Shiva Body Samadhi
Whole Body Being
Structural Integration is an original and scientifically validated system of body restructuring and movement education, and the worlds most advanced form of bodywork.
Structural Integration (also called by the trademarked term Rolfing) works with the gross physical, yang, or masculine principle of the body and with the descending force of the earths energy field. The Structural Integration technique resembles a slow deep tissue massage but focuses on layers of restricted connective tissue in the entire body called fascia, rather then on isolated regions of contracted muscle tissue like during massage.
Structural Integration treats the body as whole by systematically reshaping, reorganizing and integrating the physical structure into balance with gravity. Structural Integration is interactive, self-empowering and more invigorating then massage. .
Unlike massage or other forms of bodywork, Structural Integration changes the structure of your body. The effects of this work are long-term and last many years. In addition to changing the body, Structural Integrators make themselves obsolete by empowering their clients to take charge of their own physical and emotional health.
Most human beings are significantly out of alignment with gravity. Gravity is the basic shaper of the body. From birth until death gravity is always working on us. Over time, our bodies get pulled into unnatural positions which result in chronic patterns of tension, stress and pain. Mind and body are mutually sustaining and we can become rigid, inflexible and “set in our ways”. We function better when our bodies are aligned with the descending gravitational energy field of the earth.
In its optimal condition fascia (connective tissue) is a white, loose, fibrous, moist tissue. Like a multi-layered stocking, fascia surrounds, supports and connects every muscle, organ, tendon and bone, giving our body shape and strength. Healthy fascia helps facilitate fluid movement between different parts of the body.
Much like a sculptor working with clay, a Structural Integrator works with the body’s living malleable myofascial system, by lengthening and releasing age-old restrictions that inhibit fluid body movement.
These blocks and restrictions can be related to our daily habitual psycho/physical posture and movement patterns. Or the times in our lives when our sympathetic (fight & flight) branch of our autonomic nervous system responded to protect us like during an accident, injury, or intense emotional experience. Resulting in a long-term frozen holding pattern.
Over a series of sessions, both client and therapist work to “lift” head, shoulder, thorax, pelvis and legs, into vertical alignment. Each session builds on the cumulative results of the previous one. Chronic discomforts often disappear immediately, or soon after the series are completed. A sense of lightness and internal “rightness,” along with more energy and greater mobility are often the result.
Structural Integration creates long-lasting change by addressing the underlying cause of psycho/physical tension and pain. The goal of Structural Integration goes beyond relieving tension in isolated body regions, instead, the entire body is integrated in gravity so the body as a whole functions more efficiently.
People who have received this work move with more surety and grace and often report positive changes in their outlook on life. Benefits include improved posture, Self-confidence and body awareness. Increased vitality, mental clarity and relief from chronic pain.
I have worked with thousands of individuals from all walks of life including many world class athletes, students of yoga and meditation, professional dancers, artists, actors, writers, business people. Physicians, musicians, Roshis, Rabbis & Rinpoches. As well as many ’ordinary’ people, riddled with everyday tension and pain, who are seeking relief and improved performance in their professions and daily activities.
People of all ages and backgrounds use Structural Integration & Craniosacral Energy Healing to optimize and transcend the ‘experience’ of living in their body. And to come into a more personal and profound relationship with earth, spirit, Self and other, ultimately realized as One!
Treatments are offered in a series of ten sessions that are approximately one hour to seventy five minutes in length and usually spaced one to two weeks apart. Individual non-series sessions are also available.
Structural Integration is an active form of bodywork that involves standing, sitting and walking. Wear what feels comfortable to you. Women usually wear running shorts and sports top, a two-piece bikini style bathing suit, or underwear and bra. Men can wear running shorts, a bikini style bathing suit or underwear. Cotton sheets are also available.
Structural Integration & Craniosacral Energy Healing stimulates change and personal growth. Not everyone is ready for this work and not every body worker compliments your specific needs or personality. To learn more about Structural Integration-Craniosacral Energy Healing and to learn more about me, schedule an introductory trial session.
If you can imagine how it feels to have a fluid, light,
balanced
body free of pain, stiffness and chronic stress,
at ease with
itself and the earth’s gravitational field,
then you know
the goals of Structural Integration. - Ida Rolf
