Rolfing (Structural Integration) is a method of deep tissue manipulation and movement education. Rolfing helps to align the body correctly so it can function more effectively and with greater ease. This treatment re-organises the connective tissue (fascia), releases unwanted tension in the body and restores an overall natural balance. The practitioner addresses posture and movement issues, with a particular focus on the effects of gravity and helps release any stresses and painful holding patterns in the body which might be causing pain or discomfort.
Various events in our life over time - such as stress, injury or trauma - may lead to our natural, healthy posture being lost. This causes internal stresses, which result in physical and emotional discomfort. Rolfing recognises the interconnectedness of the whole body and treats the entire structure through a systematic approach of 10 separate sessions called the Ten Series. Each treatment focuses on different parts of the body in turn. Sessions 1-3 concentrate on the outside of the body, known as the sleeve; in sessions 4-7 the work is directed deep into the core; and sessions 8-10 integrate the core with the sleeve and the whole body with the outside environment.
After each treatment, a sense of lightness and integration increases, bringing an enhanced ease of breathing, improved flexibility and a greater range of movement, leading finally to an overall, enveloping sense of wellbeing.
Rolfing was named after the American biochemist Dr Ida Pauline Rolf (1896-1979), who was intrigued by many forms of complementary healing methods, and noticed that modalities such as Osteopathy, Chiropractic and Yoga all advocated a similar principle for healing - proper alignment of the anatomical structure, leading to optimal physiological functioning. When also considering the application of gravity, Dr.Rolf observed the effects and the demands on the body which gravity, combining with structural misalignment has on soft tissue (muscles, fascia, tendons and ligaments), creating compensation and therefore imbalances.
Dr. Rolf asked this fundamental question: "What conditions must be fulfilled in order for the human body-structure to be organised and integrated in gravity so that the whole person can function in the most optimal and economical way?”
Her life's work was then devoted to this investigation which led to the system we now call Rolfing®. In order to allow her work to be available to others and to make the education process accessible, she developed her work into a series of ten sessions, which came to be known as the Ten Series.
