Liz Gaggini’s 

Biomechanics of Natural Alignment  

A Tensegrity Approach to Biomechanics 

Instructor: Aimee Kolsby

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Course Description: In Structural Integration, with each session, we endeavor to create further integration for our clients. If we only address part of a misalignment pattern, we are often disintegrating what was, although limiting, an integrated adaptation. However, if we know where to go to interact with the entire pattern, then the changes we create in each session of a Series will be experienced by the client as a more functional and more integrated way to be.  This class presents a whole body system for understanding how the body, as a tensegrity system, balances any one misalignment with an integrated pattern of global misalignment. These global responses affect every joint of the body in predictable ways. Based on the principles of connective tissue adaptability and tensegrity mechanics, this series of courses teaches a full body approach for correcting the structural misalignments that create pain and joint degeneration which greatly disturb equilibrium, balance and integrated movement. 

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BIOMECHANICS TRAINING SCHEDULE 

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5-Module Long Weekend Format (includes practitioner exchanges)

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COURSE OBJECTIVES

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Module 1: PELVIS AND NATURAL ALIGNMENT (4 days)

This class will look at the different patterns of pelvic asymmetry and misalignment including the involvement of the hip joints, sacrum and low back. We will see which patterns are functional and which are dysfunctional for each unique structure. There will be a strong emphasis on various ways to see, assess and understand these patterns. We will cover the significant fascial anatomy of the pelvic floor, sacrum, hips and legs. Several ways of assessing and working with different types of pelvic alignments will be demonstrated. Basic to this class will be an understanding of the importance of creating integration at every step of the work.

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Module 2: SHOULDER GIRDLE (4 days)

This class will continue the exploration begun in the pelvis class with assessments and work for asymmetric tilt and shift patterns in the shoulder girdle. We will look at the components of the thorax that prevent full balance and integration for the upper body. We will work with the first four ribs in relationship to the positions and integration of the clavicles, scapula, upper back and neck. Fundamental to this class will be an understanding of the relationships between asymmetric patterns in the pelvic and shoulder girdle. Our goal in this class will be to understand patterns as part of an integrated whole. Learning to resolve these patterns for the entire body “at once” vastly increases the effectiveness of any specific work and creates a profound level of balance and integration.

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Module 3: LEGS AND ARMS (4 days)

In this class we will look at how dysfunctional patterns in the pelvis co- arise with dysfunctional alignments in the joints of the legs and arms. We will learn a fascial technique for de-rotating all of the segments in the legs, feet, arms and hands. Patterns of counter- rotation in the legs and arms must be dealt with for misalignment of the girdles to be resolved. You will find that joint misalignments are the most frequent producers of chronic pain for your clients. Being able to quickly address these issues can be a great help in the progress of your work. This approach to the appendicular body will continue to include an understanding of individual natural alignment and the importance of maintaining a continuity of integration throughout the work.

You will be asked to bring a skeletal model of a hand and a foot to this class.

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Module 4: SPINE AND NECK (4 days)

This class is an opportunity to learn a soft tissue approach to spinal biomechanics. Misalignments of vertebrae in the spine and neck follow consistent, predictable patterns in relationship with asymmetries in the girdles. Several soft tissue techniques will be taught for releasing the rotational patterns preventing length, core motion and relief of back and neck pain. The three-dimensional anatomy and spinal biomechanics involved in asymmetric patterns will be taught to include the ribs and deep anterior fascia. You will learn a “whole-torso” way to work with curvatures, whiplash and other fixations responsible for back, rib, and neck problems.

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Module 5: ADVANCED TECHNIQUES AND DYSFUNCTIONAL PATTERNS (4 days)

This course will deepen your understanding and skills. 

Dysfunctional Asymmetries: A class to further your understanding and learn further structural and functional approaches to these profoundly impairing patterns.

Using Indirect Work: This class will show you to use fulcrums within the connective tissue matrix and inherent mid-tide motion to assess and work with fascial distortions, joint misalignments and trauma locations.

Cranial Patterns in Asymmetries: The cranium responds to asymmetric patterns with predictable rotations and counter-rotations. You will learn to assess the position of the major bones of the cranium and how to use direct and indirect techniques to release and realign the fascia of this very important region.

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