Structural Integration is a type of alternative medicine which aims to align the human body in the gravitational field. The intent of this work is the increased use of balance at finer levels of the neuro-fascial-musculo-skeletal system allows for increased general well-being and physical adaptability and resilience as well as reducing biomechanically caused pain.
Structural Integration practitioners are trained in the application of functional biomechanical and kinesiological analysis and in what they believe are effective ways of changing a client’s structure. Often connective tissue (specifically fascia) is manipulated to allow body segments to shift to a more balanced position. Re-education of the client’s movement patterns and other modalities are commonly used in the belief that they can achieve or support the goal of improved alignment.
First developed as a separate field by Dr. Ida P. Rolf, Structural Integration, from the 1930s, evolved out of a number of sources including osteopathy, (including cranial osteopathy), yoga, Feldenkrais. The focus of this work is based upon the premise that for the body to function properly its structure must first be secure so that it can use gravity for support, and that each segment of the body should relate properly to each other. Structural Integration focuses on the connective tissue matrix of the body in order to bring all the parts of the body into balance.
Structural Integrators use a multi-session approach in which specific strategies are developed to guide each individual into optimal balance. By the 1950s Rolf was teaching Postural Release. In the 1960s Dr. Rolf called her work Structural Integration and, since then, many schools teaching Structural Integration have formed; such as the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration, the Guild for Structural Integration, Hellerwork Structural Integration, and Kinesis Myofascial Integration.
ASIS Massage Education offers a wide variety of workshops and continuing education classes based in this effective work.
