The Rolfer, Liz Gaggini, about the wonderful new theories surrounding the most common form of Scoliosis. From my limited understanding of the situ it goes something like this: Tracing the cross section of the main twist in the body at the T6/T7 vertebral junction, where the left side of the pelvis juts forward as well as the anterior right shoulder. Both the right pelvic innominate bone and the left shoulder are posteriorly shifted necessarily in this pattern to create a counterbalance. This being obvious, some research (unpublished as far as I know) is theorizing the initial twist is coming from an embryonic twist in the feeding tube. This feeding tube evolves into the falciform ligament of the liver. The liver has direct ligamentus connections to the heart through the diaphragm. This is primarily short in scoliotics. The liver, stomach, and gall bladder are migrating to the right side of the body, all of which are supported by the Lesser Omentum. The heart being attached to the liver is dragged to the right and rolls in this direction causing the vena cava to slip unerneath the aorta which are going left to counterrotate this imbalance. The kidneys are twisted, intestines and lungs are all going left to create balance. The pelvic imbalance gets set as the infants stand up for the first time and learn to walk. This possible causal relationship can be amazing if intervention can be done surgically or with a brace very early on and stop this pattern from progressing into more dysfunction. For those exhibiting these patterns now, isometric exercises or Yoga postures like Triangle Pose could help unwind down to the visceral organ level. Visceral manipulation could prove an invaluable tool to easing the strain along with some serious Structural Integration work. Here is a new testimonial from my lovely client Kristina Lanuza who has been dealing with her rotations head on for many years and for whom I worked on with the above knowledge:

“Having worked with scoliosis discomfort and pain for over 24 years with numerous physicians and healers, it has been rare to find someone like Michael who has been able to unravel the patterns so quickly and with such apparent results. I now know of only two types of “bodywork” that have worked so brilliantly with unwinding the curvature of the spine – Anusara yoga and Michael’s Structural Integration. Since and during the ten-series of sessions, I have been able to walk, run, dance and practice yoga with greater ease. As an avid athlete and music performer – the ability to move easily in the body is of utmost importance. It has also helped emotionally and mentally. Such deep work can only be done by a true healer. I highly recommend anyone who wants to move with greater ease and less pain to work with Michael for real, lasting change.”

Kristina is a great yoga teacher and more info about her practice is available at Yogafly.

Is Repetitive Strain Injury, otherwise known as RSI, causing pain in your forearms? Do you have numbness in the arms, tingling in the fingers, weakness in your hands? If your work or quality of life has been compromised, its time to try an effective approach. Your misaligned structure could be the causal factor contributing to these compression type ailments. If so, Structural Integration is for you.

If you have been diagnosed or think you might be suffering with any of these RSI’s, Structural Integration might be a complementary approach to your current treatment. Come in for a targeted 3-session series today.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Tendonitis
• Medial Epicondylitis
• Lateral Epicondylitis
• Forearm Pain
• Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome (also called Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)
• DeQuervain’s Syndrome (thumb pain)
• Tennis Elbow
• Golfer’s Elbow
• Neck and Shoulder Pain
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

I wanted to repost this testimonial from a client. I was only able to work on her for 1 session because she was visiting her daughter in the city for a weekend, who I had taken through the 10 series. Anyway, she had had surgery on her right wrist to relieve her carpal tunnel syndrome and was scheduled to have another surgery on her left wrist. This is where I intervened. I relieved the compression in her hands, wrists, arms, shoulders and neck and balanced her pelvis throughout the hour long session. Surprisingly, she really enjoyed the pressure and had no discomfort. She felt great immediately. Her testimonial went something like this, “1 carpal tunnel surgery – $6000, 20% better. 1 SI session – $200 (edited for inflation), 95% better. 1 year later, 0 SI sessions, still 95% better.” Wow. I couldn’t believe it. And for now, no need for anymore surgery. These results happen but it’s hard to promise this great effect, but the power of Structural Integration if very real.

If you would like a half price coupon for a full session of either Structural Integration, Acupuncture, an awesome Massage, a foot-detox session with massage, a private Vinyasa Yoga session, or a Personal Trainer sessions please go to my website and send your email and mailing addresses. I will mail you the gift certificates or I can email you a printable version. Don’t wait as this promotion expires at the end of May. This is part of the ongoing launch of the new Center for Structural Wellness in NYC. We also offer sessions of physical therapy, chiropractic, nutrition, colonics, pilates, and Alexander Technique. Please inquire if you have any questions about your structural wellness.