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What is Rolfing?
Rolfing is a system of postural restructuring and movement education which is performed through treatments of soft tissue manipulation.
Named after the renowned biochemist Ida P. Rolf, Ph.D., this technology offers a person of any age the ability to start fresh and reclaim their inherent vitality.
Rolfers believe that like all other material structures, the human body submits to the basic laws of physics. When we are out of balance, gravity that drags us down, just as it drags down a building that has lost its architectural integrity.
To fully understand poor posture and why it results in chronic head, neck, back, and hip pain, healthy posture or good posture must be clearly defined. Simply put, good posture is a condition in which body mass is evenly distributed. The geometry of tension in the joints must be perfectly balanced between compressive and tensile forces of the Fascial web (the connective tissue of the body), so that standing and walking require minimal energy expenditure.
As we move through life and are forced to compensate for injuries, physical or emotional traumas, work habits or habitual activities, the soft tissues in our bodies lose their elasticity. Over time, our bodies get molded into a set shape that prevents us from standing, moving, sitting, or even resting comfortably or efficiently.
During a typical Rolf session, we start by evaluating a person's structure. A Rolfer is trained to see bodies and how the dynamics of standing and movement occur and to determine how and where the body is restricted. To a Rolfer's eye, slouched shoulders, knock-knees or bowed legs, flat feet or high arches, sway back, spinal curvatures, a short leg, and/or hip problems all display complex patterns of strain, tightness, and thickening in the body’s soft tissues.
Rolfing accomplishes its results through a set of ten specific goals designed to open and balance the whole body. This is known as "The Rolfing Ten Series." Through refined and intelligent pressure applied by a Certified Rolfer, specific areas of the body are carefully manipulated to release areas where the body is restricted. The "Series" is administered progressively; each session builds upon the last until complete integration of the structure is achieved. The average spacing between sessions is one to two weeks.
Note: Additional sessions may be required depending on the individual during their process.
Upon completion of the Rolfing process, habitual and inappropriate patterns of movement are corrected. The body retains these corrections and is effortlessly upright, balanced, and at ease with itself in the field of gravity. As a result of being "Rolfed," a feeling of well-being and self-confidence develops as the structure returns to its own dynamic, upright support. A person feels lighter, freer, and has a higher level of energy. Old attitudes that were held and encouraged by stuck body patterns become easier to release.
Rolfing is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. It does not attempt to diagnose or prescribe. Its sole purpose is to bring order to structure, and it is through the accomplishment of that purpose the function of the whole person is enhanced.
Who gets Rolfed?
People dissatisfied with their posture, who want to improve their appearance and mobility. People suffering from aches or pains in areas such as the neck, shoulders, hips, back, arms, legs etc. People, in physically demanding jobs, who feel pain, are stressed, tense and stiff. People suffering from the effects of injuries and accidents. Physically active people e.g. artists, athletes, dancers, students of Yoga and meditation, musicians who wish to improve their mobility and reduce the risk of injury. People that feel as if they have lost or are lacking their inherit energy/vitality. People from all walks of life and of all ages, from children to seniors, with structural related issues.
What are the benefits?
As a result of Rolfing, people commonly report feeling physically taller, lighter and more flexible, better balanced and greater self-confidence. As a result, discomfort or pain in the body is alleviated. It is important to remember that because no two people are alike, each experience and its benefits will cater to the individual.
Why the ten session series?
The goal of Rolfing is to balance your body's structure in gravity. To do that, a Rolfer looks at how your entire body has compensated and shortened over time. The ten-session format allows us to systematically open the body to deal with those compensations, not just to fix a local problem, but to get at your body's entire postural pattern.
Do I have to do the entire ten series?
Of course not. You can try a session or two to see if Rolfing fits your needs. If you choose to do fewer sessions than the entire ten series, you and your Rolfer can come up with a strategy to get the maximum benefit out of the number of sessions that you can do. Also, some clients with chronic problems choose to extend their Rolfing beyond the original series. It is up to the Rolfer and client to create an approach suited to that client.
Is Rolfing long-lasting?
Yes! Photographs taken of people years after the Basic Ten Series show that changes are still present with structure and function improved. Keep in mind however, as life changes, bodies change in response. Any injuries, accidents, lengthy illnesses, and emotional stress may necessitate additional work. The gallery provides before and after documentation showing the effects of Rolfing.
How does a Rolfing feel?
During the session you may experience a warm, pleasant sensation from the area that is being worked while at other times momentary discomfort. The practitioner will apply the appropriate pressure, based on the client's needs and feedback.
Early on, Rolfing developed a reputation as an extremely uncomfortable process. Over time, the Rolfing community has developed the work to be even more effective, while at the same time working at levels that are actually more comfortable to the client. In short, most new clients who are worried about Rolfing being uncomfortable no longer find that an issue after experiencing a session.
How is Rolfing different than massage?
Massage focuses on relaxing and releasing muscular tension and stress while Rolfing focuses on changing biomechanical patterns of movement and making postural changes long-term.
Does Rolfing have psychological benefits?
While Rolfing is primarily concerned with physical changes in the body, it does affect the whole person. As well as our physical being, we are made up of emotions, attitudes, belief systems, and behavior patterns in concert with perceptions of body image that all determines how the person is shaped and what their limitations are in how they move. For some people, the physical holding patterns they have adopted can be related to emotional holding or tension. For others, their structure may carry the effects of an emotional experience. Aligning the physical structure is a useful tool and complementary to psychotherapy and/or personal development work.
What do I wear?
The typical attire for men is underwear and for woman is bra and underwear. It's important for the Rolfer to be able to see your physique and the changes that occur during the sessions. It is also important for you to feel comfortable during the session so, if needed, please wear whatever you feel is appropriate.