What is Rolfing?

Rolfing® Structural Integration is a holistic form of bodywork and education that aims to reorganize the connective tissue network of fascia that exists throughout the entire body. This is done by hands on manual therapy, breath and sensory guidance. This has the great potential to result in greater structural alignment, balanced movement and an ease in overall mobility. Fascia is the most prevalent tissue found throughout the body. It groups and supports the body’s arteries, nerves, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and organs.

Rolfing® was named after its founder, Dr. Ida P. Rolf more than fifty years ago. In 1920 Dr. Rolf received a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and early on in her career worked as one of the few women scientists and researchers in organic chemistry at the Rockefeller Institute. It was during this time that she became more interested in the human body due to her own desire to find less invasive solutions to her and her son’s health problems. This led her to explore different systems of healing such as homeopathy, osteopathy, and yoga. In her research she noticed a common thread that proper alignment, physiologic function and anatomical structure are all related. 

On a deeper level the amount of sensory awareness that can resonate from within rather than due to external input is the greatest transformative aspect of the process. Attending to realms of the body that have not been in use perhaps due to habitual movement patterning are awakened and utilized again. Many times there are muscles and other connective tissue in overuse. 

The results of this work extends far beyond simply presenting postural alignment or addressing a symptom. The hope is to bring greater vitality to life, enlivening a client’s inherent movement potential.