The Importance of Bio-tensegrity

Bio-tensegrity refers to a biological system that relies on tensegrity. Tensegrity, a word combination of tension and integrity, is defined by having a structure held in balance among continuous lines of tension with discontinuous compressional struts.

How is Tensegrity Relevant to Structural Integration?

In a tensegrity system, when one tensional line shortens, the whole system reacts to accommodate for that shortness. Excessive shortness establishes an avenue for excess strain in a system. There are a multitude of different patterns people develop throughout their lifetime that ultimately accumulates shortened tissue.

1. Anterior or Posterior Pelvic Tilt: A deviation of the pelvis from a neutral position affects many different structures, including quality of breath, leg positioning, etc.

   
   

2. Medially or Laterally Shifted Knees: Valgus and Varus knees. Knocked knees and bow legs. Without neutral orientation of knee position, weight transferred through the legs will distribute pressure unevenly on the menisci, which leads to excessive wear and tear.

   
   

3. Pronation or Supination of the Foot: A foot in excessive pronation or supination that is not functioning well, leads to many rotational compensations up the leg causing knee and hip pain.

Anatomy Trains Structural Integration applies tensegrity to the human body through the fibrous body, fascia. In people, the fascia is holding the body in a sea of tension, the bones as compressional struts, and muscles as pressure/tension regulators.

Illustration of a Tensegrity Structure

Why Aim for a Balanced Bio-tensegrity System?

A balanced bio-tensegrity system provides many benefits to long term health, physical capability and performance.

1. Holistic Health: Anatomy Trains Structural Integration is a holistic approach to treatment, and posits that every cell and sub-system of the body has an ideal tensional environment for optimal function.

   
   

2. Elasticity: A balanced tensional system provides effective elastic recoil during movement, which allows movement, such as walking, to propel you forward with ease.

   
   

3. Support: A balanced system holds the body up in gravity, while effectively distributing tension across the whole structure. It provides an internal line of lift, support, and effortless stability.

   
   

When the system is not balanced and not communicating effectively as a whole, movement is restricted. The body is strapped down with compensatory tension, reducing coherent internal support, and increasing a chance for overuse injury. Foot, knee, and hip injuries can develop from chronic misuse of movement. Structural integration addresses the whole body in a series of sessions to help prevent injuries and assist an individual in embodying a new state of tensegrity.