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 "This is the gospel of Rolfing: when the body is working properly, the force of gravity can flow through it. Then, spontaneously, the body heals itself." - Dr. Ida P. Rolf "Named after Dr. Ida P. Rolf, Rolfing is often referred to as 'structural integration.' It is not simply massage, it is a system of deep manipulation of the connective tissues that aims to restructure the fascia (the sheath of tissue that surrounds a muscle) and relieve physical misalignment. Basic Rolfing consists of a series of 10 sessions, each focusing on a different part of the body. The practitioner applies firm, and sometimes even painful, pressure via fingers and elbows. The result? You may become more in touch with your body, experience less pain and stress, improve your posture, even release repressed emotions and diminish habitual muscle tension. People who have experienced Rolfing often find an improvement in their professional and daily activities."-Dr. Andrew Weil |
Why Ten Sessions? Rolfing is normally done in a series of ten sessions of variable length. Each segment of the process is both a continuation of the previous one and an introduction to the next. The body is systematically manipulated during this initial series of ten sessions, each of which lasts about an hour. Some people choose to schedule their sessions once a week, others once a month, or as frequently as twice a week.Rolfing's series of ten session is designed to uncover a structural ease and kinetic balance that is unique to each client. Rolfing cannot accurately be described as therapy or as a returning of the body to a "natural" state from which it has deteriorated. Rather, it is a process of education in which a Rolfer seeks to help a client discover the most efficient way of using his or her body, given the limitations, liabilities, and virtues of that body. In fact, the 10 session series is not a formulaic recipe, but rather a guide which is fully customized for the needs of each particular person. However, there are certain landmarks which every Rolfer follows in each Rolfing series, and you can read about these in the session descriptions that follow. |
What are the Benefits of Rolfing? Clients of Rolfing regularly acknowledge that they feel taller, more at ease in their body, "lighter." They report recovering from strain easier and having more physical energy. These are the results of a body being more aligned with gravity. Commonly reported benefits are: - Improved balance
- Better posture
- Breathing is easier
- Improved joint range of motion (ROM)
- Improved soft tissue flexibility
- More mental energy
- Decreased physical pain
- Easier recovery from exertion
- Movements are easier and more fluid
- Athletic performance is improved
- A calmer mind
- Improved body awareness
- Heightened anatomical understanding
- Psychological growth
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