Structural Integration (Rolfing)
 Dr. Ida Rolf pioneered the work of Structural Integration, also known as Rolfing, in the 1970’s and created a model of ten sessions which came to be called “the recipe”, a way to reorganize and reshape the human body according to a systematic, methodical approach. Using the “recipe”, the therapist helps the body re-stack itself so that the parts of the body are lined up, one on top of the next and therefore more immune to the effects of gravity always tugging upon it. As the body comes more in line, more upright, it is easier to move and to be in one’s body. It is no longer such an effort to pick up one foot and put it in front of another.  Getting out of chairs without struggle and pain, lying down and getting up with ease can become the norm rather than something to wish for. Athletes, dancers, singers, physical laborers, you and me and all of us who use our bodies every day, find we are far more able to do what we want to do with ease and without pain when receiving bodywork on some sort of regular basis. People who put their bodies in unnatural postures for long periods of time like all the folks who are shackled to a desk and/or computer for a living benefit hugely from structural work which gives them the benefit of decompressing from the compressing effect of sitting for long periods of time.
 You’ve seen folks walking along the side walk or in the grocery store who are all bent over, and others who seem to struggle for each step. Or maybe you are in that situation. That is fighting gravity & loosing. It doesn’t matter why this devastating fight has taken place - accident, injury or the aging process. Bodywork, particularily Structural Integration, has something special to offer. The hope of coming closer to upright & having freedom to move as you want, so you can engage in the activities you want is available. I know I have said it elsewhere in this site but I really want to repeat myself. It is all about being able to move & be in your body the way you want to, whether it is to do activities that you used to do or to start all new activities.
 Structural Integration works by lengthening the myofascial layers of the body. Fascia is everywhere in the body. It is wrapped around muscle tissue, bone, organs. It holds the whole body together. Because Structural Integration’s goal is to get the body re-stacked upon itself the way it was meant to be, it is more effective than plain massage or deep tissue work at creating a permanent solution to problems resulting from various imbalances. As the body comes into balance the client is less stressed and more at ease in his or her body. Life becomes more worth living.
It is absolutely amazing how our whole lives can change, our perspective and attitudes can change, as we become upright and mobile, able to move through gravity rather than struggle against it. |
