Why the 10-Series Still Matters

 Why the 10-Series Still Matters: A Story of True Efficiency in Structural Integration 

Recently, I had a conversation with a gentleman who had undergone Structural Integration sessions. He shared, “My practitioner doesn’t practice the 10-Series on everyone. They work only on the areas specific to your symptoms. It’s more efficient that way.” His words stuck with me. Is it truly more efficient to focus solely on symptoms rather than addressing the whole body?  

As I listened, I couldn’t help but wonder how many sessions he had attended with this practitioner. Had it surpassed 10? And if so, what results had he achieved? The comment made me reflect on the purpose of Structural Integration and the wisdom behind Ida Rolf’s original 10-Series.  

The Wisdom of the 10-Series  

Pain is often a symptom of a deeper structural imbalance. While it may seem efficient to treat only the areas of discomfort, this approach overlooks the interconnected nature of the body. For example, tension in the shoulder could be caused by a misalignment in the hips, or foot pain could stem from instability in the pelvis. Addressing only the painful “spot” is like patching a leaking roof without examining the foundation—it may provide temporary relief but fails to address the root cause.  

The 10-Series offers a holistic solution. Not only does it realign the structure, but it also educates the recipient on how to move in harmony with their body. Movement, after all, is essential for healing. As the saying goes, “Motion is lotion.” But for movement to be truly restorative, the body must be balanced and integrated. The 10-Series creates a foundation where movement isn’t just a temporary fix but a sustainable tool for long-term health.  

Re-education Through Movement  

What sets the 10-Series apart from spot treatments is its focus on re-education. Each session is carefully designed to unravel layers of tension and imbalance, creating space for the body to function as a cohesive whole. Along the way, clients are invited to become more aware of their patterns of movement and posture. 

This process goes beyond pain relief; it empowers individuals to move with greater ease and efficiency. When the structure is balanced, movement itself becomes healing. The body learns to distribute stress evenly, reducing wear and tear on isolated areas and creating resilience against future injuries.  

A Question of Efficiency  

Returning to the gentleman’s story, I couldn’t help but think about the long-term implications of his practitioner’s approach. How many sessions does it take to repeatedly chase symptoms? And how many people feel stuck in a cycle of recurring pain because the root imbalance was never addressed?  

The 10-Series may take more time upfront, but it offers a depth of transformation that spot treatments simply cannot match. It’s not just about efficiency in the short term—it’s about creating a body that is balanced, resilient, and capable of healing itself.  

Conclusion  

Structural Integration is more than symptom relief; it’s about empowering individuals to move through life with freedom and ease. The 10-Series remains a vital tool for achieving this, offering a systematic approach to realigning the structure and re-educating the body for sustainable health.  

For those who seek lasting relief and transformation, the question is not whether the 10-Series is efficient—but whether anything else can truly take its place. 

Sacred Space

I’ve been thinking a lot about the term sacred space. What is it? How can we offer it to clients whether they describe their session in this way or not? To me, all things sacred come from the space we hold for our clients. Not the physical space of the studio, although it does help to be in a pleasant space. I’m talking about the space we provide for our clients to feel, interpret and experience their own bodies in motion.

So often, I find myself describing the feelings and sensations I’m so desperate for my clients to feel from the exercises I’m teaching. I’m sharing every last bit of my knowledge and insight. Every cue, every tip or trick in hopes to elevate the experience of their session. I’m so excited and eager for them to have the experiences I’ve had and to feel the joy I’ve felt from these incredibly empowering movements.

I leave their session feeling invigorated, excited and even a bit exhausted. I’m thrilled to have poured all of my knowledge and perspective into this one session. But did I really give the best session possible?

In an attempt to give everything I have to this person, I’ve filled up their sacred space with myself. My insights, my intentions and my experiences. And though I’m coming from a really good place of wanting to help, I’ve forgotten one of the greatest gifts I can offer, space.

After years of training and teaching, the biggest challenge I face when teaching is to say less. When I’m talking, my client is listening and when they’re listening, they’re not feeling. I try to remember this when silence feels awkward and even physically uncomfortable. I try to pause and breathe and allow space for my client to interpret, explore and feel the movement I’ve asked them to do.

In order to give my client space, I must challenge myself to participate in the same centering practices I teach. I notice my breathing, my posture, I feel the ground under my feet and in those moments of self regulation, I’m holding space for my clients.

Staying present, grounded, centered, whatever you want to call it, is how I create sacred space for my clients. This act takes energy but it also preserves it. It’s a way to non-verbally cue the client to be present with themselves and to notice their body and the space around them.