Q: For most of us, our everyday clientele for Rolfing® Structural Integration (SI) is largely comprised of adults coming in for issues of pain, posture, and/or body optimization. However, parents sometimes bring infants and children to receive work, either for particular issues or to support their development. Can you share something from your understanding or experience related to working with children?

Q: One quality I consistently notice in clients with low back and sciatic pain is compression between the ribs and pelvis, as indicated by hypertonic spinal erector and quadratus lumborum muscles. My understanding is that the erectors should ideally be quiet in standing. What causes the hypertonicity and compression in the first place, and what is the process by which the erectors and quadratus can let go and the entire lumbar area decompress?

Traditionally, the seventh hour of the Rolfing structural integration Ten Series is focused around the neck and head. We address the neck to increase circulation into and out of the cranium, balance the cervical curve, work on the cranium itself, do the mouth and the nose work, and complete the session by balancing the spine and sacrum. In this article I will explain the specific benefits of mouth and nose work and give some examples of its importance in sessions with babies, children and adults.

Editor’s Note: Jim Asher, Certified Advanced Rolfer and Advanced Rolfing Instructor, carries a wealth of knowledge on our history from many years of studying with and assisting Ida Rolf. Here, Jim shares his insights into why Boulder, Colorado was chosen for the Rolf Institute’s first permanent location.

Question: Could you discuss your thoughts regarding the different approaches and techniques you use for working with the psoas muscle, and its importance in our work?