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What is Rolfing? If
you can imagine how it feels to live in a fluid, light and balanced
body, free of pain, stiffness and chronic stress, at ease with
itself and with gravity, then you will understand the goals of
Rolfing.
Rolfing is a system of manual manipulation
focusing on the body’s connective tissue, or fascia. Fascia
completely surrounds and supports every muscle, bone, joint and
organ in the body. It reaches through all body elements like a
supportive net or spider web, giving the body its shape and
determining the direction of muscle pulls and movement. Thickened or
shortened areas in this "fascial web" transmit strain
through the entire system, much as a hook pulling on one part of a
sweater distorts the entire sweater.
Imbalances in the fascia are caused by
repeated patterns of self-use such as the way a person walks, sits
or sleeps, as well as by injuries and deep-seated emotional
patterns. Fascia hardens and shortens where the stress is greatest,
greatly affecting the body’s shape and movement patterns. Over
time, these imbalances result in segments of the body moving
progressively further from the body’s natural vertical axis, and
gravity becomes an increasingly destructive force. For example, the
head may start to come forward relative to the chest, the upper back
moves rearward to balance the head, the lower back moves forward to
balance the upper back, and so on. We have to strain just to hold
these segments up against the relentless pull of gravity.
Rolfing works to free the fascial holding
patterns and restore unencumbered movement and proper alignment with
gravity. With controlled pressure and direction, the Rolfer’s
hands loosen and lengthen the fascial sheaths surrounding specific
muscles and joints. Clients may be asked to assist during the
session by focusing their attention or making slow, precise
movements. This helps the client to find and feel new patterns of
movement. Normal length and elasticity of the connective tissues are
restored; gravity flows through the body and no longer drags it
down.
Rolfing cannot accurately be described as a
"therapy," but rather as a system of education in which
the Rolfer helps the client discover the most efficient way of using
his or her body, given the virtues and limitations of that body.
Originally called "structural integration," the science
and art of Rolfing is the legacy of Dr. Ida P. Rolf, and is the
product of her 50 years of study.
How Does Rolfing Feel? Sensations
in the area of the body being worked during a Rolfing session vary
from pleasurable warmth to momentary discomfort. How Rolfing feels
depends to a great degree on the severity of chronic stress,
injuries and other factors specific to the individual. The most
common sensation reported by Rolfing clients is one of temporary
discomfort while an area is being worked, followed by an opening and
a sense of increased movement and circulation. Although the work can
be uncomfortable at times, it is never damaging to the body, and
there is always a sense that it is achieving an opening the body
needs.
Who Benefits from Rolfing? People
come to Rolfing for many reasons. Some seek relief from chronic pain
and stiffness. Others want better performance from their bodies in
sports, dance, yoga and other endeavors. Many desire better posture,
increased awareness of their bodies or more flexibility. Still
others come to Rolfing wishing to grow emotionally or to advance
their psychotherapy. Men, women, children and seniors all benefit
from Rolfing.
What Are the Benefits of Rolfing? Some
of the benefits reported by Rolfing clients include 1) improved
posture, 2) greater flexibility and range of motion, 3) decreased
pain and tension, 4) improved coordination and athletic performance,
5) greater body awareness, 6) increased energy and sense of
well-being, and 7) psychological and emotional growth.
General Information.
Rolfing is typically applied in an initial series of 10 sessions.
Each segment of the process is both a continuation of the previous
one and an introduction to the next. The entire body is
systematically manipulated during this initial series, although
specific areas of focus depend on the unique structure and movement
patterns of the client. Sessions are usually scheduled one to two
weeks apart and last approximately one hour. The cost of each
session varies from $75 to $125, depending on the practitioner and
the area of the country. The results of Rolfing are lasting and the
basic 10-session series does not need to be repeated. Follow-up work
may consist of occasional tune-up or first aid sessions, as well as
an advanced series.
For more information on Rolfing, or to find a
Rolfer in your area, contact The Rolf Institute of Structural
Integration, 205 Canyon Boulevard, Boulder, CO 80302 (303-449-5903).
Information on Rolfing is also provided at http://www.rolf.org.
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