The Line, the Midline, the Postural Curve and Problems of Stance
Ida Rolf’s discovery of gravity as the major physical factor determining the shape of the body, its structure, culminates in the extremely simple block model. It demonstrates that the alignment of all segmental gravity centers, which should optimally be vertical, is the most succinct indicator for the degree of integrity or its lack in a […]
Normal Function – I
The premise of Structural Integration as a normative system is economy of function. It starts out from the question: “what movement and posture is most economical?” It shares this premise with several other disciplines. But in contrast to those which deal with the question on the same level – that of function – Structural Integration […]
Segmental Standard Rotation
In the field of Structural Integration, the term “rotation” is used in two ways. In the broader sense it corresponds to the general definition of a body “turning around an axis” (Webster’s). The axis may have any location and direction, but most important are the three axes of the coordinates of the body derived from […]
Technical Catalogue – IV
The techniques are described outside the context of integrating the whole. They must not be used this way but only if properly indicated by that context. They can otherwise introduce disorder into the structure instead of order. Lengthening of the Pectorals With internals the shoulders are anterior and so the pectorals are generally primary short. […]
Shortness
Ida Rolf was fond of the saying that “the map is not the territory”. It is probably meant first as a warning not to mistake the map for the territory. A map cannot even be said to represent the territory but only certain aspects of it. This first feature of a map is well known. […]
Sitting
Rolfing is “a physical method for producing better human functioning …” (Rolf, p.29). The formulation suggests at the same time that Structural Integration is in the service of “better function” as well as that it is better function which decides whether a structure is integrated or not, and to what degree. Quality of function is […]
Technical Catalogue – II
The techniques are described outside the context of integrating the whole. They must not be used this way but only if properly indicated by that context. They can otherwise introduce disorder into the structure instead of order. Narrow Shoulder Blades One of several aspects when analyzing the yoke of the shoulder-girdle structurally is the comparison […]
Elements of a Structural Theory of Breathing
A very general way to answer the question of what constitutes the subject matter of Structural Integration is to state that it is the “body in gravity”. Not the parts of the body and the way they are assembled is regarded primarily, and it is not even the “whole body” which is under consideration, but […]
How Can We Know What Works? – Review
In the Notes on S.I. 87/1 Wolf Wagner presented a study under the title “How can we know what works?”. He later specified the question, reducing it in scope, to: “Do photographs show Rolfing changes in such a way that Rolfers can identify them and distinguish them from changes that have other causes?” The study […]
The Tilt of the Pelvis
The “horizontal pelvis” is a keystone of Ida Rolf?s concept of normal structure. In order to discuss the pelvis and its horizontality sensibly, definitions need to be given so the many overlapping meanings of terms can be kept clearly apart. The block model expresses Ida Rolf?s basic tenet that in an integrated structure the segments […]