Learn about the natural health benefits of Rolfing Structural Integration & find
an Rolfing Structural Integration practitioner/clinic in Auckland, Hamilton, Bay of Plenty, Wellington,
Christchurch, Dunedin to assist you further within New Zealand.
ROLFING STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION FACTFILE
Fact: Evolved out of a number of other therapies such as osteopathy and yoga
Founded: By Dr Ida P. Rolf
(US) in 1930s
Therapy: Bodywork
WHAT EXACTLY IS ROLFING?
Structural Integration is a form of soft tissue physical therapy and movement education that release patterns of stress and tension that inhibit the body from moving freely. The human body has to deal with gravity, people realize this force exists but most believe that they are immune to it. Gravity's constant effect on the human body is to make it dense, fibrous and tough, leaving it in a state of imbalance. As we grow older, we often shrink in height, slowly lose flexibility and range of motion. Our bones stay the same length and our muscles still function but the fascia (connective tissue) shrinks and this is what prevents our body functioning at its best. Structural Integration is the perfect tool to reverse this process to allow you to feel younger and more flexible as life goes on.
IS ROLFING THE RIGHT THERAPY FOR YOU?
People seek Structural integration as a way to ease pain and chronic stress and improve performance in their professional and daily activities. For athletes, movement and flexibility are critical to optimum training. Athletes, musicians, performers, children, and people from all walks of life will benefit from Structural Integration. It is perfect for anyone wishing to improve the way in which his or her body functions and feels.
Benefits reported by Structural Integration clients include:
• Improved posture and greater range of motion and flexibility.
• Freedom from sciatica, chronic back and neck pain.
• Decreased tension and stress and relief from repetitive strain injuries.
• Improved balance, coordination and athletic performance
• Increased energy and sense of well-being.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ROLFING SESSIONS
Each session starts and ends with viewing of the person’s structure. Most clients go through the session in their underwear, (boxers, sports bra, shorts etc). It is better for the practitioner if the back area is free of restrictive clothing. Once you are on the table you can request a sheet to cover yourself if you need it.
Each session starts out with an evaluation to determine where the fascia (connective tissue) is immobile and stiff. These areas are strategically released to create a more upright, efficient, posture by re-sculpting the fascia into a better working order.
Unless the tension and strain in the soft tissue (fascia, muscles, tendons and ligaments) is addressed, the bones will continue to be pulled out of structural alignment.
Most people who seek Structural Integration come once a week and find this time frame convenient. Others find that they respond to the work better if they have a space of two weeks between the sessions to give their body time to settle into the new posture and alignment.
CAN CHILDREN RECEIVE ROLFING?
Correcting structural patterns in children can serve as a preventive measure for potential problematic patterns in the young. Children watch and learn how we carry ourselves and they will naturally mimic their parent's language, movement and other modes of expression. Childhood patterns such as scoliosis, pigeon toes, knock-knees, rounded legs, poor posture, and general growing pains can be reversed.
Working with children is gentle and rarely requires the same amount of time that adults bodies need.
FINDING A SUITABLE ROLFING PRACTITIONER
It is wise to carry out some research and select a practitioner who is either a member of, or accredited by, an association or professional body such as the NZ Charter of Health Practitioners. Rolfing practitioners are obligated to a code of ethics and procedure that determines the therapy is carried out in a suitable and safe environment. These regulations also guarantee a specialist who has undergone certifiable training and receives professional upskilling.
The Wellness Directory provides a ready-made referral list of certified practitioners within your region. We fully encourage you to do some independent research by checking out individual credentials, i.e. experience, training, qualifications, relevant client feedback and so forth.
*Extracted from http://www.structural-integration.net
© The Wellness Directory Ltd
