Glossary

Connective tissue: Connective tissue is a very strong  tissue that is also called fascia. This tissue can be visualized as a web inside the body. In varying thickness, it makes up the composition of muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bones. It wraps the body's systems-- circulatory, digestive, nervous, musculo-skelatal-- in a tough fibrous sheath and ultimately is responsible for the shapes of our bodies. Examples of patterns of strain in the connective tissue are flat feet, excessive spinal curvatures and slouching.

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Gravity: A constant force on the human body that can pull an imbalanced body downward causing pain and disharmony between an individual and the world in which he/she exists; and in a balanced or "structurally integrated" body can reinforce the individual's energy field.

"The point of Rolfing is that your body begins to learn how to move within the gravitational field instead of fighting it". -Dr. Ida P. Rolf

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Relationship: Structural Integration practitioners examine relationships within a body to determine that various parts are working well together. In the introduction to her book, Dr. Rolf says, "An effective human being is a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Successful, meaningful integration depends on appropriate relationships in space among the components of the body."

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Strength: A strong body is well balanced and resilient. It has "core" strength which means that it can move from muscles deep within the body rather than large muscle groups close to the surface of the body.

An example of a "core" muscle is the psoas, which is located deep in the torso, connecting the lower and upper body. The function of the psoas can sometimes be dormant if the overlying muscles are overused. In such a case, movement can be restricted.

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Vertical alignment: Refers to a body that is centred and balanced- that is, one in which horizontals (ankles, knees, hips, elbows, shoulders and ears) stack vertically so that they are parallel with the earth. It is at this point of balance when "the force of gravity can flow through the body".