Rolfing
Rolfing
Rolfing, also known as Rolfing Structural Integration, is a form of alternative medicine originally developed by Ida Rolf (Ida Pauline Rolf) in the 20th century.
Pronunciation: /ˈrɔːlfɪŋ/
Etymology: Named after its founder, Ida Rolf.
Definition
Rolfing is a system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education that organizes the whole body in gravity. It is based on Rolf's ideas about how the human body's "energy field" can benefit when aligned with the Earth's gravitational field.
Related Terms
- Structural Integration: A term that describes a category of bodywork that focuses on the connective tissue, or fascia, of the body. Rolfing is a type of structural integration.
- Fascia: A band or sheet of connective tissue, primarily collagen, beneath the skin that attaches, stabilizes, encloses, and separates muscles and other internal organs.
- Alternative Medicine: A term that refers to medical treatments that are used instead of traditional (mainstream) therapies.
- Ida Rolf: The biochemist who developed the technique of Rolfing.
History
Rolfing was developed by Ida Rolf in the mid-20th century. Rolf, a biochemist, studied alternative forms of healing and bodywork and developed the method as a way to align the body with gravity.
Methodology
Rolfing is typically performed in a series of ten sessions (sometimes referred to as the "Ten Series") by trained practitioners (called "Rolfers"). The goal of these sessions is to systematically balance and optimize both the structure (shape) and function (movement) of the entire body.
Criticism and Controversy
While some people report that Rolfing has helped them with specific physical issues, such as back pain, the method has been criticized for its lack of scientific evidence. It is considered pseudoscience by many in the medical community.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rolfing
- Wikipedia's article - Rolfing
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