therapyspotlight
Rolfing Digs Deep to Restore Balance
An Alternative Healing Method for the Body by Lee Walker
A
lthough less well-known than massage, Rolfing’s ability to re- store lasting balance in the body bases its rising popularity among those in search of relief from imbalances re- sulting from physical injury, illness and the inescapable pull of gravity. Unlike massage, Rolfing’s hands-on approach wholly focuses on the body’s fascia— better known as the protective layer of muscle and various connective tissues. It is fascia that surrounds our mus- cles, bones and organs, which shapes muscles and gives structure to the body. Rolfing’s job is to structurally change the body by shortening or lengthening fascia. It does this through a series of 10 one-hour weekly sessions performed by a certified Rolfer or Rolfing practitioner. A Rolfer’s education and certifi-
cation may come from one of several schools. However, the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration and the Guild for Structural Integration are the most well- known, having been around for several decades. Both are headquartered in
Boulder, Colorado, where teaching fa- cilities have been greatly influenced by the work of Dr. Ida P. Rolf [1896-1979], founder of this “holistic system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education that organizes the whole body in gravity.” Rolfing’s progressive series of ses-
sions is what sets it apart from other healing modalities. Each session builds upon the last and balances the body in segments. Sessions one through three begin with a focus on the upper body and diaphragm, move on to the foot and lower leg and then to the lateral sides. During sessions four through six, the Rolfing practitioner works on the inside of the leg, focuses on the stomach and the relationship between the muscles, rectus abdominis and psoas, and then moves on to the back of the body, head and neck, followed by the upper and lower areas of the pelvic girdle. The final session covers the whole body. Vertical alignment is generally
achieved by balancing the body from
front-to-back, side-to-side, top-to-bot- tom and inside-out. While most clients receive once-a-week sessions for 10 consecutive weeks, some prefer fewer sessions, as well as a little more time for personal integration and adaptation of the results of this therapy. The results of structural integration last. Upon the release and lengthening of affected fascia, the body is freed to return to its structurally optimal position and consequently requires less energy to move about. Good posture thus be- comes effortless, breathing is easier and the body can once again enjoy greater flexibility, improved coordination, increased breathing capacity and more energy. Additional work might only be required in the event of a subsequent accident, lengthy illness or heightened emotional stress.
Resources:
Laura Barnes, certified advanced Rolfer, 2335 Tamiami T.r N., Ste. 206, Naples; 239-825-8555. See ad, page 68.
Rolfing Naples, George Beahan, Certi- fied Advanced Rolfer; 239-919-4413.
RolfingNaples.com. See ad, page 68.
Rolfed In Paradise, Inc., Cindi Curci- Lee, RN, Advanced Certified Rolfer, 8660 College Pkwy, Ste 230, Ft. Myers; 239-777-4070. See ad, page 68.
Stuart Wright, Certified Advanced Rolfer; 239-272-6443. See ad, page 68.
46 Collier/Lee Counties
swfl.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com
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