When I tell people that I am a

Practitioner of Structural Integration,

they usually ask,

“What is it and

what will it do for me?”

In response, I have provided this article. I sincerely hope that you will find it interesting and informative.

What does Gravity have to do with Structural Integration?

 

Webster’s New World Dictionary defines gravity as “the pull on all bodies in the earth’s sphere toward the earth’s center”. The earth’s gravitational field is the most potent physical force that the human body has to deal with. Although most people realize this tremendous force exists, they somehow believe they are immune to it!  Gravity’s constant effect on any soft, pliable mass is to make it a formless, chaotic and spherical unit. Since the body has a great deal of plasticity and is much broader at the top than at the base, it is greatly affected by gravity when imbalances exist.

Most bodies are in a state of imbalance. As we grow older, we often “shrink” in height and slowly lose flexibility. Our bones stay the same length and our muscles can still function, but the connective tissue is what changes the most.

 

 

What is Connective Tissue?

 

By patterning I mean that the patterns of neural activity, blood and lymph flow, and muscular contraction are altered. When the ankle heals and pain subsides, the person assumes that he/she is returning to normal movement and function; however this is not the case. That new pattern created from the shift of weight has been recorded in the internal structure and remains there as part of that person’s movement and holding pattern, and remnants of the injury will be maintained in the structure and function indefinitely. Although I’ve used a sprained ankle as an example, this change in the inner system and re-patterning can take place from something as simple as the habit of carrying a heavy backpack on the same shoulder or holding the telephone receiver between one’s shoulder and ear. In order to remain upright the entire body has to compensate and some muscles are forced to shorten. When a muscle is chronically shortened it loses its ability to relax which then results in a constant state of tension.  When these changes and patterns occur, the connective tissue needs assistance in order to return to its normal, healthy state. Structural Integration is of particularly great benefit at this point.

 

 

How Does Structural Integration Work?

Are There Psychological Benefits?

While Structural Integration is primarily concerned with physical changes in the body, it affects the whole person. We are made up of emotions, attitudes, beliefs systems and behavior patterns as well as the physical being. All are related. Align the physical structure and it will open up the individual’s potential. Clients often report positive changes, stating less stress, greater self-confidence and improved ability to handle life’s changes. Such changes have been reported in all age groups.

Find out more about:

                     was founded and named by Dr. Ida P. Rolf in the mid-sixties. The word “guild” comes to us from medieval times, perhaps reminiscent of Dr. Rolf’s search into the roots of Western thought and belief. It means a union of persons in the same craft or trade to uphold standards and promote common interests. In 1989, a small group of individuals, dedicated to preserving Dr. Rolf’s traditional teachings, dedicated to preserving the Spirit and Heart of Ida Rolf's work, started the Guild for Structural Integration.

The Guild for Structural Integration is an association of Structural Integration practitioners and associates who pledge to persevere through the long term personal challenges which Dr. Rolf's teaching and work present.  Association with the Guild implies not only a committment to professional excellence in the performance of Dr. Rolf's standard ten-session series of Structural Integration, it also indicates a resolution to explore a path of personal growth which includes the trancendental vertical line.

 

Dr. Ida P. Rolf

 

Regardless of the constituency of our clientele, the Guild affirms that our primary interest is in human potential and not the palliation of symptoms, and that the miracle of symptom relief is only coincidental with the true goals of Structural Integration. We also vow to promote interest in the “unfinished” aspects of Dr. Rolf’s work and to continue her inquiry into the energy fields of the body and their relationship to balanced structure.

We believe that the scope and importance for Dr. Rolf’s work demand that many philosophical choices be explored. We, therefore, formed the Guild to insure a creative community consisting of individuals who are dedicated to sharing and exploring her work. Following the example of our teacher, we believe we can have our feet planted firmly in physical reality while keeping our eyes fixed on the far stars.

                   Dr. Ida P. Rolf

(Rolfer and Rolfing are registered words

of The Rolf Institute)