Gentleness

The body does not take kindly to force and, yet, the body will respond to proposals that suggest a better more balanced way of functioning, if proposed with intelligence.  And Rolfing is an intelligent approach and an approach that understands sound structural functioning.

Rolfing is a technique which addresses the structure of the body by lengthening and balancing soft tissue structures.  Fascia is the tough membrane that will lengthen when caring pressure is applied.  From a Rolfing perspective it is this structure that carries a primary responsibility to the shape and alignment of our bodies.  Fascia has been an overlooked element by many bodywork modalities and is the hallmark of Rolfing.

Fear of pain is probably the primary reason people shy away from the Rolfing* process.   It is possible, however, to achieve structural/postural and functional improvement, that allows the body to remain at ease, while experiencing the manual work of Rolfing.   Keeping the body in a state of ease while receiving the work helps accomplish the greater goal of Rolfing which is living more easily within the omnipresent force of gravity.  The body contends unconsciously and continually to the gravitational force, sometimes effectively, sometimes not.

The key to nonforceful work is to stay in the zone where the fight or flight aspect of the nervous system is not activated during the Rolfing process itself.  That is the client's internal guidance system that let's the Rolfer gauge the parameter where the input of the process is being effectively utilized.

The sympathetic response is the aspect of the nervous system that becomes tense and feels the need to run from a Rolfer's unappreciated touch.  The activation of the sympathetic nervous system, is counter productive to the greater goal of ease and therefore I look to encourage an awake, yet, alert state of bodily sensing for the client during the manual process.  This is the state that allows gentle, yet, effective interventions to take place.

It is the open informing by the Rolfing client of what they are experiencing during the process that determines much of the success of the process.  I cannot emphasize enough that a good working relationship between Rolfer and client is what makes the difference in outcome and experience more than any outward factor.  Rolfing is a personal and relational process, so, selecting a Rolfer should be done with care.

Generally speaking, people seek Rolfing for relief from the discomfort accumulated from chronic often unconscious bodily adapting to either previous injury or inefficient habitual muscular patterns.

A thorough balancing of the body involves a ten session series.  However, and generally speaking, one session will let a client know if it's beneficial and worth committing further to.


My Background
I have been a Rolfer since 1977 and was privileged to receive the theoretical and observing part of my training from Ida Rolf, PhD.  herself.

Contact Information
To receive the most prompt response to your questions or additional information please contact me at:
(913) 789-7941

*Rolfing is a service mark of the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration of Boulder, CO.
website:  www.rolf.org