Rolfing® is the brand name for Structural Integration. It is a whole body approach to postural balance, through manipulation of fascia causing structural realignment, freedom from tension, pain and old injuries, scar tissue and emotional trauma. A rebalancing effect allows freedom of movement, better energy; improved balance; slimmer appearance. It creates length and space between joints and causes a healthier attitude.
Basic Rolfing* is generally a ten session series; each session has a specific set of anatomical territories and goals for each session. The sessions are like ten parts with an overall goal for a body that is better balanced within the gravitational field. If you look at the picture, you will see the boy on the left is disorganized and there is disorder among the segments. That is what Dr. Rolf called the “random” body. There are no lines of order for the body to organize around. Tension, strain, rotations and compression are the result of that body trying to adapt to the disorder. A disorganized, random body will not fall over; it will adapt. It is effective but not efficient. It requires more energy to function in that type of structure. The person living inside of that structure is probably exhausted and tends to a bad mood. They are much more likely to be less healthy as structure (form) determines function (action); and function determines physiology (how it works) or pathology (disease).
That was a mouthful but simply put, life-force energy doesn’t flow freely in the disorganized structure. Tension and discomfort becomes this person’s unwelcome friend. Gravity is his enemy! It pulls him apart as there is no central line of organization and he experiences tension, strain, compression and rotations between joint spaces as he is working to stay upright.
The boy on the right after Rolfing has a well-organized, balanced body. There is a clear stacking of the segments. What I call the “gravity girdle”, is giving lift and support by the force of gravity. Gravity wins every time! There is good space between joints, as there should be. It’s well organized. There is no undue tension, strain, compression or rotations upon the segments. It is more energetically efficient. He has more energy available to enjoy life. This body looks like it’s more comfortable to live in and he is probably in a better mood.
*There is an Advanced Rolfing Series of 3-5 sessions. That provides client centered Rolfing in an abbreviated series for those on a limited budget and for Post-ten series Rolfing clients who desire an advancement of work beyond the Basic 10 sessions.
