The Rolfing Technique: Realigning the Body from the Inside

What is the origin of Rolfing?
Rolfing was developed by Dr. Ida P. Rolf, Ph.D. Trained in biochemistry and organic chemistry, she sought more holistic solutions to common health problems. From her studies of mind/body systems such as yoga, osteopathy and chiropractic, she refined the Rolfing techniques that allow the body to heal itself through realignment of the fascia

How does Rolfing work?
Rolfing realigns the body through the gentle manipulation of the muscles and fascia that make up the soft connective tissue network known as the myofascial system. Because this network surround the entire skeletal system, an injury to one part of it eventually effects the whole body.

Then an area of the body is injured or stressed due to physical or emotional trauma or illness, the rest of the body must compensate for the injured area. Extra energy is required for movement and the muscles become unnecessarily strained. As the muscles adapt to the new movement pattern, the fascia surrounding them ten to bunch up and harden, increasing the strain. Like a building that is slowly collapsing in on itself, the body must now fight against gravity just to function at a lower capacity.

Total body alignment is achieved in a progressive series of sessions, often ten, lasting approximately one hour or more. The effects are long-lasting and often permanent.

Is Rolfing painful?
No. In the past Rolfing has had a history of being considered painful therapy. However, the Rolf Institute has developed a range of techniques that are gentler for the client but still produce profound results.

As pressure is applied to the tissue, it softens, lengthens and releases. The client is often able to feel a relaxation in their tissues or a warm sensation as the tissues release. If there is any discomfort, it disappears instantly with the completion of the manipulation. Many people find the experience pleasurable and enjoy the physical lightness and freedom in their bodies that grows as the sessions progress. Most importantly, the client is always in control of the session.

What can Rolfing do for you?
Just about anyone can benefit from Rolfing. People from all walks of life receive Rolfing for many different reasons. Some people use Rolfing to relieve chronic pain and stress. Athletes, business professionals, and performers find Rolfing improves performance in their professions and daily lives. Others use Rolfing to deepen their mind/body connection in practices like yoga, t’ai chi, and mediation. Rolfing can also help people undergoing counseling faciliate a deeper connection to their emotions.

Why a person comes to Rolfing is not as important as the benefits that they receive form it. Rolfing allows the body totfeel light, fluid, and free from pain aand stress. As a result, one’s posture, appearance and overall functioning are improved.

Has Rolfing been scientifically tested?
Yes. Research by UCLA showed the Rolfing enabled more efficient use of the muscles, allowed the body to conserve energy, and facilitated more refined patterns of movement. The Journal of Clinical Psychology studied 48 participants randomly assigned to either the experimental group (Rolfing) or a control group (no Rolfing). After five weeks, those that received Rolfing demonstrated a significant decrease in anxiety. Researchers attributed these finding to Rolfing's release of emotional tension that had been stored in the soft tissues. More information of Rolfing research can be found at: www.rolf.org.