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
Reconnect with your body's inner support system
Structural Integration is a hands-on approach that helps the body release tension and move with greater ease and adaptability.
Rather than "fixing" posture, it supports your body’s natural responsiveness in the field of gravity — fostering balance, fluidity, and somatic awareness.
Common | Physical Benefits
Improved Posture & Alignment - Freer, Deeper Breathing - More Efficient Movement - Reduced Chronic Tension and Pain - Nervous System Regulation- Better Relationship to Gravity
Somatic Structural Integration | Touched by Nature
Structural Integration is a body-oriented manual treatment method consisting of a series of ten sessions. Through a structured progression and the use of (myo)fascial techniques, the body is gradually reorganized in relation to gravity (the polarity between heaven and earth), bringing the structure back into balance and allowing the body to move more freely in space. The method focuses not only on physical alignment, but also on how the body is experienced and perceived within its spatial environment.
When a body becomes imbalanced—due to trauma, overexertion, or prolonged tension—it often loses freedom and efficiency of movement, leading to both physical and emotional complaints. The body adapts through compensation patterns, which over time become habitual and energy-draining. Structural Integration helps make these patterns visible and tangible, creating space for recovery, relief, and renewed freedom of movement.
While the Ten Series offers a consistent roadmap, each journey is individually tailored to the unique history, structure, and capacity of the client.
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
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.
What is Fascia? |
More than just a passive structure
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.
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.
Why the 10 Series of Structural Integration work so powerfully
The 10 Series is a carefully structured sequence of sessions that approaches the body in layers—from superficial to deep, and from local tension patterns to global integration. The goal is not just physical relaxation or pain relief, but a fundamental reorganization of the body’s structure in relation to gravity, movement freedom, and inner awareness.
The 10 series: from structure to integration. Read more
1. A Systematic Approach to the Body as a Whole
Rather than addressing isolated symptoms, the 10 Series follows a logical progression in which each part of the body is treated in relation to the greater whole. For example, expanding breathing capacity is prioritized in the first sessions, before working with deeper core structures. This respects the body’s natural pace and prevents overwhelming the system.
2. Works with Fascia as a Living Communication Network
Each session helps release adhesions and densification in the fascia, restoring hydration, elasticity, and gliding ability. As a result, the body's signaling to the nervous system improves, fostering renewed coordination, spaciousness, and vitality.
3. Enhances Proprioception and Body Awareness
Because fascia is rich in sensory receptors, Structural Integration also improves self-awareness within the body. People often report feeling more “present,” better balanced, and supported by a natural, effortless posture.
4. Restores the Relationship with Gravity
Gravity is always acting upon us—but are we resisting it, or allowing ourselves to be supported? The 10 Series teaches the body how to stand and move efficiently and effortlessly within the gravitational field. This reduces chronic muscular tension, improves breathing, and increases available energy.
5. Integrates Physical, Emotional, and Neurological Layers
Changes in connective tissue also affect the nervous system. As chronic tension patterns are released, emotions or old movement habits often surface. The series offers space for processing and integration. This not only creates more physical freedom, but also brings clarity, calm, and a deeper sense of internal coherence.