Anatomy Trains Structural Integration (ATSI)

"The art, the science, and the craft" of healing with touch was developed by Tom Myers

It incorporates the principles and myofascial techniques from Rolfing, the original form of structural integration created by Dr Ida Rolf in the 1970s. Anatomy Trains Structural Integration have been adapted around the myofascial meridians called Anatomy Trains discovered and published by Tom Myers.

"The Anatomy Trains SI approach is to free the binding and shortening in these connective tissues, what we refer to as the fascial network, and to re-educate the body in efficient and energy-sustaining patterns."

Each session is strategized by the Anatomy Trains lines, uses hands-on techniques to manipulate the myofascia (muscles and fascia). Its goal is to improve movement, postural alignment, balance and flexibility.

As a result, it can be excellent at helping long term chronic problems like backache, neck and shoulder pain, as well as improving our poor postural habits, wellbeing and quality of life. 

Anatomy Trains Structural Integration springs from the pioneering work of Dr Ida P Rolf, as developed, by Thomas Myers. ATSI consists of a multi-session protocol (usually 12) of deep, slow fascial and myofascial manipulation, coupled with movement re- education. ATSI is one of a number of schools that train practitioners in ‘Structural Integration’, Ida Rolf’s name for her own work. Structural Integration is practiced as an old-world craft with a 21st century comprehension of how your body structure works.

The ATSI ‘brand’ of structural integration concentrates on doing deep, lasting, and significant work, with anatomical precision, blended with movement and sensitivity to the unfolding individual experience. The ATSI‘recipe’ for structural integration is based around the “Anatomy Trains Myofascial Meridians”comcept, which are explored in the book written by Thomas Myers, published by Harcourt Brace (Elsevier) in 2001 and a 2nd edition in 2008. More Details 

Now that you are starting your ATSI sessions, here are some suggestions for making the most of the experience. The ATSI series is a project, a project of realigning your body, educating your kinesthetic sense, and reclaiming your whole bodily self from the many alienating influences we have in our culture. You may find that some of the following ideas are more to your liking, while others do not fit your situation – consider them all, and then take what you like.  More Details

The Anatomy Trains is a tool that enables the (ATSI) practitioner to see the soft tissue connections throughout the body. Anatomy Trains Structural Integration aims to integrate all these parts so we can move through life more efficiently.
 
What is ATSI?

Anatomy Trains Structural Integration (ATSI)

Anatomy Trains Structural Integration (ATSI) is a form of bodywork that looks at the whole person. It is designed to unwind tension or strain patterns within the body and restore it back to its natural place of balance, alignment, length, and ease over a progressive series of sessions. It also treats posture, chronic pain and movement dysfunction with soft tissue treatment specific to the individual.

ATSI is based on reading and treating the Anatomy Trains Myofascial Meridians (long connected chains or lines of myofascia: muscle and connective tissue called fascia) over a series of sessions. Sessions can be delivered as a 3 series or a full 12 series. The series follow a multi-session protocol with a clear beginning, middle and end to treatment, this leads to a sense of completion for the client and often results in bringing the body back to a higher level of integrated function.

The 3 session series is excellent for those seeking a full-body treatment approach, without committing to the full 12 session series.

The first session focuses on balancing the feet to pelvis, establishing a sense of core support from below.

The second session focuses on opening the breath and balancing the diaphragms through the relationships between the pelvis, ribcage and shoulders.

The third session focuses on the spine and unifying the previous sessions to integrate the body as a connected whole.

 What to expect with the full 12 series?

ATSI takes place of 12 sessions, each session covers a new territory of the body, no session is the same. Sessions can be up to 90mins, sometimes much less. Assessments are done in underwear, swimwear or what makes you feel comfortable, but it is needed to get directly to the tissues that are affecting your body and its function. Treatment can take place on the table, stool or in standing. Active participation is often required in a session, this helps you to move out of old postural patterns, movement restrictions or pain in the body, as well as bringing an overall sense of body awareness.

How often between each session?

Ideally, weekly is best. However, it also depends on the individual, everyone responds differently. Sometimes having sessions too close does not allow your body enough time to process and adapt to the new information and conversely too far apart the momentum of the process is often lost. A big part of the series is learning to listen to your body, after the first session you will know what is right for you or your practitioner will guide you.

Photographs are taken at the start and end of each session, this is so we can track any changes in your structure, pattern or movements. Photos are given at the end of the series.

The first 4 sessions are known as the sleeve sessions. The aim is to free up the front, back and sides, freeing the shoulders from the trunk, freeing the breath and finding support through the feet.

The middle four sessions are known as the core sessions. They address the core of the body, working into the central stabilisation muscles closer to the spine helping to unwind hidden rotations and find support from within.

The final four sessions integrate the core and the sleeve to improve co-ordination and posture.

The new alignment simply becomes part of who you are, not something you have to work at or repeatedly see a practitioner to maintain – leaving you with a lasting and progressive change.

Credit:

https://www.anatomytrains.com/bodyworkers/ 
https://www.anatomytrainsaustralia.com;
https://balance-integrative-health-and-bodywork.au3
https://structuralbodywork.co.uk/anatomy-trains-myofascial-meridians/