STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION AND YOGA
by Wayne Still
The founder of Structural Integration, Ida P Rolf PhD, began to practice yoga in the 1920s while she was a research scientist at the Rockefeller Institute. This was decades before the practice of yoga came to be as widely known and accepted as it is today. Through its practice Dr Rolf gained an understanding of body dynamics particularly as it related to developing balance in the body and its fluidity of movement. In addition she learned how important it was for the body to be able to breathe freely if it was to have that balance and fluidity. These insights greatly informed the development of her lifes work.
When we first begin to learn yoga we have to learn to control our breathing so as to move more deeply into an asana. Similarly in the first session of a ten series the focus is on freeing up the rib cage to allow the client to breathe more deeply. This achieves two things; it improves the vital capacity of the body, it also helps the client to breathe into the area which is being worked. This is important since the action of breathing helps to stretch the tissue and for the body to remember how it feels to have made that change.
Perhaps though it is in achieving balance in the body that the two disciplines have the most in common. Yoga asanas always seek to achieve balance in the body whether it be side to side or top to bottom. So we repeat the movement on either side trying to get the same stretch if it is that sort of pose. In the body lengthening asanas we try to get both sides of the body to extend by the same amount.Achieving balance on both sides of the body is fundamental to the goals of SI work. An unbalanced body is often a body which is in pain as it tries to co-ordinate its movements or remain upright in the field of gravity. In either case it will be using much more energy than would be needed if the imbalance were not there. By lengthening the shortened connective tissue which is creating the imbalance we are able to bring the body back into a harmonious relationship with gravity and itself. Here though is where there is a major difference between the practice of yoga and the effects of SI work. Connective tissue has a memory like an elastic band and will return to its original length after being stretched. So no matter how much we do yoga, basic imbalances will remain, they may not get worse but neither will they markedly improve. With SI work the practitioner applies pressure to a constricted area to mechanically lengthen the tissue. Often the pressure will be combined with a movement by the client to inform their body of the new position of the tissue. This will change the memory and the tissue will hold its new length to create lasting change.
Yoga teachers and students who have experienced SI work report that they are able to move more easily into their asanas and are able to find greater balance when they practice. The two disciplines are very complementary.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A SESSION
by Wayne Still
The experience of having a bodywork session, whether it be Structural Integration or any other modality, can take us to another realm of feeling and intensity. Coming back to the reality of the session room and the world outside can take a time of reorientation. Here are some tips to help you with that process.
Walk, perhaps stroll would be a more appropriate verb. We are walking creatures, there is no more integrative movement that we can do than walk. Walking brings all parts of our being into awareness and will consolidate the gains we made on the bodywork table. Pay attention to any different feelings you have in your body, is your breathing different? How do your shoes feel? Does your shirt hang differently from your shoulders? Is the movement of your legs through your body easier? Are the left and right sides more in balance?
Pay attention to your being. As the day passes maintain an awareness of how you are feeling. When you think of it take a deep breath, allow the breath of life to flow through your body. Before you go to sleep and upon waking scan through your body starting at your feet and moving upwards. Make no judgments, just accept what is there.
Drink lots of water. Work on the connective tissue rehydrates it and releases toxins that were stored in the tissue. Drinking plenty of water will help to flush toxins out of the body while maintaining a necessary level of hydration.
Physical activity. Moderation is the key. Keep up your regular exercise pattern if you have one, don’t overdo it just because you feel better. Pay attention to how your body feels as you work out. Is it asking you you to do something differently? What can you change?
Journal. Some find it useful to journal about a session and what came up for them. Images, memories, emotions and ideas are some of the things that may come up during or after a session that people find useful to journal about. It is also a rich time to look at your dreams and add them to your journal. Also, everyday activities that seem to spark something in you , that seem to raise your level of awareness, are good to add to the journal.
Whether you are having a ten series of Structural Integration sessions or a single visit to a chiropractor or massage therapist, following the above guidelines will help you to maximize the benefits you receive from the work. Enjoy your changing body.
If you would like more information, a free consultation or to make a appointment, please call me at: Wayne Still 250-488-0019 or email siguy@telus.net