Structural
Integration: A 10-Session System for Comprehensive Body Alignment
Structural
Integration is a transformative 10-session approach, carefully designed to
realign the entire body, one session building upon the last. Unlike
conventional massage or physical therapy, which often provide temporary relief
by addressing symptoms locally, Structural Integration addresses the root causes
of musculoskeletal issues. It gradually reshapes your body’s structure and
posture for long-term results, helping you achieve better balance, mobility,
and relief from chronic discomfort.
Many cases
of chronic pain, such as tension in the neck or lower back, stem from poor
posture, repetitive movement patterns, uneven stress distribution, or
imbalanced gait. Structural Integration targets these issues by addressing the
body’s overall anatomical arrangement. Each session works toward a balanced
body that functions efficiently within the forces of gravity.
Through the
manipulation of connective tissue (fascia), Structural Integration restores
natural body balance and flexibility across ten core sessions. Each session has
a specific focus, targeting distinct body areas and reintegrating them into
your body’s full movement system.
Overview of the 10-Session Structure
Sessions 1-3: Superficial Fascia – Surface Layers
#1:
Releasing Surface Fascia – Freeing the Breath
This session focuses on the hip joints, outer thighs, hamstrings, chest,
shoulders, and arms, allowing for fuller, more relaxed breathing. Many clients
experience a true, unrestricted breath for the first time, gaining insight into
how the breath can help release tension across the body.
#2: Stabilizing
Feet and Legs – Rebuilding Support
Starting below the knees, this session restores foot mobility and sensitivity,
helping to evenly distribute the body’s weight. As the lower legs and feet
realign, the entire body gains better support and stability, promoting balance
from the ground up.
#3:
Balancing the Body’s Lateral Lines – Aligning Front and Back
This session focuses on the sides of the body, from the ankles up to the head,
helping to balance the body’s front and back and preparing tissue for deeper
work. Clients often feel taller and more centered along their body’s midline.
Sessions 4-7: Deep Fascia – Inner Layers
#4: The
Pelvic Core – Inner Rotators and Pelvic Floor
Beginning at the ankles, this session targets the inner line from the ankles to
the pelvic floor, relieving issues related to knee alignment, inwardly rotated
legs, and improper muscle recruitment in fundamental leg movements. It is
essential for achieving stable weight distribution and is a pivotal session for
pelvic alignment and mobility.
#5: Deep Leg
Balancing – Harmonizing Psoas and Rectus Muscles
Focusing on the front body from hips to chest, this session works deeply on the
psoas, rectus abdominis, chest, and neck. Especially helpful for clients with
slouched shoulders or rotated hips, this session promotes pelvic alignment and
connects the legs to the pelvis, fostering flexible and stable support.
#6: Back
Alignment – Stabilizing the Sacrum and Spine
This session covers the entire back, from the heels to the mid-back, addressing
the sacrum, tailbone, and spinal muscles. By supporting vertical stability in
the spine and sacrum, it encourages the back to "breathe,"
alleviating chronic lower back pain.
#7: Head,
Neck, and Shoulder Alignment – Setting the Head on the Spine
Known as the “putting on the head” session, this work on the head, neck, and
shoulders relieves tension in the jaw, face, and neck, improving cervical
posture and aligning the head with the torso.
Sessions 8-9: Full-Body Integration – Fine-Tuning the
System
Sessions 8
& 9: Integrating Upper and Lower Body
These sessions divide the body into upper and lower sections to address any
final deep fascial restrictions. Their purpose is to unify the body parts for
holistic movement, balance, and alignment.
Session 10: Complete Integration – A New Beginning for
the Body
The final
session integrates all changes achieved in previous sessions, allowing the body
to function as a harmonious whole. This lighter treatment session imparts a
sense of overall balance and fluid movement, with benefits that continue to
unfold long after the series is complete.
This
10-session process provides a tailored approach, aligning muscle groups
front-to-back, side-to-side, and in the body’s deep and superficial layers.
With Structural Integration, you can expect increased mobility, lasting pain
relief, and a balanced body that moves effortlessly within gravity. Each
session is customized to your unique body structure and movement patterns,
ensuring a personalized path to recovery and integration. The overarching goal
is to achieve harmony and alignment in your body’s relationship with gravity.