Integration
Many a Structural Integrator has tried to define this term, and it indeed has several meanings.
Basically put, when contrasted to the “differentiation” of fascial bags, when we integrate, we put everything back together. It is the synchronization of the conflicts, compressions, and oppositions within our physical structure.
I believe this principle to be inherent and absolutely natural, though, with intervention, we can transcribe integration to the advantage of the structural native (you).
It happens at the end of every session, and following every treatment series.
So with this said, I want to address another dilemma and source of internal conflict for my practice which I’ve recently made the decision to address: “discharging” patients.
Higher Truth
Structural Integration is done in-series. Different schools have varying lengths of these series, with some using Ida Rolf’s original recipe of a 10-session process. In Anatomy Trains, we opt for a 12-series recipe, formatted around Tom Myers’ 12 lines or “trains” of delineated fascial straps that, we believe, balance our body’s structure and function.
Sessions are usually scheduled no more than 2 weeks apart, with the ideal window being about 7 to 10 days apart. A treatment series has a beginning, and a mid-way point, but it also has an end.
Unfortunately (or fortunately in my opinion) for my regulars, of whom do not believe they could cope without their weekly or bi-weekly appointment, the real work of S.I. happens in the months following a series. I want to reiterate an earlier point made: discovering a new inner-world allows us to alter our beliefs about limitations previously set by our physical being.
When we go through a series, that series is designed, developed, and customized to change the shape of your physical vehicle. Our body’s fascial plasticity modulates over the course of several months, whether it be moving into harmony or (without intervention) into dysfunction. This is why I say that the “real work” happens in the months following a series. It is equally valuable to the external work done during a series, because like a crustacean living in a new shell, your body needs this time to be acquainted with your new home. Integration is part of the series. After all, the name of the work is Structural Integration, not Structural Differentiation.
Empowerment
This period of time- ranging from 2 to 12 months depending on the length of the series- is where our body re-experiences itself anew. It is where we take the opportunity to reposition, re-stabilize, and thus re-pattern structurally, through mere experience.
We take a break from manual therapy and soft-tissue manipulation, we live our lives as we would within our ranges of pain, and our experiential filter is then refocused. Yes, I’m tying this into another one of my previous assertions from my last entry: We are only healers of ourselves and therefore of humanity, and furthermore, of the experience of humanity; the world. As experience is our primary filter for existence, healing informs and clarifies reality. We learn about the opportunities we have to let go of our old shells, and therefore release our beliefs about our personal, and even our collective limitations.
In taking time and space away from a series, our chronic pain can finally see the open door.
This isn’t an easy process, nor does it just happen without work in any given phase. It takes the awareness, the doing, and maybe even adjunct treatments of the behavioral, chemical, physical, or otherwise. It may not even completely resolve chronic pain, and could instead expand our beliefs in enduring or surrender to new echelons. The work presents us with needful opportunities in our roles as self-healers.
But I inquire of you, would you rather remain trapped beneath the wheel of indefinite therapy? Or possess the willingness and openness to expand beyond your limitations?
Controversy and Love
Due to transference and counter-transference, some of my regulars may feel this series-completion as a rejection, and may even speculate that I engage in favoritism: that some patients will continue seeing me whenever they want if I like them more.
I’ve been called out this way before, and it is hurtful and offensive. I can authentically say that every patient is precious to me, firmly grounded in my dedication to service alone, but that of course, there will always be abrasive relationships, whether therapeutically fitting or unfitting, conducive to healing or conducive to unwitting sabotage. It has been my lesson to navigate my personal boundaries within these relationships, which has been both a joy and sometimes, admittedly, a regret.
I will never deny this reality.
However, as much as it triggers my fears of rejection, while at the same time relieving a burden of interpersonal disconnection, discharging a floundering, stagnant, complacent, or plateaued treatment plan is ultimately an action of love and service. If this is not inherently obvious to you, you need to look elsewhere for service, as our values do not align.
Notwithstanding, our difficulties together shall not dictate our difficulties apart.
My work will gradually transition into mostly series work or one-off appointments targeted at a specific issue. If more than 2 appointments are required for this issue to resolve, I may recommend a 3 or 12 series, so that we may explore their efficacy, together. However, gone are the days of indefinite, routine attempts to “hunt, peck, and pray.” It is a disservice to imprison anyone within the confines of dependency or a disregard for reality.
My ultimate dedication in service is for you to feel better, with or without me, I want the best for you and everyone else who walks into my life. That’s it.