Often,
pain is what people associate with Rolfing. The truth is
that Rolfing can be painful if it isn't done correctly.
This is why: areas of intensity in the body are usually
associated with a history of trauma or overuse. So the intensity
level is already high—maybe noticeable and maybe not—and
very little pressure may seem like much more than it really
is.
Of prime importance to the client is that they are in charge.
They determine where their comfort level is while receiving
work. By working together, the client and practitioner both
benefit because they make changes in the body's structure
with less effort. As areas of intensity are opened, the
usual comment is that it is like an itch that has needed
to be scratched for a long time.
So, what causes the itch? The one thing that all bodies
have to deal with at all times is the effect of gravity.
When the body is in a balanced pattern with itself, gravity
is supporting it rather than tearing it down. The itch comes
from repetitive stress, physical and emotional trauma, poor
posture and just living life.
Where does the itch hang out? An enveloping swath of interconnected
material called the connective tissue is where. It responds
to the demands put upon it by thickening, twisting, shortening—in
short, becoming less fluid and responsive. These restrictions
are exacerbated as the body tries to balance itself in gravity.
A
person may feel them as a decrease in energy or in physical
ability, a loss of flexibility, chronic aches and pains,
inefficient and unflattering posture, or rigid and awkward
patterns of movement.
Rolfers are trained to recognize these, to formulate a strategy
and to initiate the release of the restrictions that are
impeding the client’s body from functioning at its highest
level. To balance, organize and realign the body, Rolfers
make use of the amazing plasticity and adaptability of the
connective tissue, also called the fascial system.
This fascial system encapsulates, envelopes, attaches, supports
and relates to all other body systems. From the smallest
cell to the largest organ, everything is wrapped in connective
tissue. The fascial system is a continuous web throughout
the body, providing a communication pathway. It responds
to all the demands of daily life. In a sense, restrictions
in our fascial system are a record of our life history.
To rejuvenate the fascial system, a Rolfer uses various
techniques. Along with a highly refined sense of touch,
a Rolfer uses tools such as movement reeducation and visceral,
cranial-sacral and joint mobilization. The result is that
a client can change inefficient movement patterns into healthier
ones.
Searching
for answers to a family member’s disability, Dr. Ida Rolf,
who was a biochemist and physiologist and the founder of
Rolfing, discovered the power of restoring the flexibility
of the fascial system. When the itch is really obvious and
the body demands restoration, the strains put on the fascial
system may show up physically as carpal tunnel, or neck,
back and joint pains. Since the fascial system connects
everything in the body, the strains can also show up physiologically.
Organs such as the lungs and liver become compromised creating
an inability to deal with the daily demands of regular metabolic
function.
As the connective tissue around each cell in the body thickens
and becomes less fluid and less responsive, nutrients and
waste products from the cell have a harder time passing
in and out of the cells. Nerve conduction and blood flow
may be compromised when the body is out of balance from
repetitive motion injuries, which can create coldness or
numbness in the hands or feet.
When alignment is restored, a sense of freedom and balance
appears in the soft tissue around the joints and bones.
The skeletal system can then move freely within the network
of fascial webbing. Movement can become coordinated and
more refined. The body feels lighter and has a greater range
of motion. Consequently, everyday life can seem easier to
handle.
With release of fascial restrictions, physiological function
improves as well. The organ systems are better able to handle
the demands of everyday metabolic processes and adapt to
the demands put on the body through physical activity. Often
thinking becomes clearer, energy levels increase, and an
overall sense of having a new body to live in arises.
People from all walks of life seek the benefits of Rolfing.
Some seek relief from repetitive motion stress such as carpal
tunnel syndrome, from injury or from a structural problem.
Some choose a series of Rolfing sessions spread over a period
of time to organize the entire body. For others, Rolfing
is an ongoing part of their lives to enhance their physical
activity or to ward off the stress of everyday life.
Whatever
a person chooses, all can benefit from the experience.
Bill Morrow
is a Certified Rolfer trained at the Rolf Institute®, Boulder,
CO. Advanced studies in movement education, visceral manipulation,
soft tissue and osseous techniques. Contact him at Carolina
Rolfing®Associates in Greensboro, NC. 336.856.2991; email:
Goobie1015@aol.com;
www.crolfing.com.
