Well-being, alignment and balance
Structural Integration is a technique of soft tissue manipulation, body awareness and movement education aimed at the release and realignment of the body, and the reduction of muscular and physical tension and pain. Over a course of sessions, the practitioner addresses the entire fascia network of the body while taking the whole body into account, including structural and functional relationships. The practice uses gravity as an ally, which is what sets it apart from other types of body work.
Structural Integration can help athletes, dancers, actors, musicians, yoga and martial arts practitioners, or anyone wishing to improve their body awareness and physical performance. As well as people of all ages with histories of pain and discomfort, and anyone hoping to rediscover freedom and ease of movement.
Ultimately this facilitates: self-awareness, boundaries, self-esteem, emotional regulation, empathy, enhanced cognitive processing, easeful decision making of complex situations, body related self confidence, a greater sense of self-control, enhanced intuition, and a feeling of being both authentic and interconnected with others and the environment.
Structural Integration works, because it initiates structural changes that restore the entire body to a more natural order. The body's inherent capacity to adapt relaxes, corrects and integrates misalignments and imbalances. This allows posture and movement patterns to adjust towards their most efficient and at-ease form, freeing restrictions, alleviating pain, and building a foundation for lasting and sustainable results. Moreover, as the body changes physically, significant shifts in perception occur as well, resulting in lowered stress and anxiety, increased confidence and maturing emotional expression.
Structural Integration is a form of holistic, process-oriented bodywork. The method differs from others because it takes gravity into account and understands the role it plays for our wellbeing. Dr.Ida recognised that gravity is an essential organising element for body structure, movement coordination, perception and human expression.
Unlike other forms of bodywork, a practitioner doesn't only take the entire body into account, they look at its structural and functional relationships too. Throughout a 10-session series, the entire fascia network of the body is addressed – with the goal of aligning it ideally in relation to gravity.
Yes, anyone can try it. It is often used by athletes who want to achieve more efficient movement. It's also a frequently used by musicians, dancers and actors who want to expand their body awareness and ability to express themselves freely.
After accidents and operations Structural Integration can help those affected gain freer movement.
Structural Integration is for anyone who wants to have long-term, lasting improvements in their health and well-being. It is suitable for people of all ages. If you're experiencing any form of discomfort including back pain, neck tension, headaches, problems in the hips, knees or feet, Structural Integration can help alleviate and treat the pain. If you're finding it difficult to recover after an accident or operation, Structural Integration can also help you gain freer movement.
Every session begins with a short observation phase. You could be asked to sit, stand, walk a few steps or to breathe deeply to assess your body and what it needs. You will then lie on a padded table, one similar to a massage table where the practitioner delicately works on the fascia in a specific body area while applying precise pressure.
You will usually supports the effects of Structural Integration through active movement and thereby, also learn new movement patterns. Old habits that have a lasting effect on your well-being will be gradually eliminated.
This really depends on your personal goals. If you'd like to release tension in a specific area of your body for a temporary amount of time, 1 to 3 sessions will suffice. However, if you'd like to experience lasting change in your overall wellbeing, a series of 10 sessions is recommended, in which each session builds upon the progress achieved in the previous one to get you back to being your best self.
Structural Integration is not suitable for certain conditions including inflammations and tumours. In these cases, we strongly recommend consulting with your General Practitioner before proceeding with a session. In other cases, if you are unsure, please consult with your General Practitioner before starting a session or talk to us if you need more information.
