Rolfing
Rolfing Structural Integration is a form of bodywork that reorganises the soft connective tissues, called fascia, which permeates the entire body, encasing and interpenetrating muscles, internal organs, nerves and bones. Fascia can thicken in response to injury, physical and emotional trauma or poor postural habits, “setting” the body in a pattern of uneconomical movement and habitual imbalance. Rolfing works on this web-like structure to free restricted fascia and thus restore previously impaired muscle function, whilst improving posture, realignment and rebalance of the whole body.
Mr Alan Richardson
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Fortunately, fascia is susceptible to change and reorganisation, as it consists of collagen fibres which have the ability to change consistency from a solid “gel” state to a liquid “sol” state under the influence of heat, pressure or friction. These techniques are applied by the Rolfing Ten Series approach, which aims to remove obstructions in the fascia, enabling energy and movement to flow more freely.
The Rolfing Ten Series consists of ten one-hour sessions. Each Rolfing session builds upon the results of the previous one so that the results are cumulative. The first seven sessions remove strain from specific areas such as the knees, lower back, shoulders, neck and arms. The remaining sessions organize and align the body as a whole, resulting in better balance, freedom of movement and a higher energy level.
The Nervous System also plays an important part in the alignment improvements of Rolfing. As we move through life we develop sensory engrams; these are set movement patterns that use preferred “grooves” of neuromuscular connections. Initially we choose our movement patterns; however, as they become familiar they fall outside the zone of consciousness and we move with comparatively little awareness.
The Rolfing Ten Series moves sequentially through each area of the body, providing a “window of awareness” that enables the nervous system to reassess movement patterns and feel and choose alternative and more efficient ways of moving. This new-found economy of movement frees up a significant amount of energy previously held in overworked muscles The various parts of the human body relate synergistically to each other.
Rolfing systematically treats the body from the feet to the head, thus increasing the chance of long term change. By releasing particular body segments from habitual patterns of tension, the body finds a new level of ease, integration and economical function.
The Rolfer co-operates with the client and works with rhythms of respiration and other body responses to explore ways to use this new-found freedom.