Rolfing is an original and scientifically validated system of hands on manipulation for body restructuring and movement education.  It releases the body’s segments – legs, torso, arms etc. – from life-long patterns of tension and bracing and permits gravity to re-align them.  By doing so, it balances the body.

Of all the forces affecting the human body, gravity is among the most powerful.  Body misalignment in gravity results in chronic strain, lowered vitality and impaired biological and psychological functioning.

Because the body is better-balanced after Rolfing, it expends less of its vital energies against gravity.  This biological energy-efficiency is often experienced as a higher level of alertness and vitality.  Movement becomes easier and overall personal functioning tends to improve.

People of all ages come to Rolfing for help with neck pain, back problems, impaired mobility and other difficulties which originate with internal strains.  Others seek to improve athletic performance, and to enhance personal growth toward a fuller realization of their potential.

Rolfing results in a feeling of fitness, wholeness and a greater sense of awareness.  People who have been Rolfed stand and move with more surety and grace than before.

How Does Rolfing Align The Body?

To align the body segments, Rolfing systematically organizes the body’s soft connective tissue network.  This connective tissue network, known as the myofascial system, is “the organ of structure” in the body.  It supports the skeleton and soft tissues, positions the bones, determines the direction of muscle pulls and of movement, and gives the body its shape.

The human body holds itself erect with pairs of muscle groups functioning within a network of fascial sheaths.  These pairs normally function in an antagonist relationship with one another.  When one of the pair contracts the other must lengthen to maintain proper balance.  If that relationship is impaired through injury or chronic tension in one of the groups, the fascia conforms to the shortening and the rest of the body must compensate to maintain balance.

The job of Rolfing is to free the shortened fascia, allow the muscles to return to a balanced relationship and the body to release the compensations.  When the myofascial system is organized, gravity causes it to uplift and align the body’s segments.

Are There Psychological Results From Rolfing?

While Rolfing is primarily concerned with structural changes, any change in the physical body affects the whole person.   A human being is comprised of many aspects – attitudes, emotions, behavior and structure.  Each is related to all the others.

Rolfing clients often report positive changes in their outlook on life and in their ability to handle emotional changes.

How Does Rolfing Feel?

Sensations in the area being worked on may range from pleasurable warmth to momentary discomfort.  At times there may be little sensation at all.  How you will feel during Rolfing depends on several factors such as injuries to the area or tension caused by chronic stress.

After Rolfing, people report feeling lighter and better-balanced.  Movement fells easier, as if the joints have been lubricated.  Feelings of well-being reflect the body’s higher energy level.

Chronic discomforts often disappear immediately or soon after the series is completed.

 Does Rolfing Last?

Yes.  Photographs show that the changes of the basic Rolfing series are still present many years after the series is completed.

On the other hand, as bodies change, and people sometimes have injuries, accidents and stressful times, additional work may be useful.

Benefits of Rolfing

*Improves posture

*Reduces chronic stress

*More efficient use of muscles

*Ease of movement

*Increase in neurological functioning

*Emotional well-being

Who was Ida Rolf?

Ida Rolf, a native New Yorker, was one of the first women to graduate with a PhD in bio-chemistry from Barnard College in 1916.  She developed her work over 60 years ago, which was first called Structural Integration.  The genius of the work rests on Dr. Rolf’s insight that the body is more at ease and functions most effectively when its structure is balanced in gravity.  She observed over time, the field of gravity actually accentuates the body’s imbalances and diminishes its flexibility.  Based on these core observations, she developed her original method of hands-on manipulation – which later became known as Rolfing – to reduce gravity’s adverse effects on the body.  Essentially, the Rolfing process enables the body to regain the natural integrity of its form, thus enhancing postural efficiency and your freedom of movement. 

NY Times Rolfing article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/07/fashion/07rolfing.html?_r=1

 

Benefits of Rolfing

• Improves posture
• Reduces chronic stress
• More efficient use of muscles
• Ease of movement
• Increase in neurological functioning
• Emotional well-being 

Office Hours, Locations, Contact & Cost

Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm (Tuesday untill 7:30 pm)

Upper West Side, Manhattan 10023

For appointments call:  212-362-8939 or 646-905-6873

Call for a FREE phone consultation

$200 per session (lasting 75-90 minutes)

Office Hours, Locations, Contact & Cost