Rolfing is a method of Body Work designed to re-establish alignment of the body and freedom of movement in the gravity field of the earth. This means improving posture and structure through relieving deep tensions and misalignment, which are often embedded within the connective tissue of the body.

Classical Rolfing consists of a series of 10 sessions, which each work with different areas and layers of the connective tissue or fascia of the body.

Through precise and subtle manual touch restrictions are removed, the relationship of individual segments to each other (e.g., head to neck, neck to trunk, etc.) is improved and fascial integrity is restored.

 

Rolfing is meant for anyone seeking to improve their posture, structure and freedom of movement. It is helpful for people who seek relief from chronic tensions and associated pain. Likewise, Rolfing can be of great help and support for people who are after more “embodiment”, feeling at home and at ease within themselves and their bodies.

Dancers, actors, singers and practitioners of yoga or martial arts has also reported benefits from the improved coordination skills and overall functioning of the body, bringing about more clarity and creativity, efficiency and ease or grace and beauty of movement.

Rolfing frequently affects changes not only in the body, but also in life generally. It can be a process of deep change emotionally, regarding one’s world view and life situtation.

There is no age limit to receiving Rolfing sessions. The very young and the elderly can both benefit from receiving the work. Although the 10-Series is not generally given before age 16-18, depending on individual development and needs. For younger children the sessions are shorter and more catered to working with symptoms.

 

Usually sessions are given once a week, but having them every two weeks is also an option. As the series is a process and each session relates to and prepares for the next one, it is advisable not to have too big a gap between the sessions. Some people’s bodies may need more time to integrate the information and changes from a session, but the frequency of one session per week tends to work best for most people.

The first session is preceded by a 30 minute initial interview and detailed ‘body reading’, which takes place in standing and walking, and looks at the general structural and coordinative organization of the body. Apart from providing an overview of any medical and health issues which could be relevant for the work, this interview also gives an opportunity to ask any further questions you may have about Rolfing, and to discuss your needs, aims and expectations from the work.

The price per session is £90. Each session takes between 80-90 minutes.

Sessions must be cancelled 24 hours in advance, otherwise 50 percent of the fee is charged.

 

Dr. Ida P. Rolf (1896-1979), from New York, U.S.A., founded the work, originally called ‘Postural Release’, now known as ‘Structural Integration’ or simply ‘Rolfing’.

Dr. Rolf held a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and during her research at the Rockefeller Institute she discovered that fascia had plastic qualities, meaning that the chemical constitution/composition could be altered through a deep and precisely directed touch. She also had a vital interest in Osteopathy and Yoga.

Starting in the 1930s, Dr. Rolf developed ‘Rolfing’ over the period of forty years and refined it into a well- thought out and highly effective series of 10 basic sessions, also called the Recipe.

 

Each session of the ten has its own theme and body area that it works with. The sessions move from superficial layers to increasingly deep, respecting the body’s capacity and rhythm for release. This means not working over the pain threshhold. When working with areas of tension, the touch can sometimes feel intense, but in a relieving way, that ‘someone is finally getting to those places’ of holding.

Although each session has its own central themes and prepares the body for the following one, every session is also tailored to the individual needs and structure of each person. The focus of where to work, how long, in what way, etc., will shift accordingly.

 

Currently I am offering Rolfing sessions in three places around the Canterbury area: in Canterbury (Concord House), Wickhambreaux and near Wingham.

Please get in touch to find out more…