Rolfing®

is a therapeutic method that enhances and eases body movements, restores postural balance and encourages a sense of well being in the body.  It does this by aligning and integrating the structure in the body with the force of gravity.
—
Rolfing® will lead an individual to discover a more efficient posture, and how to be centered along a flexible and adaptable axis. Rolfing will enhance personal grace and improve agility.

Rolfing takes into account the whole person and is adaptable for any age. A Rolfer is looking for long-term postural changes in their client in order to generate a serene reorganization of their body and mind.  Rolfing sessions enhance flexibility and mobility and promote body confidence.
Bodies reflects our stories, trauma, view of the world, cultural and physical habits.  Using the Rolfing method, we can overcome our limitations while respecting our own abilities.  When we learn to co-ordinate certain movements to improve their efficiency, our perception of the world becomes more acute and we feel more confident and connected.
The body becomes lighter, calmer and balanced in its posture. Rolfing is usually practiced in a series of one-to-one sessions.  It uses connective tissue manipulation along with movement and perceptual co-ordination education to achieve results. Close interaction between the Rolfer and the client  allows this process to develop.

Ida Rolf
—

(1896-1979)

Founder of the Rolfing method, devoted her life to the study of the human relationship with the force of gravity as a holistic way of healing.

—
There is a pattern, an order, in human bodies…When the body gets working appropriately, the force of gravity can flow through.  Then, spontaneously, the body heals itself.
—

This woman had a remarkable journey. In 1920, she obtained a PhD in biochemistry and then worked for a decade in the chemotherapy department at the Rockefeller Institute. In 1927, she studied atomic physics and mathematics in Zurich and homeopathic medicine in Geneva.

In 1930, she went back in New York. She sought out solutions for personal and family health issues (hyper-lordosis, pre-diabetic symptoms, hyperkinesis). Not finding answers from allopathic medicine, she studied osteopathy, chiropractic with Dr.
Arthur Nilson, Alexander technique (the source of « The Line »), Amy Cochran’s physiosynthesis exercises, Pierre Bernard’s Tantric Yoga, and Korzbski’s General Semantic.

Maturing through her studies of different approaches, Ida developed her own concept – first named structural dynamics, then structural integration, before finally creating the term Rolfing. She was a pioneer in thinking of the crucial role of the fascia to balance one’s structure and homeostasis.

—
Rolfing is permanent. As one student put it, after you’re Rolfed you’re like a Jaguar. No matter how long you drive a Jaguar, it’s not going to turn into a Ford.  That’s a very good emotional answer.  It’s beautiful because it appeals to all levels.
—

It is interesting to note that Ida worked with, and was a close friend of Moshe Feldenkrais (Moshe started giving professional trainings in the 70’s); and she was invited by Fritz Perls (psychologist and founder of Gestalt therapy) to teach at the famous Esalen Institute, where she met the pioneers of the Human Potential Movement.

Rolfing®
Benefits
—

  • Do you feel physical pain that has not been remedied with other treatments? Decrease physical discomfort –
  • Do you want to improve your posture or your gait? Do you wish to develop a wider range of movement? Walk with grace and elegance –
  • Do you feel that your breathing is not full or overworked in stress situations? Do you have chronic pain? Breathe with ease and without forcing –
  • Do you wish to have more confidence in, and acceptance of, your body? Would you like to live drama and trauma-free? Respect your body –
  • Do you wish to understand and apply better postural habits in your professional and recreational activities?  Do you want to prevent the effects of aging?  Do you want to have more energy and presence? Improve quality of life –

Who is Rolfing® for ?

  • Everyone who want to enhance their lifestyle and be more aligned, taller, straighter and free from chronic pain.
  • Self-development /self-confidence/ Positive body image:  People who want to  learn easy tools, applicable to their daily life to help you project the integrity of the message you want to present.
  • People who want to overcome traumatic injuries, whether physical (e.g. car accidents) or emotional, and helps to soften and retard the effects of aging by maintaining joint fluidity and upright posture as long as possible.
  • For greater high performance and recovery
  • Dancers : adapted to their search to find better balance, refine their intention of movement. Develop stage presence and help enduring stressful rehearsal periods.
  • Martial arts, yoga, Pilates and movement practitioners : help develop and keep a healthy practice.
  • Actors and musicians : improve their performance through better use of the body.
  • Fashion models benefit incredibly with relief from the walking pattern, poses, and rhythm of their jobs and finding ways to project their inner self. Help with Body-Image.
  • Business people, public speakers, and civic leaders can use Rolfing to help them project their self-image, manage personal stress, and build their stamina and charisma.
  • For those who want to prevent aging-process.