When the body gets working appropriately,
the force of gravity can flow through.
Then, spontaneously, the body heals itself."
~ Ida P. Rolf
Developed by Ida P. Rolf over the course decades, spanning from 1920 when she received her doctorate in biochemistry until her death in 1979, Rolfing was born out of her curiosity and unique understanding of the body. Dr. Rolf studied many modalities including homeopathy, osteopathy, yoga, and modern science. Her studies and experience led her to discover that when the bones and joints of the body are balanced, humans function better overall. She developed Rolfing as a method to help the body to organize and heal. By applying pressure directly to the fascial system and engaging in skillful movements, she found that connective tissues are able to shift and release so that optimal balance and function can be achieved. Dr. Rolf saw the body as a Whole connected system with potential for balance and harmony, not merely a series of dissparate parts.
Rolfing is unique in that it does not treat symptoms. Rather it seeks to address the root cause of pain and discomfort by addressing misalignments in posture, gait and repetitive patterns of movement. Using hands-on pressure, gentle holds, and small guided movements, Rolfers help the body to reorganize it's fascial system, resulting in more balance and ease throughout. The fascia wraps around and through every muscle, bone, tendon, ligament, and organ in the body. As the body wide fascial system releases and reorganizes through skilled touch and movement, the system is guided toward balance, more effortless alignment, and eaiser state of being.
"It is currently believed that the slow, deep strokes of Rolfing SI stimulate intra-fascial mechanoreceptors (sensory neurons of the muscle nerve), which in turn trigger the nervous system to reduce the tension of the related muscles and fascia.
Put another way, Rolfing SI allows the brain and nervous system to “re-boot” areas of the body that are receiving too much electrical stimulation (chronically tight or sore muscles). Once a healthy level of muscle contraction is established, the person’s entire structure is free to express a pain-free form." (Courtesy of The Rolf Institute)