Rolfing is a somatic therapy bodywork that encourages clients to adopt an entirely new attitude and point of view based on holistic changes in their bodies.
As a thought leader in somatic therapy, Rolfing can guide others to discover a way of personal well-being connected with how to move with ease. Somatic exercises encourage clients to adopt an entirely new attitude and point of view based on holistic changes in their bodies.
Somatic Bodywork
Somatics is an umbrella term for therapies that center on the mind-body connection. The term “somatic” means “relating to the body.” In somatic therapy, the body is the foundational point for healing. A Rolfer works somatically to allow you to let go of pent-up trauma that has become “trapped” in your body.
Rolf Movement Integration
Rolfing Movement® Integration is a somatic companion to Structural Integration. While Rolfing Structural Integration does the work of releasing stored tension and trauma in the body, contributing to an easing of emotional stress and anxiety, Rolfing Movement Integration supports emotional well-being by fostering a sense of ease and confidence in movement.
Learn more about how somatics works as part of the Rolfing tradition.
Stress, Anxiety and PTSD
Somatic therapists use mind-body techniques to release the pent-up tension that’s weighing on your emotional and physical well-being. These techniques could involve breathing exercises, meditation, dance, and other forms of body movement.
Practitioners of somatic bodywork believe that a person’s negative emotions — such as those experienced during a traumatic event — can stay locked inside the body. If not released in a timely manner, these negative emotions can turn into physical problems, such as neck or back pain. Chronic pain is very common among people who’ve been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Spiritual Journey
Rolfing SI could also be helpful for more than just the physical, including those who find that their physical limitations prevent them from attaining a higher level of spiritual or emotional well-being. Frequently, many on this path assume that the body is something to be transcended rather than something to be honored and loved. For these individuals, Rolfing SI can serve as an educational resource that allows them a more intimate and comfortable relationship with their physical body, which in turn, allows a greater ability to experience heightened awareness.
Interestingly enough, as the body transforms physically, it often transforms on other planes as well, so that, while Rolfing SI's primary focus is the connective tissue system, it frequently has an even more dramatic effect in seemingly unrelated areas such as the cognitive, emotional or spiritual. Exactly how this happens is still a matter of much debate and speculation. However, the results of the work were of much greater importance than the how or why for Dr. Rolf.
Important Contraindication: It's important to approach any alternative therapy carefully. It is recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare professional about pursuing it, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.