𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ... 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐭

What is Structural Integration ... 

[The Short And The Long Of It]

IN A NUTSHELL: The condition of living in bodily balance in respect to the demands of Gravity is called "structural integration". "Structural Integration" is the training to foster actual embodiment and the direct expereince of living with such balance.

If you want to look into that further ... READ MORE:

Structural Integration is the name Dr. Ida P. Rolf gave her peerless and definitive approach to Human health and wellness. Simply stated, the goal is to balance the body with the Gravitation field of the Earth.

We look at the Human body structurally. Importantly, just like any physical structure on Earth, it is subject to the demands of Gravity. 

Scientifically, we understand that the design of the Human body calls for its major segments — feet, legs, pelvis, abdomen/torso, shoulder girdle, neck, head — to be stacked up vertically. With everything symmetrical side to side, and level front to back. 

Proper structure is learned. Yes, as we grow up we get bigger and stronger automatically. Stucture on the other hand, the relationship of how things actually become arranged and work in the makeup of the body, that is learned. We're mostly self taught, typically arriving at adulthood with an unique historical mix of unresolved imbalances and their attendant body-wide compensations. 

There are many factors for our structural imbalances: Limited or no proper basic instruction on the use of our bodies ... who taught you how to stand, how to sit, how to walk? Did you even imagine that this could be something worthwhile to add to the general curriculum? Who can't attest to living with a unique personal history of unresolved accidents and traumas? Add in a random mix of good and bad habits. Then there's modelling after significant others who themselves may not have been good examples of sound structure ... "It runs in the family".

The average individual enters adulthood with a unique assortment of imbalances and compensations built into the fabric of their flesh throughout the body. A historical record, in a very real sense. We identify with it ... "Heck, that just the way I am". Is it, really?

At this point it important to understand some not so well known Anatomy. Besides muscles and bones and organs and nerves there's something called soft connective tissue. The Fascial system. It is everywhere throughout the body, from under the skin and down to the bones. It surrounds and interpenetrates everything in the entire body, down to the cellular level. Think of the pulp in a Orange. 

Like that. It takes and holds shape. It is the "organ of support". Histologically, as a tissue, Fascial is composed of an arrangement protein rich collagen fibers in a ground substance. These fibers arrange in relation according to motor function; use, and, misuse. With repetitive movements the fibers set into alignment with patterns of use. This is natural. But, imbalances can set in, and compensatory holding patterns are added in to balance the whole.  

Remember, the Human body is designed for balance. The science of that is in. Anatomically, as we've mentioned, and according to Basic Physics.  Any designer and builder knows this: "Plumb & Square".

There's nothing new to this. What is new, however, is that it is not common knowledge; nor is it understood that such a healthy balance is easily in reach of anyone, at any age or regardless of life circumstances.

So, the question is, how can an individual learn to balance their body along the lines prescribed by the ever present and constant pull of Gravity? 

Simply put, the Human body is plastic. Not just elastic, like a rubber band. Plastic. It takes shape. Like how we are shaped by our expereince. And, good news, it can be reshaped. Easily, and gracefully. 

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS WELCOME: Since Structural Integration involves the Human being and the relationship with force of Gravity, this covers a lot of ground. Several topics can be discussed. If you want more on any particular aspect of Structural Integration enter into the comment section. You'll get your answer.

That is an array of just some things which touch on living in bodily balance with Gravity. Maybe, since Gravity is ever present and constant there's nothing that it doesn't touch. Outside, and inside. Physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. 

Whatever your level, that is the best place to start. It's where you are, after all! Go for it! It feels good! Do you really want to live?