Structural Integration (also known as Rolfing) is a unique system of bodywork that aims to improve your body's posture, alignment, flexibility and ease of movement!
It is based on the idea that the force of gravity exerts a downward pressure on our bodies. A body that is out of alignment may feel this pressure as tightness, decreased energy or chronic pain.
Take a good look at your body in a full length mirror and see if one shoulder or one hip is higher than another, or looks more forward than the other. Check the range of motion of your neck, shoulders and hips and see if one side moves better than the other. These are good simple ways to see if your body would benefit from Rolf Structural Integration!
After balancing the body, one will usually feel a sense of lightness and ease, increased energy, increased range of motion and a reduction in chronic tension and pain.
How does it work?
Structural Integration aligns and balances the body by lengthening and repositioning the connective tissue known as fascia. Fascia surrounds the muscles, bones and organs in the body, giving the muscles their shape and the body its structure.
As fascia is lengthened, it allows the muscles to move more efficiently. The practitioner will apply pressure to the body, working the entire fascial system in a systematic way. When restricted fascia is released and lengthened, the body can return to its structurally optimal position.
Why does fascia need lengthening?
The continuing pull of gravity, the stress of daily activities, and physical injuries can pull the body out of alignment. The fascia gradually shortens, tightens and adjusts to accommodate this misalignment. When the body is out of alignment, it creates inefficiency and imbalance resulting in stiffness, discomfort and loss of energy.
When the body is aligned and balanced, it moves with greater ease and requires less energy to function. Good posture is effortless and breathing is easier. The body becomes more flexible, more coordinated, and athletic performance improves.
Contact Advanced Bodywork LLC @ (248) 761-4135
(The term "Rolfing" is the registered trademark of the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration)
