In stillness like a great mountain
In movement like a mighty river
Somatic Structural Integration
Touched by Nature
SOMATIC STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION
Feel better, move Better
Common | Physical Benefits
Improved Posture & Alignment - Freer, Deeper Breathing - More Efficient Movement - Reduced Chronic Tension and Pain - Nervous System Regulation- Better Relationship to Gravity
Meet the Practitioner |
Maya - Matthea van Staden
Structural Integration is a hands-on approach to working with the body’s (myo)fascial system, aimed at improving posture, movement, and overall physical coherence. Rooted in the work of Dr. Ida Rolf, it offers a personalized, one-on-one process that reorganizes the body in relation to gravity. In parallel, her teaching of traditional Tai Chi Ch’uan introduces a gentle, group-based movement practice that cultivates coordination, balance, and embodied awareness through flowing, structured forms. While distinct in form, both approaches foster greater ease, adaptability, and an integrated relationship between body, breath, and perception.
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Background
Teacher - Practitioner
As a practitioner of Structural Integration and teacher of traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Ch’uan, she brings together embodied practice, breath awareness, sensory perception, cultural inquiry, and material sensibility. Her work is grounded in the exploration of how the senses, breath, movement and perception interrelate, deepening her understanding of inner alignment, structure, responsive movement, and vitality. These interdisciplinary paths now converge in her practice—supporting others to move, stand, and relate with clarity, coherence, and a renewed sense of connection to their environment.
Entrepreneur
She worked as a cultural entrepreneur in the arts and performance sector, managing productions and curating cultural events. Alongside this, her focus extended to material innovation—developing sustainable ground materials for design and fashion, aligned with evolving ecological standards. As co-founder of a company based in Mongolia, she helped bridge traditional practices with contemporary sustainability frameworks, exploring new possibilities for ethical production rooted in place and practice.
Martial Arts
Her embodied exploration began with an early encounter with Pencak Silat Setia Hati, a traditional martial art from Indonesia, which opened a lasting curiosity about movement as both discipline and cultural language. This journey later evolved into a dedicated practice of traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Ch’uan, where she continues to explore internal structure, breath, and the dynamic interplay between stillness and motion.
Study Cultural Anthropology
She studied Cultural Anthropology with a focus on Asia, specializing in visual and linguistic anthropology as well as the anthropology of the senses. Her research has been strongly anchored in the embodied practices of dance and music, with dedicated study in Mongolian traditions.
Somatic Structural Integration
Touched by Nature
Fee: € 85.00 per session (1 hour and 15 minutes)
Practitioner: Maya-Matthea van Staden | ++31(0)616070602 (via Signal) | structuralintegration.earth
Training: Completed Level 1 and 2 at the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute Europe
Member of IASI - International Association Structural Integrators
Structural Integration was developed in the 1950s by Dr. Ida Rolf, a pioneer who was among the first to explore how the human body could be optimized through the fascial network (connective tissue) and its relationship with gravity.
What people say
Riri
After session 4: “A weight has been lifted—it feels like I’m wearing a light blue summer dress, the kind that flutters in the wind.”
Dee
"I noticed after the last session that I'm now able to do certain yoga postures that were previously impossible for me."
A-men
“This touch isn’t just scientific—it’s deeply personal. I feel all kinds of movements ... I’m like a kid inside, but it never really showed in how I moved…I felt burdened. Now I feel like jumping around and being ...less weighed down by all the responsibilities I usually carry.”
Eljo
My wife asked 'has your voice gotten deeper? ' Yes, this bodywork, shifts more than just posture.
Seren
I find this really special—I truly feel like you listen to me. I’m so happy and feel different in my body now. When I notice pain or tension, I no longer think something is wrong with me. Instead, I ask the area, “What can I do for you?” and it immediately feels much calmer.
Queen A
"One of my grandmothers was a ballet dancer, the other was strong and solid—perhaps I carry something of both within me."
What is Fascia? |
More than just a passive structure
Fascia, or connective tissue, is an intelligent and adaptive network that permeates and connects the entire body. It envelops muscles, bones, organs, nerves, and blood vessels, forming a flexible and resilient web that supports and organizes our bodily structure. Fascia is more than just a passive structure: it is a living communication system that works in close collaboration with the nervous system.
Fascia is rich in nerve endings and contains a high concentration of sensory receptors, including mechanoreceptors, proprioceptors, nociceptors (for pain), and interoceptors (for internal sensations). These receptors constantly send signals to the brain about pressure, tension, posture, pain, movement, and even emotional state. As such, fascia plays a vital role in our body awareness (proprioception), balance, and self-perception..
When fascia becomes stuck, dehydrated, or overly tense—due to stress, trauma, or repetitive movement patterns—its signaling capacity is disrupted. This can result in sensations of stiffness, disorientation, or a feeling of being "disconnected" from the body. Through touch, intentional movement, and conscious awareness, we can support the restoration of the fascia. This not only affects the physical structure, but also the quality of our nervous system and the way we experience our bodies.
Hydration plays a key role in this process: fascia is made up largely of water, and well-hydrated connective tissue has greater glide, elasticity, and signal conductivity. Movement—especially rhythmic, gentle, and mindful—stimulates hydration and keeps the fascia vibrant and communicative.
By approaching fascia as a sensing, responsive organ in cooperation with the nervous system, we open the door to deeper integration, balance, and inner calm.