What Is It?

Structural Integration is a system of bodywork and movement education designed to build a more harmonious relationship with gravity. Lengthening and reorganizing the connective tissue layers frees the body from patterns of tension and bracing, and restores mobility, alignment, and grace. As the body begins to feel more at home in gravity, feelings of pain or discomfort often disappear, and are replaced by new ways of being and moving in the world.

The Ten Session Series

The process usually takes place over the course of ten 60-90 minute sessions, although single sessions are also available and effective. The advantage of the ten session format is that each session builds upon the last, allowing the practitioner time to address the many different structural relationships in the body, while allowing the client time to integrate the new patterns. The ten session series brings the whole body to a higher level of balance, comfort, and grace. Client participation, using small movements, breath, and awareness, is an important part of each session.

Who Can Benefit?

Structural Integration helps people of all ages and from all walks of life to:

• Find long-term relief from injury and chronic pain
• Improve posture, flexibility and physical grace
• Improve respiratory capacity and athletic performance
• Increase body awareness and enhance personal growth

Structural Integration is particularly effective with many “hard to treat” conditions such as whiplash, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches and back pain. After Structural Integration many people find they have more energy, less susceptibility to stress, and a greater sense of overall well being.

How Does It Feel?

The most common sensation that people experience while receiving this work is a sense of stretching, accompanied by the release of tension. Sensations are sometimes stronger in areas of chronic tension; however, we will be working together, and you can choose to stop, lighten, or otherwise redirect what is happening at any time. What is most important is that you feel comfortable and safe.

Testimonials

As a bodywork practitioner of one of the softer approaches,
it took me a long time to find someone who I thought had the sensitivity to do deep work in an appropriate way.
The intelligence in Jaffy’s hands allowed me to fully receive and integrate the work we did together.
Martha Robrahn, Certified Trager^® Practitioner

Jaffy has transformed my body into something I’m really happy to be living in!
Joe Keefe, Software Engineer, Musician

Jaffy, a knowledgeable and accomplished practitioner, is very attentive to the individual’s process. She has helped me regain my body’s natural alignment, which makes me feel more grounded physically and emotionally. I wholeheartedly recommend Jaffy for Structural Integration work.
Lois Shikuma, Text Entry Operator

Does It Last?

Yes. Comparative photos taken years after the ten series show that changes were still present, and often improved. Keep in mind, however, that as life changes, bodies change in response. “Tune-ups” are often helpful following accidents, lengthy illnesses, or emotional stresses.

Gravity and Your Body

Injury, postural habits and emotional hardship often lead to misalignment. Over time, a misaligned body adjusts to the downward force of gravity by building additional support in the form of short, thick connective tissue fibers similar to scar tissue. The accumulation of these thickenings in your body can limit movement and breathing, eventually locking you into an uncomfortable or even painful postural pattern. Structural Integration helps bring length and movement back into these areas, freeing your body to return to a more comfortable alignment.

Is this Rolfing™?

Structural Integration was developed by Dr. Ida Rolf over a period of years in the 1950’s and ‘60’s, and came to be known affectionately as “rolfing” by her students and colleagues. In 1967, Dr. Rolf formed the first “Guild for Structural Integration” as a vehicle to teach and pass on her work. The Guild was later renamed as “The Rolf Institute.” Some years later, in 1989, several of the original teachers who had been trained to teach by Dr. Rolf split off from the Institute and re-formed the Guild for Structural Integration, with the mission to teach and pass on her work in what they believe to be its truest form. This is where I received my training. Since the trademarked terms “Rolfer” and “Rolfing” remain with the Rolf Institute, my work is not technically considered “rolfing™.” Politics aside, my offering is the work of Structural Integration as developed by Dr. Ida P. Rolf.