Rolfing® Roots and Today’s Practice

Dr. Ida Rolf, the Rolf Institute, and current Structural Integration bodywork.

How did it begin? 

The story of Rolfing® Structural Integration begins with its brilliant founder, Dr. Ida P. Rolf. She was truly a woman ahead of her time, born in the Bronx in NYC and demonstrating an early aptitude for science. After graduating with honors in chemistry from Barnard College in 1916, she went on to work at the prestigious Rockefeller Institute. During this time, she also earned her PhD in biological chemistry from Columbia University. In 1921 that was not usual for a young woman, and it was not the last milestone in Dr. Rolf’s impressive career. 

Ida Pauline Rolf's intellectual curiosity had always been boundless. Already a doctor of biochemistry, she spent the mid- 1920s traveling and studying much more, for example biology at the Pasteur Institute in Paris and, fascinatingly, physics in Zurich, where she even took classes from Erwin Schrödinger. It was also during this period that she explored homeopathy and Ayurveda, eventually focusing on movement therapies and hands-on manipulations. 

Influence of Osteopathy

Early in her life, Dr. Rolf experienced firsthand the benefits of bodywork when an osteopath treated her after a severe injury in Colorado. This early exposure, combined with her deep understanding of science, laid the groundwork for her unique approach.

Yoga and Rolfing

A pivotal moment in her development came through her long involvement with yoga practices under Pierre Bernard in Nyack, New York. This experience, as she put it, "freed her from the bondage of accepted ideas at the time" and allowed her to consider a more holistic view of the body, distinct from the purely scientific perspective that was becoming mainstream in medicine.

First “Rolfing” client – tremendous success

The first person she describes working with in a way that would become structural integration was a woman named Ethel, a piano teacher who had lost the use of one arm. After just four sessions, Ethel's arm worked well enough for her to teach piano again. Dr. Rolf's approach, even then, was about "moving the soft tissue toward the place where it really belongs."

Ida Rolf at Esalen

Her work truly gained momentum after an introduction to Fritz Perls, the founder of Gestalt therapy, at Esalen Institute in 1964. Perls was suffering from debilitating angina, and after receiving sessions from Dr. Rolf, he experienced significant relief. His enthusiastic endorsement at Esalen was a major springboard for her work, leading to its wider recognition.

Officially, it’s called “Rolfing Structural Integration” 

By the 1960s, what started as "postural release" and then "postural dynamics" officially became known as Structural Integration. Dr. Rolf developed the Ten-Session Series, a systematic approach to organizing the human structure for greater range and ease of motion, deeply rooted in the idea of verticality and the body's relationship with the Earth's energetic field. Her book, “Rolfing: The Integration of Human Structures”, finally came out in 1977, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Rosemary Feitis and the detailed illustrations of John Lodge.

Rolfing Today: Bridging the Gap with Science

While Dr. Rolf had an intuitive genius for understanding the body's organization in gravity, the scientific community of her time didn't fully grasp why her work had such profound and transformative effects. Today, however, we have a much deeper understanding, thanks to incredible revelations from both neuroscience and fascia science.

New Neuropathways and Cortical Mapping

We now know that Rolfing Structural Integration isn't just about "fixing" things; it's about facilitating new neural pathways for better organization in gravity. Pain relief isn't solely achieved by freeing structures and tissues from their neighbors, but also by utilizing a wide spectrum of touch skills to help the client develop more detailed neurological mapping through increased proprioception.

San Diego Rolfing – Advanced Practitioners hold our tradition, their mentees continue the work with new understanding

This means that as young Rolfers in San Diego, we are equipped with not only the foundational principles and hands-on skills passed down from Dr. Rolf but also a contemporary scientific framework that helps us explain and refine our practice. We understand the intricate connection between the fascial system, the nervous system, and how our touch can empower clients to embody greater awareness, freedom, and ease in their bodies.

It's an exciting time to be a Rolfer! We stand on the shoulders of a pioneer, continually integrating her wisdom with the cutting-edge understanding of the human body. Let's keep learning, growing, and bringing this incredible work to the vibrant community of San Diego!

The Ten Session Series offers a framework to understand and address the fascial network's complexities. It includes three phases: three sleeve sessions, four core sessions, and three integration sessions, each aimed at improving breathing and structural alignment. This journey involves assessing your body to identify restrictions and understand your physical experiences, fostering awareness of joint discomfort and limitations. Engaging in this series promotes improved body awareness and overall well-being, guiding you toward physical harmony and functionality.

Sleeve Sessions (First-Third).

1. Improve Breathing (Ribcage, Upper Thigh, Spine, Hamstrings, optional arms)

   I will concentrate on your breathing. Certain areas on your body can tighten, limiting your ability to breathe and move. I will monitor your breathing and notice the differences between your shoulders, hips, and thighs. If necessary, I can offer up to two breathing sessions before we proceed to the next treatment session.

2. Support For Calves, Ankles, and Feet (All Arches)

   I will focus on your shins and feet. This session will help you feel more grounded for better support. I'll improve the function of your toes, ankles, and the area below your kneecap to make walking easier.

3. Open The Sides Of The Body From Head To Ankles.

   I will work on both sides of your body to create more space from front to back and help align your structure from your head to your heels, following the natural pull of gravity.

Core Sessions (Fourth-Seventh)

1. Link Lower Body To Core (Feet, Ankles, Shins, Calves, and Thighs)

   We have finished the sleeve sessions, and I will now start Core Session four. This session will focus on the inner lower body, from the feet to the inner thighs and hips. We will work on lifting the legs to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, reduce leg strain, support the organs, and engage the deep muscles in the pelvic area.

2. Link Upper Body To Core (Stomach)

   Session five builds on the lift from session four and focuses on the front of the spine. A key muscle is the psoas, a deep hip flexor that connects the leg to the lower back. I will address this area and check for tightness in your abdomen, chest, and front neck to stretch the entire front of your body, from superficial to deep.

3. Open The Back (Upper And Lower Back)

   Session six targets the deep muscles linking the calves to the back. I will work on the back from the lower to the upper spine, enabling your legs, pelvis, and spine to move independently.

4. Orient The Head On The Spine (Upper Back, Neck and Head)

   Session seven focuses on the head, neck, and face. I will work on your cervical spine and head to improve relaxation and ease tension.

Integration Sessions (Eighth-Tenth)

1. Body Connection: Lower and Upper Parts

   After finishing the core sessions, the integration sessions will focus on the middle layer of fascia. You will need to participate more by actively moving your joints or being mindful of your breathing. Before each session, I will identify whether you need to work on the upper or lower body based on my assessment of any restrictions to help improve your movement and comfort.

2. Continuation of Integration from Session Eight

   Session nine focuses on integrating the work done in session eight. If session eight targets the body above the pelvis, session nine will focus on the area below the pelvis. Alternatively, session eight can also address areas below the pelvis, setting up session nine for work above that region.

3. Whole-Body Integration

   This is the final session of the Rolfing Ten Series. In this session, I will use gentle techniques to address restrictions that affect healthy movement in your joints.