WellSpring Practice Guides

Rolfing
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Rolfing is a series of deep massage treatments, which aim to re-establish the natural alignment and structural integration of the body. Dr Ida Rolf developed the system during the mid 20th century. Dr Rolf had a PhD in Biochemistry and Physiology from Columbia University; she subsequently worked at the Rockefeller Institute in Chemotherapy and Organic Chemistry. Her search for solutions to family health problems led her to study the effect of the body's structure on its functioning, hence Rolfing, or Structural Integration, was born. Dr Rolf believed that "an effective human being is a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts". Successful, meaningful integration depends on appropriate relationships in space among the components of the body. She believed that form and function are a unity - two sides of the same coin. In order to enhance function, appropriate form must exist or be created - a joyous radiance of health is attained only as the body conforms to its inherent pattern.

What to Expect
As with Hellerwork, the client will attend a number of sessions (10), with each session building on the work of the previous. The treatments are progressive with each one concentrating on a certain area of the body; the aim is to bring harmony and alignment to the body through the loosening and balancing of the connective tissues - both the surface and deeper levels. Once a course is completed, the client can return for occasional 'treatments' to keep the structure in line.