Rolfing Structural Integration
Rolfing Structural Integration promotes well-being by enhancing the body's pattern of organization. It balances the body in gravity and enables functionality with higher levels of efficiency and ease.
Rolfing is an alternative soft tissue holistic modality named after its founder, Dr Ida P. Rolf. Se began her study and discovery of deep tissue manipulation to improve change in posture and structure by manipulating the body's myofascial system.
The goal of Rolfing is to free the shortened fascia to all the muscles to return to a more balanced relationship. When the myofascial system is organized, gravity causes it to uplift and align the body's segments.
Restricted fascia and shortened muscles can pull bones to a less desirable position. This positional change, over time, may cause problems. These problems can cause pain, dysfunction in movement and various injuries. Dysfunctions and restrictions in movement can cause a compensatory pattern with another or several other parts of the body. Our bodies are intelligent enough to create compensatory patterns so we can continue to move or function. Rolfing is not just for relief from pain and stress. Rolfing can improve athletic performance and enhance movement for daily activities. Rolfing can also benefit people in psychotherapy by facilitating a deeper connection to their emotional conflicts and can effectively deepen practices such as meditation, yoga and tai chi.
The basic Rolfing series consists of ten or more Structural sessions. A Rolfer starts by evaluating the client's structure and often takes photos for later reference. The client is usually asked to lie on the table as the Rolfer works with their hands on related areas of the client's body to alleviate restriction.
Each Rolfing session builds upon the results of the previous one, so that the results are cumulative. Each session has a specific purpose to remove strain from a particular area of the body and work towards holism with the entire body. The goal is to result in better balance, enhance freedom of movement and a higher energy level.
Sessions will last from sixty to ninety minutes. The amount of time between sessions varies and is determined on an individual basis. The average spacing is a week to two weeks. Sensations in the area worked may range from pleasurable warmth to momentary discomfort. At times there may be little sensation at all. How you feel during a session depends on several factors such as injuries to the area or tension by chronic stress.
After Rolfing, people report feeling lighter and better-balanced. Movement seems easier as if the joints have been lubricated. Feelings of well-being reflects the entire body's energy level. Chronic discomforts often disappear immediately or soon after the series is completed.