This is a series of powerful bodywork sessions based on the principles of Ida P. Rolf. It is a holistic approach of rebalancing the body within gravity. We are always resisting gravity, but we are never taught how to do this effectively. Strain in our tissues and joints is caused by poor postural habits, injuries and compensation for those injuries, as well as embodiment of our life's stresses. Over a long period of time this strain becomes solidified in our structure (connective tissue) and prevents a return to healthy, light, graceful movement.
KMI Structural Integration focuses on how these structural tissues affect our posture and movement. Each of the 10-12 sessions deals with a specific aspect of your individual pattern, engaging you in the process of reclaiming and rebalancing that part of you. Unlike Massage, Structural Integration is not a passive form of bodywork, but an active, educational exploration of your body. The more excitement and curiosity you bring to this process, the more you will gain.
For more information of Structural Integration check www.AnatomyTrains.net. You can also learn how Structural Integration work to alleviate chronic pain, in my article "Taking the Pain out of Chronic Pain".
Things to know before you begin
Structural Integration is a process that builds on itself with each session. A steady, consistent rhythm is important for creating momentum for change in your body. It is best to schedule at least half the series (5) sessions in advance to insure that the times convenient for you are reserved for you.
Structural Integration focuses on very ingrained habits in very tough tissues. Changing these tissues is not an easy thing and is often accompanied with rather intense and unexpected sensations (pulling, burning, pressure, shearing, tingling, pins and needles, etc). These are often lumped together as pain. It is helpful to ponder on how you relate to the difficult things in your life and to delve into the sensations/feelings/ emotions/memories that come up as you go through the process. "Breathing through the pain" is helpful too.
Each S.I. Session starts with a postural evaluation. This consists of standing in front of the practitioner who then evaluates how your body manages the strain of gravity. Wearing underwear or bathing suite (2 piece for women) is ideal. The clearer I see your body the more informed my work will be. This can be uncomfortable for some people but, in my professional experience, it will be easier than you imagine.
Structural Integration is an active process. The more you bring each session into your daily life the more you will benefit. This could entail strengthening exercises, awareness exercises, or simply changing how you do things. Start to increase you awareness levels now. Pay attention to what causes discomfort and what alleviates it. Notice when you are limited by your body and how. This will help you set your goals and evaluate your progress.
Transformations come in all shapes and sizes. Be open to anything...
The origin of KMI Structural Integration
Many of you might have heard of Rolfing, but be a little confused how it relates to Structural Integration. Rolfing is the original SI as developed by Ida P. Rolf in the 60s. When the Rolf Institute was formed, the term �Rolfing� was trademarked. There are currently 8 different schools of Structural Integration, all based on Ida�s principles, but none can use the term �Rolfing�. I studied under Tom Myers, founder of Kinesis Myofascial Integration (see links page for more info).
