Rolfing or Structural integration is a technique for improving the posture. The word “posture” may cause us to remember an unpleasant time when a parent scolded us to stop slouching. In an attempt to improve the appearance of our posture, we might tense our muscles and assume our version of the “stomach in, chest out, head up” stance of
the military.

In the view of Structural Integration, ideal posture is not based on one or another’s opinion of beauty or grace, but can be judged according to the design principles inherent in the body. Looking at
the body as a machine - a series of levers, pulleys and support beams - ideal posture is that position in which the body can support itself with the least amount of stress and from which it can move with the greatest efficiency.

In considering the body’s structure, certain principles of ideal posture become obvious. We are erect beings, so the more nearly the major segments - feet, legs, pelvis, thorax, etc. - are stacked and balanced atop each other the less effort it would take to stand up. We are bilaterally symmetrical, so the more nearly our two sides mirror each other, the more coordination we have in movement and support. And, finally, if the major hinges of the body - ankles, knees, hips, etc. - are horizontal, so that in flexion and extension they move straight forward and back, then our energy in movement is focused and efficient.

You might wonder,” If our bodies have this wonderful design, why is it that we see so many knock-kneed, bow-legged, sway-backed, slouching postures out there in the real world?”

he answer is that there are habitual movements that we practice or hat are forced upon us that have no relationship to this design ideal nherent in the body. In our lives there are situations and mperatives that override the gravitational imperative (i.e. the ody’s balance). In the short term, doing something other than simply standing up straight and relaxed sometimes seems like the best idea.

The most obvious of these is injury. The blows and falls in the normal course of growing up create distortions, both in the effect of the impact, then in the way we move to avoid the pain of the injury,
and the weakness that is the result of the injury.

Secondly, what we do for a living, what we do for fun, all such things put us in positions that are far from structurally ideal. Often we continue these positions when we are fatigued or tense. Add to this the injuries and illnesses that occur in adult life and the gradual erosion caused by the years of struggle with the downward pull of gravity. Our bodies bear the history of our traumas.

Thirdly, the character we become has a profound effect on our posture. Culturally and individually, we all have people we admire and emulate. Growing up we had heroes we pretended to be in our play, family members and friends we looked up to. In our culture there are catchwords and slogans, such as “make my day”, “hasta la vista, baby” or “Wassup!!” Each of these are accompanied with a swagger or stance or movement that gives us a sense of identity and belonging. The
impressionist playing Elvis does so by putting on Elvis’ patterns of tension, his posture and his rhythms and movement patterns. The difference between the impressionist and Elvis is that the
impressionist can stop. Like Elvis, we have become trapped in our own character.

Finally, stress and emotions shape our bodies. In each culture, through family group and individual experiences, we learn that certain ranges of emotion are acceptable while others aren’t. We learn from our relationships what is dangerous or painful to express. We divine what others see as ugly or less than beautiful in our bodies, our characters and our emotions. To become what we hope is successful we modify our natural movements and behaviors and control our emotions.

All this comes together to shape our postures and movements. We don’t have bodies we are bodies.

Rolfing is undertaken in a series of ten sessions. Dr. Ida Rolf, the developer of Structural Integration, approached the alignment of the body by dividing it into seven key structural/functional elements (i.e. breath, arches, sacrum, etc.). The goal of each of the first seven sessions is to move one of these elements toward design position and function, using deep myofascial and neuromuscular techniques.

The goal of the last three sessions is to move these elements into relation, alignment and balance in the gravitational field. The result is a posture that aligned and balanced without effort or holding.

The effect is more profound than simply improved posture. Balance is balance. The ease, energy and freedom from conflict that is the result of this work reflect into the character and emotions as well.

In an interview, Dr. Rolf was asked, “Are you saying the body and mind are connected?”

She replied, “I never heard they were separated.”

Links:

http://www.rolf.org/

http://www.rolfguild.org/

http://www.theiasi.org/index.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structural_Integration

http://www.anatomytrains.com/

Don Curry is a Certified Advanced Rolfing with over 30 years of experience. He currently has a full practice in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Contact Don: (561) 827-5315