Rolfing (Structual Integration)

Overview of Rolfing:
Rolfing was invented by Dr. Ida Rolf, a biochemist, 50 years ago. This type of massage focuses on stretching the fascia(the connective tissues that cover the muscles), and on bringing the segments of the body back into alignment with each other. Rolfers believe that both physical and emotional stresses can be exacerbated by your body being out of the proper alignment. When the body is misaligned, you have to work against gravity instead of being able to work with gravity. In Rolfing, the therapist stretches out your connective tissues so you can get back into the proper alignment.

Benefits of Rolfing:
Rolfing is used to treat posture problems, stress, back pain and tension, and sports injuries. Many professional athletes use Rolfing to recover from injuries and stay on top of their game. Rolfing is also said to help clients on an emotional level, because emotional problems often manifest themselves physically. Once the body is re-aligned and more “centered” physically, many people feel more “centered” emotionally as well.

How Rolfing works:
Dr. Rolf believed that over time, the fascia (connective tissues that cover your muscles), can shrink due to tension, stress and injury. This pulls the segments of the body out of alignment. For example, ideally, your legs support your waist, which supports your spine. But, what if your spine is not lined up with your waist? Let’s say your posture has become droopy due to emotional issues, or perhaps from hunching over your desk at work. Instead of resting straight on top of your waist, your back is slumped and your whole body is fighting gravity to keep itself upright. Now, imagine that you’ve become stuck in that slumped posture. Rolfing would stretch out your connective tissues and realign your body so that you can stand straight and balance properly once more. For maximum benefit, a client usually goes through 10 Rolfing sessions. Oil is not used in Rolfing. The technique uses a lot of pressure to get the connective tissues to loosen up and release. Some people do experience some discomfort, but overall Rolfing is a gentle therapy.

Specialized equipment for Rolfing:

Keywords:
Rolf, pain, gravity, position, healing, Ten Series, deep, structural integration

History of Rolfing:
Rolfing was invented by Dr. Ida Rolf, we began as a biochemist in the 1920s. She studied many forms of alternative healing such as yoga, chiropractic, and osteopathy. Her explorations were guided by the question: "What conditions must be fulfilled in order for the human body-structure to be organized and integrated in gravity so that the whole person can function in the most optimal and economical way?"

Dr. Rolf organized her teachings into a sequence of 10 sessions, which became known as the Ten Series.

Dr. Rolf died in 1979, at the age of 83, and her teachings have been carried on and expanded by the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration.

Compare styles:

• A) Pressure applied: 5/5
• B) Fluidity of stroke-2/5
• C) % of body massaged: 2/5

Preparing for your visit:
Drink plenty of fluids prior to the session and avoid caffeine. Identify areas of pain and stiffness and share with therapist. Also, be prepared to share a history of injury or pain, as this will help the therapist appropriately address problem areas.

User experience:
Rolfing involves manipulation of the muscles and skeleton and mobilization of the joints. This deep work has been called deeper than deep tissue, but a skilled Rolf practitioner should be able to avoid pain and significant discomfort. The work is performed in various states of clothing, but will usually leave the user in their underwear.

Reviews:

Recommended Resources for Rolfing:
The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration
Dr. Oz receives Rolf work on Oprah
How Rolfing works