Art of Form

Structural integration was born out of the genius of Ida Rolf. Rolf was a scientist and a graduate of Cornell University in the field of Biochemistry. Her early influences were hatha yoga, physio-synthesis, the Alexander method and osteopathy. Although Rolf began her work in the late 1920’s her modern form of structural integration took root in the 1950’s, cradled by the ‘human potential movement’ at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA.

Unlike massage, Structural Integration focuses not on the muscles but on their protective layer, called fascia (connective tissue). Muscles are contracting tissues that give the body and organs physical movement. The fascia surrounds muscles, bones and organs in the body. The fascia gives muscles their shape and the body it’s structure.

Structural Integration aligns and balances the body by working with the fascia to allow the muscles to move more efficiently. Practitioners systematically work with the entire fascial system to return the body to its’ most structurally optimal position.

Gravity, daily activities and physical injuries all help to pull the body out of alignment. Fascia gradually accommodates misalignment by shortening and tightening. A body out of alignment can result in stiffness, discomfort and loss of energy.

An aligned and balanced body moves with greater ease, and requires less energy to function. Good posture is effortless and breathing is easier. The body becomes more flexible, more coordinated and athletic performance improves.

Other Schools of SI include: Hellerwork, Rolfing, the Guild for Structural Integration, Aston Patterning, Soma, IPSB, and KMI (Kinesis Myofascial Integration)