A history and explanation of Rolfing

A history and explanation of Rolfing

A history and explanation of Rolfing

Rolfing, known by some people as structural integration, involves the process of aligning and balancing the body, through manipulation of the fascia (the connective tissue that surround muscles and muscle groups). During the 1950s Dr. Ida Rolf introduced, and went on to develop the technique. Rolf noted that gravity, over time, accentuated imbalances in the body leading to pain and stiffness, and a shortening of the body, the spine in particular.

The body is a system of seamless networks of tissues known as connective tissue, or in the industry, fascia. Rolfing works along the fascial planes, which surround, support and penetrate all the muscles, bones, nerves and organs. Rolfing sessions aim to realign, balance and alleviate pain within the body. Rolfing has been described by many as the missing link in pain reduction and realignment of the body; chiropractors work with the skeleton and massage therapists with the muscles, Rolfing, however, works with the fascia, which aims to lead to a complete eradication of aches and pains, improvement of posture and increased the freedom of movement; it also helps with both new and old injuries.

A Rolfer (someone who practices Rolfing) will monitor the client's posture and body alignment, where the areas of contraction and constriction and make an overall assessment before starting any manipulation. The client will then be asked to lie on a coach where the Rolfer will work up the body, from the feet to the head, feeling where there is tension in the fascia, releasing and moving this, then moving on to the next section of the body. The Rolfer will often ask the client to move into a range of different positions from sitting to lying, for example, in order to be able to reach certain fascia and muscle groups.

It is recommended the clients book in for ten sessions (of which each will last from 60 to 90 minutes) with each session building on the previous one, with each session the Rolfer will be able to penetrate deeper and deeper into the fascia.

For anyone wanting to train to become a Rolfer, a keen sense of the anatomy is a must, practicing massage therapists, chiropractors and bodywork therapists would find the transition easiest. Some of the requirement stipulated by the European Rolfing Association include, the candidate must be over the age of 25, have a sound knowledge of the anatomy and locomotor system and a university degree/successful professional career, they must also be hard working and determined. The European training centres are in Munich, Germany and Bologna, Italy and study includes both mental tasks (reading and revising numerous fascia and anatomy books) and practical assessments.

The first ever training courses in the UK are set to begin in 2011, but as yet no details have been confirmed.

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