Rolfing
Developed by Dr. Ida Rolf as a way to “restructure” the body, Rolfing/Structural Integration has wide-ranging therapeutic benefits. Following are the most frequently asked questions about this highly effective bodywork technique.
What Is Rolfing/Structural Integration?
Rolfing/Structural Integration is a proven method of bodywork that reorganizes the connective tissues, called fascia, throughout the body. Its effectiveness lies in Dr. Ida Rolf’s insight that the body functions most effectively when its supporting structure is balanced in gravity and is therefore most at ease.
More than fifty years ago, Dr. Rolf recognized the body to be a seamless system of tissue networks—and not a collection of separate parts, as had previously been believed. These connective tissues surround, support, and penetrate all of the body's muscles, bones, nerves, and organs.
Rolfing/Structural Integration concentrates on this web-like complex of connective tissues to release, realign and re-balance the entire body.
How Can Rolfing Structural Integration Help Me?
It is estimated that more than a million people, from all walks of life, have benefited from Rolfing Structural Integration. Athletes, dancers, and actors seek it out to help improve performance. It is beneficial for everyone, from children to stressed or desk-bound business professionals.
Rolfing/Structural Integration can dramatically alter posture and structure. It can ease pain and chronic stress, improve flexibility, revitalize energy, and improve performance in professional and daily activities by leaving you feeling more comfortable in your body.
Does Research Support Rolfing Structural Integration?
Yes. Research shows that Rolfing Structural Integration creates a more efficient use of the muscles, allows the body to conserve energy, and creates more economical and refined patterns of movement.
Fascial research over the past decade has found Fascia to be both the organ of structure as well as the organ of communication, as it contains a network of nerves. The first “Fascial Conference” took place the year I graduated from the Rolf Institute.