Rolfing

The Rolf method

Developed by biochemist Dr. Ida Rolf in the 1950’s, the Rolf Method is based on the principle of holistic care: providing for your physical, mental, spiritual, and social needs. Dr. Ida Rolf believed that only through studying psychology, microbiology, physiology and anatomy could one understand what makes humans whole and what makes a body healthy or diseased.

The Ten series

The basic Ten Series is deeply connected to the biology of the human form in its entirety. Each session is an hour long and has a very specific theme and focus. Anatomical areas of the body that are dynamically effected by the theme are worked on. Once the Ten Series is complete every part and layer of the body has been worked on.

Session One: The theme for session one is breath. While the idea is simple the areas that are worked on are complex and dynamic. The focus is the upper torso, predominantly the shoulder-girdle. The chest and some thoracic spinal work is also done. During this session the the goal is ribcage expansion and finding freedom in the transverse abdominis and pelvis.

Session Two: The theme for session two is the feet. The focus is placed on the arches of the feet, and how the arches of the feet affect the movement of the ankle. The ankles relationship with the lower leg is assessed and if there are any impediments in movement of the fibula and the interosseous membrane of the shin then those areas are addressed.

Session Three: The theme for session three is the lateral line. The objective is to lessen the stress on the lateral faces of the legs so the sensitive medial line is under less tension for session four.

Session Four: The theme for session four is the medial line. This sesion covers a smaller volume of tissue but takes a longer time to cover as it generally tender and more sensitive to touch. This session is a game changer for many runners and athletes.

Session Five: The theme for session five is the psoas. The psoas is a deep core muscle and crosses over from the anatomical anterior to the posterior passing “through” the intestinal visceral body to the spine. The goal of this session is to relax.

Session Six: The theme for session is the posterior line.

Session Seven: The theme for session is cranial work. It includes the shoulders and neck as well as some internal mouth work at the TMJ.

Session Eight & Nine: The theme for session eight and nine are the upper body and the lower body.

Session Ten: The theme for session ten is closure. Session ten is a bit of a tune-up but more importantly it’s a celebration…..by this point we will have spent TEN sessions together doing very big and very intense work. Session Ten allows your body to fully integrate all the session that came before. For some clients they experience profound and immediate transformations and for others the changes follow more slowly coming in waves over time. 

individual sessions

Individual sessions are tailored to address specific issues that you may have. These sessions are rewarding and can be eye opening for clients new to Rolfing.