Uniqueness of Rolfing^®  Structural Integration

Rolfing is the only form of bodywork directed at organizing the human body in the field of gravity. Rolfers work primarily with the connective tissue or fascial planes in order to enhance the health of an individual and to create a dynamic balance through the structural support of the connective tissue.

Each person’s body takes its unique shape through his/her approach towards and experience of  living. Dr. Rolf noted that even in utero an infant is negotiating the forces of gravity to adapt its structure to the environment. Physical traumas, like automobile accidents, painful falls, or repetitive use can strain connective tissue, resulting in restrictions. Even inadequate nutrition can create unhealthy tissue, leading to difficulties in moving or being still. When imbalances exist in the fascia or connective tissue, as well as in the fluid body, unresolved strain patterns can create problematic nerve impingment, bulging discs, shortness of breath, diminished life force energy, and psychological difficulties.

Rolfing releases the body from lifelong patterns of tension, bracing, or trauma by changing the tone of the connective tissue and re-establishing more appropriate relationships between the various segments of the body. When the head can be supported by the neck, shoulders, pelvis, and arches of the feet, the spine often experiences increased length and mobility, and neurological functioning may be improved. In each Rolfing session the client’s postural alignment and movement patterns are examined, goals are discussed, and manipulation of the connective tissue structure completed, returning the body to a more fluid, graceful state of being.

Through reorganizing the connective structure, Rolfing provides the body with a more dynamic, integrated relatonship to gravity. Dr. Rolf would say, “Anyone can take the body apart, but few can put it back together.” Rolfing endeavors to put the body back together by integrating the connective tissue system into a functional whole.

The Goal of a Rolfing

Rolfers look beyond treatment of individualized symptoms and into the realignment of the entire connective tissue structure to find resolution of physical and emotional challenges. The goal is to find a balanced, dynamic relationship between the body's major segments (neck over shoulders, rib cage over pelvis, pelvis over arches of feet). These segments are organized around a central vertical axis through a series of ten sessions. The ten series is a process of integration, with each session focusing on a particular area of the body in relation to other parts. The last three sessions are integrative, bringing the entire connective tissue structure to a higher level of order.

Rolfers manipulate the connective tissue system with their hands, elbows, and sensitive nervous systems. When the body is listened to respectfully and intelligently, the soma can relax and unfold into its natural state of health.

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