What is Rolfing®?
REESTABLISHING THE NATURAL ALIGNMENT OF THE HUMAN BODY FOR VITALITY AND WELL-BEING
Have you ever wondered what exactly is Rolfing®? Originally developed by Ida P. Rolf, Ph.D., Rolfing® is the process of deep release of long-held strain patterns within the connective tissues of the body. The basic therapeutic premise underlying the rolfing® process is that when various parts of the body are brought back into natural alignment and balance then pain and dysfunction will be significantly reduced and even disappear entirely. Ida rolf earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Columbia university in 1916. During her scientific research, she made a fundamental discovery about the body: that the human body is so plastic that its alignment can be brought back at any time. Rolfing® through intelligent pressure and manipulation techniques helps facilitate the body to reorganise and right itself.
The role Fascia plays in the body
Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, organs, and nerves. This connective tissue is continuous throughout the body from toe to head and gives the body its shape. Just as fascia can aid balanced posture and movement patterns it can also compensate by supporting incorrect patterns of movement and posture. This creates shortening and tightening of the fascia often resulting in chronic pain and discomfort. Recent findings are showing overwhelming evidence the fascial system plays a large role in chronic back and neck pain as well as headache pain ranging from low level to severe migraines.
How does rolfing® work?
Rolfing® treats underlying patterns of strain in the body. These underlying patterns are the root cause of many musculoskeletal issues. Rolfing® is beginning the process to bring space back to the whole structure releasing tension in all the different segments of the body creating freedom of movement and a feeling of ease throughout.
Rolfing® has a positive effect on the mind and emotions
Body and mind cannot be separate. Freer breathing and more openness of the rib cage implies more openness toward our environment and other people. Rolfing® tends to naturally take people away from the obsessive thought patterns of the mind and more into the body sensations which can have a positive effect on overall emotional wellbeing.
Article Written and submitted by Dean Raper
