aging, self-help
What is Rolfing?
Friday Apr 10, 2009 Filed in:
Rolfing
Rolfing is a hands-on manipulation of
connective tissue such as tendons, ligaments and fascia. The main
goal is to establish order and alignment so that the body can
naturally find ease and support in gravity as opposed to fighting
it.
In particular, Rolfing frees restrictions that form as we age and compensate for the injuries that might have happened long ago but didn't quite resolve. These restrictions are often adhesions or fibrous scar tissue that feels denser, less innervated and dehydrated. They prevent full range of motion and thus spreading the adaptation pattern to other parts of the body.
Some Rolfers and Structural Integrators including me, believe that aging is basically dehydration of tissue. It means that fluids cannot get to the particular tissue. One of the causes is often chronic tightness of the area that restricts the blood and lymph flow that is so important in bringing the nutrients and flushing out the toxins. Over the decades of such restrictions, muscles, connective tissue, nerves and organs function sub-optimally. Tissue is no longer elastic and flexible. We become rigid, often both physically as well as psychologically.
As one of my instructors at the Rolf Institute said, the body IS movement. That is what we do every second of our lives; be it playing tennis or just breathing while we sleep. There are many ways to encourage the body moving. I personally find several things helpful:
1. Body awareness
2. Walking
3. Getting rolfed
4. Rolling on a ball and working "the kinks" out myself
5. Hot tubbing
6. Continuum movement
7. Gyrokinesis
All of them help me connect with my body in a deeper way. When I am connected with my body, I am able to recognize when a part of me isn't "happy." It becomes intuitive to adjust and adapt myself to the circumstances. I align my body with my life. Life truly becomes effortless and joyful.
In particular, Rolfing frees restrictions that form as we age and compensate for the injuries that might have happened long ago but didn't quite resolve. These restrictions are often adhesions or fibrous scar tissue that feels denser, less innervated and dehydrated. They prevent full range of motion and thus spreading the adaptation pattern to other parts of the body.
Some Rolfers and Structural Integrators including me, believe that aging is basically dehydration of tissue. It means that fluids cannot get to the particular tissue. One of the causes is often chronic tightness of the area that restricts the blood and lymph flow that is so important in bringing the nutrients and flushing out the toxins. Over the decades of such restrictions, muscles, connective tissue, nerves and organs function sub-optimally. Tissue is no longer elastic and flexible. We become rigid, often both physically as well as psychologically.
As one of my instructors at the Rolf Institute said, the body IS movement. That is what we do every second of our lives; be it playing tennis or just breathing while we sleep. There are many ways to encourage the body moving. I personally find several things helpful:
1. Body awareness
2. Walking
3. Getting rolfed
4. Rolling on a ball and working "the kinks" out myself
5. Hot tubbing
6. Continuum movement
7. Gyrokinesis
All of them help me connect with my body in a deeper way. When I am connected with my body, I am able to recognize when a part of me isn't "happy." It becomes intuitive to adjust and adapt myself to the circumstances. I align my body with my life. Life truly becomes effortless and joyful.