Conceptual Housekeeping
In a complex and evolving inquiry standpoint such as Rolfing Structural Integration (SI), it is sometimes useful to perform what could be called “conceptual housekeeping.” Its purpose is to examine the fundamental concepts that define our work in order to determine whether they are still viable in light of new developments. Interestingly, two recent articles, […]
Rolfing® SI and the Brain
Introduction I interviewed Rolf Movement® Instructor Kevin Frank to discuss a working model from neuroscience that supports Rolfing Structural Integration (SI) with a credible explanation and story – why it works. As background, let me share a part of my story. The Rolf Movement aspects of my basic Rolfing training completely changed my way of […]
Mental Health Is in the Body
Have you ever wondered whether, as a trained and experienced Rolfer, you can properly deliver a normal Rolfing® Structural Integration (SI) series to a client who appears to have mental or emotional problems? The answer is yes, especially if you understand the true basis of mental health, which is in the body – a realm […]
The Breath That Breathes Us
Breathing: life’s most vital function. Countless writings and techniques, from ancient Sanskrit texts and yogic practices to innovative holistic therapies and medical interventions are devoted to the cultivation, understanding, and repair of respiratory physiology. Every physical, psychological, and emotional problem is to some degree connected to a lack of oxygen and the interruption of full […]
Middendorf Breathexperience Work
I remained ambivalent for months as to whether I should contribute an article about Middendorf Breathexperience Work (MBW) to Structural Integration: The Journal of the Rolf Institute®. Then I read a quote attributed to the Dalai Lama. It is said that when he was asked what surprised him most about humanity, he answered, “Man. Because […]
Rolfing SI and the Buteyko Breathing Method
The premise of this article is to demonstrate that true respiratory health facilitates structural change. As breathing rhythms return to their adaptable nature, structural changes of the connective tissue are easier to affect, reducing effort on the part of the Rolfer. Adaptable, fluid breathing rhythms facilitate both a balance of the respiratory gases and a […]
Breathing Through the Whole Body
Editor’s Note: Will Johnson will be teaching the concepts of this article through a sitting meditation retreat next spring. A unique feature of the retreat is that practice will be enhanced by each participant receiving sessions of structural integration (SI) during the retreat. (More information can be found at the end of this article.) We […]
Craniofascial Structure
Anne Hoff: This interview originated from a comment that Olixn made quite a while ago on the Rolf Forum about Alternative Light Force® (ALF) dental appliances. Olixn, how did you meet Rebecca? Olixn Adams: I was noticing that a lot of people who had received traditional orthodontic treatment, particularly in their teens, were exhibiting a […]
On the Nose
In Rolfing® Structural Integration (SI) practice and lore, intra-nasal work has distinguished us from other practitioners. Pop culture seized this aspect of our work, prompting individuals (who likely have a limited familiarity with our work) to link intra-nasal work and Rolfing SI with questions like, “Isn’t that the one where they stick their fingers up […]
Cranial, Oral, and Nasal Work in Rolfing® SI
Derek Gill: The story is told that Dr. Rolf gave you a mandate to go off and study cranial work with various osteopaths to bring that knowledge back to the Rolfing [Structural Integration (SI)] community. Jim Asher: Yes. It started out when I was in a Rolfing class with Ida in the Florida Keys in […]