Monday, June 9, 2014

Exploring The Benefits Of Rolfing California

By Lila Bryant


Rolfing is a lesser known healing art than acupuncture, chiropractics, massage, Reiki and others. Rolfing California practitioners and others are known for using deeper and more aggressive pressure. The process which many term Structural Integration works to release tension and reshape the fascia which is extremely thin tissue made up of threads which run in opposite overlaid patterns beneath the skin.

As the process works to reshape and transform these thin layers of threads into new patterns, it is more akin to chiropractics than massage. Although where chiropractors use pressure to reshape and restructure the skeleton aspects of different areas of the body, practitioners and others in the field use aggressive pressure to transform these deepest layers of skin tissue.

Massage provides a great deal of healing and relaxation; Rolfing on the other hand requires more intense pressure because it works to reshape and restructure this thin tissue. When receiving a treatment, practitioners often put the full force of body pressure so as to massage and manipulate each thin thread of skin tissue.

Individuals will learn how to conduct movement sessions which are based on rolfing principles. Lessons in how to practice tissue building and restructuring techniques are one of the most important aspects of the learning process and will be offered throughout different study periods. Whether an individual has previous training or otherwise, it is important that all students complete the professional ethics training associated with the practice.

For individuals interested in becoming trained as practitioners without experience, the Foundations program offers all the building blocks necessary to learn the practice. Whereas, the Accelerated Foundations program is for those who hold certificates in massage, reiki or other healing arts. The Foundations program requires a high school diploma and 60 credits of higher education, whether through an extended education program, or online learning. Whereas, the Accelerated Foundations program requires having worked with a local professional for a few sessions, proof of work in other areas and a write up describing why one wishes to become a practitioner.

It has yet to be discovered why placing pressure and remolding the fascia threads provide such results. Some believe it is due to the remolding of the tissue and that a great deal of emotional trauma with life events which the practice helps to release. This theory is akin to the same theory that individuals tend to store stress in various parts of the body. After which, the blockage of energy in the cellular structure later causes the development of cancer and other terminal illness.

The study and timeline to obtain a certificate for those with experience is slightly different and takes less time. The 3 phase program for experienced individuals focuses on structural integration, different levels of touch, tissue manipulation and restructuring, professional ethics, application theory and movement. The cost is about the same for both the basic and advanced programs.

Once a program is completed and one becomes a practitioner, there are still continuing education requirements every five to seven years. There is also a requirement that one become a member of the Rolf Institute. An annual membership is given to all graduates the first year with required annual fees in years following graduation. Membership allows one to use all the marks and services provided by the institute as long as the member remains in good standing.




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