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, touched based method, 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.
10 | Sessions
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.
Summery of the 10 sessies: | Touched by Nature
Sessions 1–3: Orientation in Space
These sessions focus on creating space, freer breathing, and enhancing adaptability, with awareness and organization within the three planes of movement (sagittal, frontal, and transverse). The aim is to prepare the body for deeper structural change. Sessions 1–3, also known as the sleeve sessions, work to free the superficial layers and invite movement.
Sessins 4–7: Inner Support and Finding Your Core
As the form becomes more defined, we begin to explore the center—how we support ourselves from within. These sessions help cultivate a sense of internal coherence, substance, and identity: Who am I in this upright body? Sessions 4–7 focus on the deep myofascial core, building support and orientation from the inside out.
Sessions 8–10: Integration and relationship
The final phase connects inner support with outer function—how we move through the world. The emphasis is on adaptability, integration, and intentional movement with a spiral structure that supports both groundedness and responsiveness. Sessions 8–10 are integrative: they bridge the superficial layers (sleeve) and the deep core through movement, perception, and function..
Breath, Space & Horizontal Planes
This first session focuses on freeing the breath and creating spaciousness through the torso by releasing superficial fascial restrictions around the rib cage, shoulder girdle, and pelvis. By opening horizontal planes and decompressing key relationships—such as between the shoulder girdle and rib cage, and the rib cage and pelvis—we begin to support the vertical rise of the spine with less effort. As breathing becomes more expansive and balanced, the body reorients around a clearer central axis, laying the foundation for upright support and natural gait. This session initiates awareness of arm and leg swing, lateral expansion, and thoracic mobility—key elements in walking and in preparing for deeper core work ahead.
Session 1
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.
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.
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.
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.