The 10 series
Traditionally Rolfing consists of a series of 10 sessions of about 60-75 minutes,
spaced one or two weeks apart. The work is cumulative, with each session building
on the last; each session is aimed at moving closer to a natural, graceful, easy
and erect alignment of the body.
During a Rolfing session, your standing posture and walking are analyzed for imbalances.
A slow, deep kneading massage follows to ease off tensions in your body. A session ends
with movement and postural education, so that your body would have better integration with
the new sensation you gain from the session - and best of all, sense of deep relaxation and
wellbeing! A short introduction through the 10 sessions…
Session One
Like any beginning this session starts with a detailed client history and discussion
on what you wish to achieve from your experience. The 'hands on' portion of the session begins the
process of releasing restriction and tension from the larger regions of the body. The neck and
shoulders; the pelvis and legs; and the rib cage, are addressed through the various techniques
available to your practitioner. These will include soft tissue manipulation techniques and
movement education.
Session Two
The feet and legs are now the focus of our attention. To sustain any
structure, strong and stable support from below is necessary. Time is spent now not only releasing the muscular
restrictions of the lower limbs, but also drawing awareness to new found options on standing
and walking.
Session Three
This ends the first stage of integration. It introduces what we call
the "lateral line" where the ear, shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle all line up when standing (just like the "little boy" logo).
This session incorporates elements of sessions one and two, bringing balance to the
whole body.
Session Four
The emphasis now changes from the outer, broader structures to the
deeper, "core" structures of the body. We use the term core to describe the area from the pelvis all the
way up to and including your head. In session four we begin to create order from the
ankle all the way up to the pelvis. The emphasis here is the body's ability to provide lift
through the central part of the body.
Session Five
Here we take the work of session four and build upon it. After the
initial work to lengthen the 'core' in the last session, we now begin to move upwards within the body, freeing holding
patterns within the pelvis, rib cage and abdominal muscles. By creating space and order
within these regions we allow for the inner structures (organs and deep abdominal muscles)
of the body to reassert themselves.
Session Six
"
Free the hips and legs". This is a central theme in Rolfing, and
here it is brought to the fore.Sessions four and five are important in creating lift and balance to the front of the body.
Session Six allows the back of the body to balance this.
Session Seven
This is the time where order is brought to the head, neck and shoulders.
After much work inprevious sessions to free the legs, pelvis and back, emphasis is turned to the "top"; releasing
restrictions and tension. It should also be mentioned that although the emphasis in this
session is the head, neck, and shoulders, earlier sessions will also address any restrictions
that may be found here.
Session Eight, Nine and Ten
Balance and Integration. It is one thing to have options; it is another
to know what to do with them. This is the stage where all the lessons learnt in the first seven sessions are brought
together, to integrate and incorporate into your life the newfound freedom and options in
posture and movement. A series of three to five sessions could follow after a pause of
about 6 months. There is always a possibility to take refreshing sessions.
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