Neuromuscular Integration and Structural Alignment (NISA)
Neuromuscular Integration and Structural Alignment (NISA) technique was developed in 1980’s by Jean Loving. This technique has its base in SOMA body work, but NISA differs from SOMA body work or Rolfing. The difference lies in the session and approach taken by NISA. NISA requires 12 sessions – one session per week instead of 10 as in case of SOMA body work. This technique aims at solving the problems related to body structure.
Approach taken by NISA is gentle as compared to that of SOMA body work. NISA effects fascia – a web like sheets that underlies the skin and wraps the bones and body organs. Fascia is interconnected throughout the body.
In an ideal, healthy, well aligned body the fascia is soft and elastic but as the life progresses body is susceptible to Poor posture, physical or emotional trauma and various diseases, as a result of all these fascia contracts, the layers adhere and become congested. NISA solves all these problems by separating and stretching it.
NISA helps in releasing the fascia, thereby improving posture, joint function and general body alignment and also relieves chronic pain.
There are three aspects of NISA - shallow angle of entry, some lotion for lubrication and spreading of tissue, which helps reduce the pain normally associated with structural bodywork. In the first session the therapist reads the body of the client. The therapist may take Polaroid photographs of the client and measure body height and neck range. The therapist may look for any creases, bulges, torques, fascial pulls or postural deviations. In order to be able to treat the client fully, the therapist must be aware of the client’s underlying emotional climate.
Once the therapist is done with the initial body reading, he addresses the superficial fascia in a generalized treatment. In the next eight sessions the therapist may address adhesions and restrictions in the deep layers; he may start with the feet and work through the entire body. The last three sessions of NISA are integrative in nature. At the end of session 12 the therapist once again assesses the whole body of the client.
