Rolfing ^® Structural Integration

Developed by biochemist Ida P. Rolf over 50 years ago, Rolfing is a holistic system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education organizing the whole body in gravity.  Rolfing seeks to integrate alignment of the whole body, so movement is grounded in a responsive core, rather than anchored and restricted in an uneasy shell.  It specifically can:

• improve a person’s posture, the sum of relationships between body parts, and provide fluid, graceful movement;
• ease chronic pain or discomfort resulting from injury or repetitive motion stress;
• improve overall functioning through stress reduction and increased awareness of self as a whole being.
  
  

How does it work?

Research shows that Rolfing creates more efficient use of the muscles, helps reduce chronic stress and has the ability to change the body’s structure. Although uncertain how it works, one theory is that the practice of Rolfing balances the body in all directions, from head to toe, integrating layers of connective tissue. By doing so, the body is able to return to a state of balance, which helps to maximize its functions.

What should I expect during a session?

Rolfing is a hands-on practice, which includes mild and deep myofascial structural work, soft tissue manipulation and motion enhancement. Because Rolfing is a holistic technique, clients may experience powerful physical, emotional and energetic effects. Movement education is an important component in this process: addressing more efficient transitions while lying down, sitting, standing, walking and performing daily activities. Clients often experience an improved sense of body awareness.

Does Rolfing hurt?

Some people have the perception that Rolfing is painful. Depending upon the client’s needs, there is actually a fair amount of variation in the level of intensity. Several factors determine the level of comfort or discomfort during a Rolfing session. Depending upon the trauma in a client’s system (and how the individual compensates for these issues) a Rolfer may apply sustained pressure in order to release ‘stuck’ patterns. As a result, this “good type of pain” may result in increased mobility, creating a deeply satisfying, healing and transformative experience. Feel free to speak to your practitioner about your own comfort level. At the Alliance Institute, our philosophy is that Rolfing does not need to hurt. The goal of this practice is to create greater ease and freedom, not to increase pain and discomfort!

Where do Rolfers train?

The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration in Boulder, Colorado, is the sole certifying organization for Rolfers. Training involves anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, Rolfing theory and practice, indications and contraindications, clinical skills and ethics.

For more information on Rolfing® Structural Integration, visit http://www.rolf.org/