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ROLFING :
The definition of Rolfing
is to use physical pressure to stretch and guide the connective tissue
in the body to allow for a better, more flexible movement in the body.
Moving and breathing techniques are taught to the patient in order
to help facilitate the process.
The myofascial system of the body supports all soft tissues, defines
how the bones are positioned and spaced, and basically is the cause
of the shape of one's body. When the patient has been realigned properly,
they report less depression and anxiety and have more energy. They
have also reported less pain and better coordination.
Patients who seek Rolfing as an alternative medicine usually do so
as a result of stress or injury (neck pain) from physically demanding
jobs or jobs where they must be in one position for long periods of
time, such as at a computer. Sports injuries are also cause for seeking
relief through Rolfing.
Students of a balanced life use Rolfing as well. People who seek a
balance and harmony in their physical and emotional life consider
Rolfing along with yoga to be the ultimate in good health keeping.
Professional Rolfists treat all age groups from infants to the elderly.
Ida P. Rolf (1896-1979) is the founder of the 10 stage treatment model.
She was an American biochemist and a PhD who discovered the connective
tissue that connects the muscles to the bones could be strengthened
and manipulated. She believed that the body could become pulled out
of its intended shape by gravity, and muscle and connective tissue
reshaping was necessary for good health and balance. Unlike the connective
tissue massage therapy, she developed 10 sessions geared toward deeper
layers of the body, the patient learns to posture better, and control
the invisible line that grounds and connects them to the earth. The
sessions are structured so that manual manipulation of connective
tissue along with lessons in relating to gravity will cause the patient
to become more balanced-both physically and spiritually-to the point
of the now healthy body beginning to be able to heal itself.
As connective tissue tends to become dehydrated, shortened or twisted
(as in sports injuries) as a result of the everyday stress and strain
of living, it is unable to perform its job of allowing the muscles
to move fluidly, causing all kinds of havoc in the body. Rolfing treats
the tightness and inflexibility of the connective tissue in the muscles
so that the body can begin to live fully. As with CST therapy, patients
often have emotional outlets during sessions including crying, resurfaced
memories, and have reported feelings of becoming childlike again.
The 10 sessions consist of evaluating the patient's structure through
photos and questions, positioning and repositioning the limbs of the
body and using pressure to indicate where the problems areas are located.
Then the patient is taught breathing techniques which will help facilitate
healing, and in the first seven sessions pain and strain are released
from the body. These sessions typically last one to two hours and
are spaced approximately two weeks apart. Rolfing is so popular that
most patients choose to continue the process after the initial 10
sessions as a preventative measure and holistic approach to well being.
It is important to note that at first Rolfing can be painful or at
least uncomfortable, a lot like deep tissue massage. The muscles must
be released and if they have atrophied from lack of movement (the
old joke about a patient telling the doctor "It hurts when I
do this" and the doctor replying "Well then, don't do that"
is so true with muscular stiffness. When it hurts to move a certain
way, we often stop the movement, causing our muscles to stiffen) and
this can be painful at first. If you have a strong dislike for being
touched or have cancer or arthritis, Rolfing may not be the best course
of treatment for you.
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