What is Rolfing™ Structural Integration?
What is the name about?
Rolfing Structural Integration is a hands-on therapy developed by Dr. Ida Rolf (1896 - 1971) and is taught through The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration (also known as RISI)
The METHOD
Rolfing practitioners systematically and methodically use their hands - fingers, knuckles, palm and even elbow to differentiate and manipulate soft connective tissues ie. muscles, tendons and ligaments to lengthen and reposition and restore the human body structure. The lengthening of fascia tissues give more space for the bones and joints to move into alignment, so there is a greater balance around the body’s center of gravity. This is achieved through a Basic 10 series recipe that is designed like a road map to navigate systematically throughout the body to resolve imbalances and misalignment. However, as every human structure is different and may present with different issues, the Rolfing practitioner may expand on the 10 session series to suit each individual needs as deemed necessary.
The HOW and WHY?
This connective tissue is also known as myofascia (myo = muscles and fascia = connective tissue) is a thin, elastic connective membrane that wraps around each muscle fibers. group of mucles, bones and even organs and nerves . It runs continuously throughout the body and weaving in and out of muscles, bones and organs supporting our shape and posture. Fascia can shortens, stick together or lose elasticity and flexibility and forming fibrous scar tissues due wrong habitual use, trauma such as accidents, injuries and surgeries, and even emotional influence, belief system or world view. This is due to its chemical component - collagen. By applying steady and continuous pressure onto fascia, it can transform collagen from a solidified (hardened) state to a more gelatinous fluidlike state, making it malleable, much like clay or plastic, therefore fascia can be manipulated.