In order to address the body as a whole, Structural Integration practitioners utilize the ten series. Each session builds upon the last to engage every part of the body. The series begins superficially, works its way to the core and ends with integrating the body in its improved form and function. The following is a very brief, very general description of the ten series.
Sessions 1-3 are considered superficial sessions though it often doesn’t feel all that superficial.
Session 1: The goal is to increase vital capacity. We work much of the body in this session to increase breathing capacity for future sessions and start to nibble away at the hips. Functionally this session lengthens the front of the body. There is back and neck work in every session including this one.
Session 2: Feet:This session creates a base for us to build your new body upon. 90% of our time is spent below the knee. We balance the arches of the feet and lengthen the calves which functionally lengthens the entire posterior of the body.
Session 3: 12th Rib & Sides: as we have lengthened the front and back of the body is sessions the third session balances that work and lengthens the sides. We spend time releasing the 12th rib and low back.
Sessions 4 & 5: these sessions are considered the “deepest” of the work we do. We are building a new core for the body. These to sessions should be very close together if possible.
Session 4: adductors: Those lovely muscles on our inner thighs are the starting point for a functional core. We address the adductors and pelvic floor in this, the shortest, session.
Session 5: Save the Psoas!: The abdomen and Psoas are the stars of the show in this session. Lengthening the Psoas and abdomen functionally brings the upper girdle closer to a good home and releases lordosis present in many clients.
Sessions 6 & 7 differentiation
Session 6: Breathing Sacrum: We work the back of the legs and sacrum this time to create a breathing sacrum that moves with your breath.
Session 7: Put your head on: No I can’t fix your mental problems, but I can get your head lined up on top of your body. With so many people working desk jobs that put us in a head-forward position it can be a challenge to get posture under control. WE address the many muscles of the neck and upper girdle as well as the muscle of the face and head. I have repeated this session with clients from time to time as needed. Sometimes the poor postural patterns are too much to correct in just one session. remember you have been doing these things to your body for years. Taking all those years of stress and damage is certainly a process.
Session 8,9, & 10 Integration: we have spent the previous 7 sessions differentiating the facial layers of the body in an effort to reset the muscle memory and eliminate adhesions. the final three sessions work to create new movement patterns and assist the client in truly finding their line.