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Rolfing Massage

Originally, Rolfing massage technique was considered painful by some people. However, this massage discipline has continued to evolve into a much gentler method.

Rolfing massage was developed in the 1950s by Dr. Ida Pauline Rolf. She believed that tight or bound up connective tissues, called fascia, restricts muscles from functioning independently. Rolfing massage seeks to separate the connective tissues by hand to allow effective movement.

Rolfing massage technique requires the massage therapist to have a good knowledge of human anatomy, as well as extensive hands on training. Otherwise, the recipient of this kind of massage could be injured. Some of the benefits of Rolfing massage include straighter and taller posture, and greater bodily symmetry.

Dr. Rolf teaches a Basic Series, comprised of ten sessions, meant to unlock tense fascia throughout the body. Generally, this starts with the muscles relating to breathing. After these sessions, clients may also choose to undergo a “tune up series” of sessions, to keep their fascia loose, and an Advanced Series, containing five sessions. A settling period is recommended in between these series of sessions.

Rolfing massage is also believed to bring the body into balance with gravitational forces. Massage therapists who practice Rolfing massage techniques strive to align not only the spine, as with chiropractic medicine, but also the head, limbs, and all parts of the body. Rolfing massage advocates say that being properly aligned with gravity helps to enhance one's personal energy field, contributing to overall well being and positive emotions. Critics of Rolfing massage technique point out that in clinical studies, the results of Rolfing are all ones which could easily be produced by placebo.

Rolfing massage is taught by the Rolf Institute, in Boulder, Colorado. It is also taught by individual instructors as part of massage therapy programs. The Rolf Institute teaches one intensive six week course for people interested in learning the basics of Rolfing massage, and a number of intensive courses of various duration for advanced Rolfing massage students. Tuition for the Rolf Institute's basic Rolfing Certification Program, which takes between one and a half to two years for completion, is between $14,000 and $17,000. The courses taught by other schools and teachers will vary in cost and duration, depending on location and program.

Index of Massage Techniques

Swedish Massage - Deep Tissue Massage - Chair Massage - Ayurveda Massage - Hot Stone Massage - Craniosacral Therapy - Reflexology - Shiatsu - Sports Massage - Thai Massage - Rolfing Massage - Lomilomi Restorative Massage - Reiki Massage - Myofascial Release

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