What Is Rolfing? An In Depth Explanation
So what is Rolfing? The practice has been around for nearly a century, but the most people doesn’t have a clear idea on what it is. Rolfing is about a clients relationship with their body, in relation to their environment. Most human beings are out of alignment, and of course, we function better when we are lined up with our gravitational field. Research has shown that there is a more powerful sense of self, and efficiency of movement and often the relief of stress that is caused by gravitational resisting movement patterns.
The body has a matrix of connective tissue called fascia that surrounds and supports every muscle, bone and organ in the body. Rolfing manipulates set holding patterns in the tissue and nervous system to release, realign, and balance the whole body Thus resolving discomfort and reducing compensating movement.
Fascia is the white body stocking that envelops every part of the body giving you shape under your skin. The problem begins when injury or out-of-balance movement is adopted by the body manifesting as inhibition, pain and dysfunction. The body will actually change shape to reflect how it is being used, thus structure and function are two sides of the same coin.
It cannot accurately be described as massage therapy. It is a process of re-education in which a Rolfer seeks to help a client discover the most efficient way of using the body. The proper nutrition, exercise, and bodywork are extremely important to the process.
