Why the 10-Series?

Structural Integration is process oriented work. For the most part, our modern culture doesn’t understand process. The allure of instant gratification seems to grab our attention more heavily than giving process the patience it requires.

The human body is put together as a cohesive series of relationships that have grown and developed in unison over time. The way we inhabit and experience our body now is a culmination of all the things that have ever happened to us: accidents, illnesses, injuries, traumas, occupational hazards, hobbies, you name it! It’s been a process to get here!

In that same vein, finding a new way to experience the body through its relationship to gravity, while letting go of deeply ingrained strain patterns, must take process into account.

In SI, we approach the human body the way it is put together, through a series of relationships, or sessions, that allow the body to express the entirety of its scope.

What is Core-Sleeve relationship?

In the world of SI, we talk about the body as having outer layers of tissue closest to the surface (the sleeve) and deeper layers (the core). Throughout the course of a 10-series, structural relationships in the body, which comprise the core and sleeve dynamic, are worked with in a systematic, recipe-like approach to bring greater ease and balance to the entire structure. Core-sleeve balance gives the body a deep sense of integrity in every direction, inside to outside, outside to inside.

Similar to most body-related modalities, the best way to learn about the 10-series, is to experience it. What follows is a brief outline of each session in the series, and the general physical terrain you may discover throughout the process.

Sessions 1-3 ~ Superficial ~ Sleeve sessions

The goal of the first three sessions of the series is to loosen and balance the layers of tissue closest to the surface of the body.

In the first session, we begin by working with the structures of respiration- breath. This generally means some focus on the ribcage, diaphragm, & shoulders, creating a sense of spaciousness through the front of the body.

In session two, we look at the client’s foundation- the feet and lower legs, and how these structures can lengthen to better support the spine.

Session three aims to give the client a new sense of support through the side body. Focus is directed towards balancing the shoulder girdle, thorax, hips & thighs.

Sessions 4-7 ~ Core sessions

These sessions tap into deeper holding patterns in the body, generally by working with deeper tissues and structures.

Session four aims to establish support for the bottom of the pelvis by working with the inner line of the leg, up to the pelvic floor. The client is given a new opportunity to tap into their sit bones.

Session five works with the front of the pelvis and how it relates up and down. In this session, we establish balance between deep structures in the core, inviting the client to begin accessing a new movement pattern.

Session six establishes support for the back of the pelvis as it relates up and down. We work with the entire posterior line of the legs, eventually allowing access to deep rotators in the back of the pelvis to create more space for the sacrum and coccyx.

Session seven establishes a greater sense of ‘up’ in the body by changing how the top of the pelvis relates to the head and neck. We work with the deeper structures in the upper shoulders, neck and head.

Sessions 8-10 ~ Integration

In these final sessions of the series, we place emphasis on helping the client to integrate the changes that have started to emerge in the last seven. We have more time to focus on specific structural relationships, allowing for greater coordination, physical understanding and an overall new sense of vitality and wellbeing.

“Receiving the 10 series has been a journey of healing at many levels. On one hand, the physical improvement and correction of postural imbalances have been remarkable. It feels SI treats the body as a whole, tuning it to function more coherently and freely as a unit, and nurturing its natural resilience and balance. It has restored alignment and suppleness, which allow me to walk and move with greater ease than I thought possible.

On the other hand, this work has brought about many insights regarding the connection between body, emotions and mind, and it has increased my ability to intuitively listen to my body's needs. This is helping me make better decisions when it comes to lifestyle and health choices.” -T.D.