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What is the
Ten-Series of Structural Integration?
The Ten Series of Structural Integration is a system used to align and balance the physical body within its gravitational field by freeing and reorganizing the myofascia, or connective tissue that surrounds the muscles. Dr. Rolf discovered that the body is organized in layers and that in order to create lasting change, the Structural Integration Series must create length and space in the outermost layers before working with deeper, more core layers in the body. Structural Integration is a ‘system’ of ten sessions. The first three sessions are called “The Sleeve Sessions” and cover the superficial fascia, the middle four sessions are called “The Core Sessions” and cover the deeper myofascial structures, and the last three sessions are called “The Integration Sessions” and create structural and functional adaptability within the whole body.
SLEEVE SESSIONS
1,2,3
These are the superficial sessions. The "sleeve" of your body is the outer fascial layer.
CORE SESSIONS
4,5,6,7
These are also referred to as the "deep" sessions. The "core" of your body is the inner fascial layer.
INTEGRATION SESSIONS
8,9,10
This is the place where the sleeve and the core meet and interact.
Session 1 - Opening the sleeve - freeing breath and superficial fascia. Terrain: ribcage, sternum, shoulders, neck; lateral pelvis/leg & hamstrings You will get a sense of lift in your body. Your breathing pattern will be addressed by releasing the superficial fascia of the ribs and thorax.
Session 2 - Support for the body - establishing a relationship to the ground. Terrain: feet, legs, knees, thighs, pelvis You will get a sense of grounding in your body. Your feet will be more fluid and adaptable as they support the vertical dimension in your body.
Session 3 - Lateral line - creating front/back dimension. Terrain: neck, arms/shoulders, torso, pelvis, thighs and knees You will experience the dimension of depth (front to back balance) and freedom of the arms and shoulder girdle from the spine.
Session 4 - Medial Line - building up core support and strength. Terrain: ankle, knees, medial thigh, pelvic floor You will build up core support and strength from your feet through your legs to the bottom of your core. You will experience more lift in your body and start to get a sense of “the Line.”
Session 5 - Anterior Line - visceral organization and core activation. Terrain: front of the legs, abdomen, psoas, diaphragm, ribs & sternum You will extend your line of support up to the head along the front of the spine. This will further your sense of front-to-back balance in your body. You will also get a sense of leg movement from the core, rather than from the hips.
Session 6 - Posterior Line - creating a vertical line of symmetry. Terrain: posterior ankle, calves and thighs; gluteals, deep rotator muscles, sacrum, spine (lower and upper back) You will feel a sense of length in the front and the back of the core. You will experience movement from your legs to your undulating spine.
Session 7 - Adaptability - balancing the neck and head on the spine. Terrain: chest, shoulders, neck, jaw, cranium You will feel the relationship of your head and neck as a fluid extension of your spine.
Session 8 - Structural Integration - stability and adaptability. Terrain: lower girdle, legs, hips and pelvis You will experience a secure foundation in the pelvis and legs for the upper body, neck and head to be supported. This creates a sense of stability and adaptability in your body.
Session 9 - Functional Integration - contralateral movement. Terrain: upper girdle, arms, shoulders, chest back, head and neck You will experience contralateral movement in your body. You will feel the transfer of motion and energy from the core to the sleeve. All movement will start to initiate from the lumbodorsal hinge-the area in front of the vertebral column at the mid to lower back.
Session 10 - Integration - horizontal lines. Terrain: ankles, knees, hips, diaphragm, neck, cranium You will have a sense of “the Line” and of everything being connected. You will have a full sense of your body in 3 dimensions and moving in any direction with equal ease.