Some individuals may perceive their losing fight with gravity as a sharp pain in their back, others as the unflattering contour of their body, others a constant fatigue, yet others as an unrelenting threatening environment. Those over 40 may call it old age, and yet all these signals may be pointing to a single problem, so prominent in their own structure, as well as others, that it has been ignored: they are off balance. They are at war with gravity.
- Ida P. Rolf. Ph.D.
Structural Integration (SI) is a somatic practice utilizing fascial manipulation, awareness, and movement education. It is practiced in an organized series of individual sessions within a framework designed to restore postural balance and functional ease by aligning and integrating the body in gravity. SI is based on the work of Dr. Ida P. Rolf.
SI practitioners are trained at schools and institutions in accordance with the standards established by AISI, International Association of Structural Integrators.
The Importance of Structural Integration
One important principle of SI is that the body is significantly affected by the powerful force of gravity. In a misaligned state, the body’s valuable resources are used inefficiently, labouring to keep a person upright in the field of gravity. In addition, the stresses of daily life, physical injuries, unhealthy movement patterns and attitudes are things that can take a toll on one’s physical structure. Over time, the body will shorten and tighten to accommodate stresses, creating stiffness, pain, fatigue and lack of well being.
The Benefits of Structural Integration
The process of SI is an individual and personal process with a wide range of effects and benefits. In general, a body that is aligned and balanced in gravity moves with more ease, fluidity, efficiency and grace. Movement is a pleasure, breathing is easier and good posture is more effortless.
In addition, more efficient use of your muscles allows the body to conserve energy, and creates more refined and economical patterns of movement. This can result in increased levels of energy and alertness. Feelings of stress can also decrease while your level of relaxation can increase.
SI aims to affect the whole person, emotionally, physically and energetically, by way of altering the physical structure. Our emotions and behaviour patterns for instance, are often related to our physical being. As impediments to balance are removed and the body comes into greater alignment, aspects of the self may also become more aligned. An experience with SI may help release an individual’s potential, promoting positive change, lowering anxiety, improving sleep, increasing confidence, and maturing emotional expression. Finally, the SI series provides increased body awareness and presence allowing for a feeling of finally being at home in your body.
Who Benefits from Structural Integration?
All types of people have benefited from SI. Some come to ease chronic pain and stress; others are hoping to improve their athletic performance. Children and older people alike can benefit from improved structural alignment.
SI is contraindicated for those with infections, fevers, acute inflammation and recent trauma. Some forms of rheumatoid arthritis, severe osteoporosis or osteomyelitis are also contraindicated.
Client Testimonial
What SI has done for me:
The changes are gradual and are not necessarily visual as much as improvements in lifestyle. The back pain I suffered from each night in bed caused me to have to get up early each morning. I have no back pain. I like to exercise and play football and have been told that I look like I am moving easier on the field. The position I play has changed from defence (stationary) to winger (running all the time). I feel straighter but mostly am aware of my centre core all the time. I can feel this holding me up and working all the time. My feet are straighter. This has probably helped gain pace in running and reduced stress.
The process itself can be uncomfortable and painful. However it is short lived and there has never been any residual pain, only fatigue from the sessions. As a patient, I tend to attempt to tolerate as much as possible so the out come is better. A bit like exercising.
Claire is professional and easy to communicate with. It is a very personal experience, clothes off, photos taken, and Claire will keep it comfortable.
- B.L.