Copyright © 1999 - Marius Strydom
Rolfing® Structural Integration is an interactive process between Rolfer® and client, the goal of which is to integrate the client’s physical body in gravity.
What does integration feel like? Balanced, comfortable and a feeling of wholeness and vitality are some descriptions often used to describe the effects of Rolfing.
How does it work? This process includes physical manipulation of the soft connective tissue (fascia), and movement education. These two methods are often used in conjunction to introduce beneficial change in posture and movement habits. For example, as the Rolfer does the slow, gentle manipulation to stretch and mold the sheets and layers of fascia in the body, (s)he might ask the client to do specific movements. These often subtle movements contribute to the lasting effects of the work, by neuro-muscularly re-educating the areas worked with. In this way new habits are introduced. These physiologically more efficient habits can range from a more integrated and fluid way of walking, to an athletic movement sequence, to having more freedom of expression through body language.
How long does it take? The basic Rolfing process usually consists of about ten sessions of 60 - 90 mins. The duration is usually spread over a period of about 8 - 12 weeks. Each session has a specific set of goals, which build on each other as the process continues, to bring about change that is lasting and empowering to the client. In this way the work progresses from superficial to deep, from differentiation to integration.
What does it feel like? Experiencing this work is very different from person to person, from session to session, from area to area being worked on. Sensations range from pleasurable warmth and tingling, to momentary intensity similar to the feeling of deep stretching. Rolfer and client work together with the level of sensation, balance between intensity and comfort, rhythm of breathing, the body’s autonomic responses to the process of change, to work with the process and to follow the client’s individual experience.
Are these changes in the body proven by scientific methods? Yes. Rolfing is a scientifically validated system, originated by Dr. Ida P. Rolf in the USA. She described her unique vision and insight into our anatomy and the changeability of our structure in her book: ‘Rolfing: Reestablishing the natural alignment and structural integration of the body for vitality and well-being’.
Research done by Dr. Valerie Hunt (author of ‘infinite mind’) at UCLA validated the improvements in movement and posture brought about by Rolfing. An abstract of her research is available from the Rolf Institute. She also describes her research in her book.
Books, articles and abstracts of several research projects are available from the Rolf institute of structural integration (www.rolf.org).
Who comes to Rolfing? People from all walks of life and a wide variety of reasons are attracted to Rolfing. In my practise in South Africa, I have worked with people from age 1 - 78. Motivations for coming included improvement of posture and athletic ability; chronic aches and pains especially back-, neck- and headaches; breathing problems; stress; an adjunct to psychotherapeutic process; personal growth; etc.
Any change in the physical body affects the whole person. Rolfing is a holistic process which values these changes, which clients often describe as a more positive outlook on life, and an increased ability to handle emotional changes.
"Someone used their elbow and said it was Rolfing…"
Rolfing is not a technique, it is a process using a wide range of techniques to communicate integration. The words ‘Rolfing’ and ‘Rolfer’ are registered service marks of the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration. Only individuals trained and certified by the Rolf Institute may use these service marks. For a detailed description of the in-depth educational requirements, and an international directory of all certified Rolfers and Rolf movement practitioners, visit the institute’s website at www.rolf.org.
For more information or any questions, please contact Marius Strydom by email at marius@rolfing.co.za, or phone 082 975 2866.
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If you have comments or questions, email me at marius@rolfing.co.za