What is Structural Therapy?

Structural Therapy is a form of deep, gentle bodywork that focuses on lengthening and relaxing fascial tissue. Fascia are the connective tissues that wrap around muscles. When fascia become constricted due to stress, injury or poor posture, this creates misalignment, impairs movement, creates chronic pain and can even cause deterioration of the musculo-skeletal system. Since fascial tissue wraps around the muscles and attaches muscles to each other, to bones, organs and other body structures, poor alignment in one part of the body affects other parts of the body.

What Does a Structural Therapist Do?

The Structural Therapist works gently and deeply to release the layers of fascia in the body, realign them correctly, and bring teh body into balance. Generally this is done in a series of ten one-hour sessions, during which the therapist works through the entire body. However it is often possible to treat acute injuries or do spot work in a session or two.

Long-term change usually requires that the whole body be treated, especially where there is chronic, severe pain or injury or structural dysfunction. Your therapist will explain how the work will progress and the changes you can expect from it. Every individual experiences the work in his or her own unique way. Some of the most common benefits are:

• Improved body awareness
• Enhanced grace and ease of movement
• Reduction of chronic pain

Occasionally, as with all bodywork, the work can be uncomfortable, but overall it is pleasant and relaxing. People often fall asleep when I am working on them. I depend on your feedback to work to your comfort level.

Who Needs Structural Therapy?

Consider Structural Therapy if you have:

• Poor posture
• Chronic pain
• Frequent pain in certain parts of your body
• Limited range of motion from accident or aging
• Excessive fatigue or stiffness

Your Structural Therapist

Bekki Shining Bearheart is a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in the State of Ohio. She has a certificate in Structural Therapy from the Chicago College of Healing Arts.

In addition to Structural Therapy, her specialty and preferred modality, Bekki is trained in other massage techniques and in cranio-sacral therapy. She practices Reiki and other forms of energy healing, including shamanic energy work. She depends on the help of her shamanic allies for all the healing she does.

For more information or to schedule healing work, contact us at healing@church-of-earth-healing.org or call (740) 664-5050.