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Rolfing Structural Integration
RolfingŪ
Structural Integration is named after Dr. Ida P. Rolf.
A doctor of Bio-chemistry, she began her inquiry more than
fifty years ago, devoting her energy to creating a holistic
system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education
that organized the whole body in gravity.
Dr. Rolf discovered that she could achieve remarkable changes
in posture and structure by manipulating the body's myofascial
system. While she first named this work Structural Integration,
"Rolfing" is the name that many clients and practitioners
used to describe it. Rolfing is now a registered service mark
in 27 countries.
Rolfing Structural Integration has an unequaled
and unprecedented ability to dramatically alter a person's
posture and structure. Professional athletes, dancers, children,
business professionals, indeed people from all walks of life
have benefited from Rolfing. They seek out Rolfing as a way
to ease pain and chronic stress, plus improve
performance in their professional and daily life activities.
It's estimated that more than 1 million people have received
Rolfing work.
Research has demonstrated that Rolfing creates
a more efficient use of the muscles, allows the body to conserve
energy, and creates more economical and refined patterns of
movement. Research also shows that Rolfing significantly reduces
chronic stress and changes in the body structure. For example,
a study showed that Rolfing significantly reduced the spinal
curvature of subjects with lordosis (sway back); it also showed
that Rolfing enhances neurological functioning. |
Photos
by Nicole Friedler Photography |
How Rolfing Works
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Theory and Principles
of Rolfing
The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration (RISI) has continued
Dr. Rolf's profound inquiry into how to enhance the whole
person by organizing the body in gravity. Some of the more
important developments of the work since Dr. Rolf's death
are also what now distinguishes Rolfing from all other forms
of structural integration:
Principles of
Intervention - Rolfing training begins with the Ten
Series developed by Dr. Rolf, plus variations of her original
protocol. Over the years, the faculty at the Rolf Institute
has articulated the core principles on which the original
series was based. By understanding these principles Rolfers
can work effectively outside of the Ten Series and incorporate
intervention strategies that reflect the unique needs of each
client.
Gentle Techniques - Rolfers
work with the deep myofascial structures. Some people may
experience the work as uncomfortable. Rolfers have continued
to develop a broad range of techniques that produce profound
results with less discomfort.
Joint Mobilization
Techniques - The Rolf Institute faculty has created
a range of soft tissue techniques that release the motion
restrictions that impede whole body organization. These techniques
increase Rolfers effectiveness in working with many common
structural problems.
The Personal Experience
- Rolfing is a holistic technique in that changes in structure
can impact the whole person, physically, emotionally, and
energetically. Ultimately, each client's individual experience
plays a central role in Rolfing's transformational aspects. |
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