What is Rolfing Massage?
Rolfing Massage: Rolfing is the product of the work of Ida P. Rolf (1896-1979). The technique is officially the Rolfing Method of Structural Integration. It believes the body becomes worn down and shifts within the myofascial system (connective tissue). Using elbows, fingers and knuckles, a practitioner helps to align the misaligned body tissue and joints. This is accomplished after 10 sessions. Once considered a painful experience, the methods have shifted and become gentler in their approach.
Rolfing Massage: Ida Rolf practiced at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California before establishing both her method and her school- the Rolf Institute. Esalen Massage, like Rolfing, is based on Swedish Massage. Its techniques are similar. Esalen Massage Therapy features the long strokes of Swedish Massage combining them with rocking movements and deep tissue massage. Esalne does so in what they refer to as a caring or nurturing environment. The environmental factor owes much to the sensory awareness approach of Charlotte Selver. Nevertheless, the focus is on physical wellness.
Rolfing Massage: Rolfing is also related to Myofascial Release Massage Therapy. The Myofascial Release approach owes much to the work of John Barnes, a physical therapist. The focus here, like in Rolfing, is on the fascia. The fascia are the connective tissue found everywhere around the muscles and joints, surrounding the organs and bones. In order to release tension and restore balance to the physical body, the practitioner massages the affected areas. Fingers, palms, forearms and elbows are brought into play. The therapist uses long, gliding and smooth strokes to stretch and mobilize the fascia. Like Rolfing, Myofascial Release Massage Therapy may be incorporated into other types of Massage Therapy.
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