About Rolfing® Structural Integration
How Rolfing is Done:
Rolfing Structural Integration is a specialized form of bodywork that focuses on realigning the body through manipulation of the connective tissues, particularly the fascia. Fascia is the web of tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and organs, playing a key role in posture and movement. When these tissues become tight or misaligned due to injury, poor posture, or stress, it can lead to pain and restricted movement.
The goal of Rolfing is to restore balance to the body by releasing tension, lengthening, and bringing the body into better alignment with gravity. A typical Rolfing session involves the practitioner applying deep, slow pressure using their hands, fingers, knuckles, or elbows to work on specific areas of the body.
Rolfing is often done over a series of sessions, known as the "Ten-Series," which systematically works through the body to address imbalances and improve overall posture and function. Each session has a specific focus, starting with surface-level adjustments and progressively working deeper into the body’s structure.
Though Rolfing can be intense, it is designed to create lasting change in the body’s alignment, leading to improved movement, decreased pain, and a greater sense of well-being. Rolfing is suitable for both adults and children and can help people with various issues, including chronic pain, mobility problems, and postural issues.
Dr. Ida P. Rolf:
The Pioneer of Rolfing®
Rolfing Structural Integration was developed by Dr. Ida P. Rolf in the mid-20th century. Dr. Rolf was a biochemist who became interested in alternative healing methods after noticing the limitations of conventional medicine. Her background in science led her to explore the role of the body's structure in health and well-being, which eventually resulted in the development of Rolfing.
Dr. Rolf's theory was that the body functions best when it is aligned with gravity. She believed that imbalances in the body's structure could lead to physical and emotional difficulties, and that by manipulating the fascia, she could correct these imbalances and restore the body to its natural alignment.
In the 1940s and 1950s, Dr. Rolf began working with individuals and testing her theories. She refined her techniques over several decades, creating a structured method for manipulating the body's connective tissues. She eventually formalized her method into a systematic approach called Structural Integration, which later became known as Rolfing, named after her.
In 1971, Dr. Rolf founded the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration (now known as the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute®) to teach her methods and ensure the integrity of the practice. Since then, Rolfing has grown into a recognized bodywork modality practiced worldwide by Certified Rolfers.
Dr. Rolf’s groundbreaking work not only changed the way we think about body structure and health but also paved the way for the development of other bodywork practices that focus on the relationship between movement, posture, and well-being.
“Form and function are a unity, two sides of one coin. In order to enhance function, appropriate form must exist or be created.”