Rolfing

Rolfing refers to a style of bodywork that focuses on the fascia, the connective tissues covering the muscles, tendons and organs of the body. Unlike massage which uses a variety of different strokes Rolfing is more of a direct fascial technique. Also contact is not continuous but can be interrupted to allow for an opportunity for movement or for the client to walk around while the therapist assesses the client.

Dr. Ida Rolf was the founder of Rolfing. She graduated with a PhD in Biochemistry and in the last 1920’s attained the position of Associate Professor at the Rockefeller Institute for Medicine Research. This was a rare position for a woman to hold at that time. She went on to study math, physics then homeopathy in Switzerland. She was keenly interested in how gravity affects the body and the connection between alignment and health. This led her to develop Structural Integration, also known as Rolfing.

There are many benefits to Rolfing: pain reduction, stress reduction, increased flexibility, and improved efficiency in movement. In Dr. Rolf’s own words “This is the gospel of Rolfing: When the body gets working appropriately, the force of gravity can flow through. Then, spontaneously, the body heals itself.”

Certified Rolfers are trained to maximize the individual's well being and release stress patterns to achieve ease of movement and improved posture.

Specific Techniques

Practitioners

Select a region to view to corresponding Rolfing professionals operating there: