Stand Tall with Ease

Rolfing and Structural Integration

Rolfing and Structural Integration are the same thing: it is a method of body restructuring and postural re-patterning using deep tissue release and movement education.  The purpose of the work is to guide the body into a easy and natural balance with the field of gravity.  Structural Integration is a tested method that accomplishes this through a series of sessions where focused pressure and movement training:

– loosen and rebalance the tone of the entire myofascial system
   
– organize the segments of the body into an integrated whole

– teach simple coordinated, functional movement patterns to replace maladaptive postural habits. 

The process of Structural Integration is not focused on “fixing” specific problems, it is a holistic approach to uncovering our native potential for effortless movement and ease of being.  While that is so, chronic issues often clear up and fade away when the structure of the body is aligned with the field of gravity.  Often clients experience emotional as well as physical release in ways that are unexpected: this is a consequence of treating the body and the being as a whole.

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Rolfing and Structural Integration

What is it?

Rolfing / Structural Integration is a method of retraining the body to flow effortlessly with the field of gravity.  It is a form of education and manual treatment designed to uncover our inborn potential to move freely and rest at ease. The theoretical basis of Structural Integration brings together three distinct elements:

  • Gravity is the field that our bodies evolved within and is most responsive to: our relationship with the energy of gravity either lifts us up or tears us down.
  • The primary structural material of the body is connective tissue, the collagen and elastin fibers that tie together and run between every muscle, bone, and organ.  When subjected to mechanical pressure these tissues will change shape, either for better or worse.
  • Bringing the segments of the body into relationship with each other and with the field of gravity permits the body as a whole to express its natural vitality through movements that use the energy of gravity stored in the elastic components of the structural system.  The structure of the body is deeply interconnected and holistic, so should be any method that seeks to uncover its movement potential.

The gravitational field of the earth is the most potent physical influence in human life. A balanced body has an amazing amount of energy efficiency, storing and releasing the potential derived from gravity and mass in motion, allowing movement to feel free and effortless.  A misaligned body will adjust to the downward force of gravity by creating additional elements of support – using excessive muscular effort to hold up imbalanced posture and movement against the pull of gravity, thickening and shortening connective tissues for support when our weight is not passing through the bones.  Over time the compensations of our connective tissue system, the stiffening of the soft tissue trying to support improper posture, pull the bones out of alignment and require a large amount of mechanical energy to overcome.  Moving becomes more difficult and often chronic pain is felt in locations where stress concentrates in the habitual positions we take.  Over time this process of structural degeneration impairs joint mobility and ease of movement, which in turn will cause further imbalance to occur – a vicious circle.

The purpose of Rolfing or Structural Integration is to guide the body into a natural balance with the field of gravity.  Structural Integration is a tested method that accomplishes this balancing through 10-12 sessions of deep tissue contact and movement education that:

  • loosens and rebalances the tone of the entire fascial (connective tissue) system
  • organizes the segments of the body into an integrated whole
  • teaches simple coordinated movement patterns to replace poor postural habits

This process releases the body’s segments – legs, arms, torso, neck, jaw, etc.- from life-long patterns of tension and bracing, freeing energy that is trapped up in the struggle to remain upright by aligning the segments of the body in the field of gravity.  The process of Structural Integration is not focused on “fixing” problems, it is a holistic approach to uncovering our human potential for effortless movement and ease of being.  However, long-term problems often clear up and fade away when the structure of the body is aligned with the field of gravity.  Often clients experience emotional as well as physical release in ways that are unexpected: this is a consequence of treating the body and the being as a whole.