a row.
The ten sessions are administered progressively;
each session builds upon the last until complete
integration of the body is achieved. The process
of Structural Integration includes balancing the
body in segments and achieving vertical alignment
from balancing the body from front to back, side
to side, top to bottom and inside to outside.
At the beginning of the first session the
client completes a health questionnaire and spend
some time speaking with their practitioner about
the goals and intentions as applied to their
unique situation and structure. Male clients
receive work in underwear or swimsuit, women in
two piece swimsuits or bra and underwear. The
practitioner will observe the client, how they
stand, walk and other general movements. In some
cases a photograph or digital image may be taken
if the client is interested in seeing before and
after results. The specific goals of the session
will be discussed. The client will lie on a
massage table so the practitioner can work with
their body. The client will participate in the
session often being asked to breathe into the
area being worked on or to make small, specific
movements.
During the session the client may experience a
warm, pleasant sensation from the area that the
practitioner is working with. Some individuals do
not experience any sensation while others may
experience momentary discomfort. The practitioner
will apply the appropriate pressure, based on the
clients needs and feedback. During most of the
sessions the practitioner will help the client to
become aware of habitual patterns of movement and
imbalances in their body and will help them work
toward making changes in these patterns in their
daily life.
After the basic ten series is complete a
client usually allows a period of time for the
body to adapt and fully integrate before
scheduling additional work. The waiting period
can be anywhere from one month to one year based
on the client's unique experience. After the
waiting period the client can return for tune-up
sessions or advanced sessions to further the
process of integration. In some instances
practitioners will work with clients in ongoing
sessions to achieve specific goals
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What
are the Benefits?
Structural Integration is a very
personal process. It is important to remember
that because no two people are alike, their
experience and the benefits will never be exactly
the same. As a result of the process people often
appear taller and slimmer. Some actually gain
anywhere from 1/4" to over 1 inch in height.
Feelings of discomfort or pain are often
alleviated. Other often experienced benefits are
greater flexibility, a feeling of lightness and
fluidity, better balance, increased breathing
capacity, increased energy and greater self-confidence.
While Structural Integration is primarily
concerned with physical changes in the body, it
affects the whole person. We are made up of
emotions, attitudes, belief systems and behavior
patterns as well as the physical being. All are
related. Align the physical structure and it will
open up the individual's potential. Clients often
report positive changes, stating less stress,
greater self-confidence and improved ability to
handle life's changes. Such changes have been
reported in all age groups.
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Does Structural Integration last?
YES! Photographs taken of clients years
after the Basic Ten Series show that changes are
still present and structure often improved. Keep
in mind however, as life changes, bodies change
in response. Any injuries, accidents, lengthy
illnesses and emotional stress may necessitate
additional work.
Information provided by
The Guild for Structural Integration (GSI)
P.O. Box 1559, Boulder, Colorado 80306
303-447-0122
800-447-0150
FAX 303-447-0180
gsi@rolfguild.org
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