by Keith Graham
In celebration of Dr. Ida Rolf, grandmother of modern day bodywork.
This month sees the 36th anniversary of Dr Ida Rolf’s passing. Dr Rolf was an American biochemist and the founder of a bodywork system which she named Structural Integration but which her devoted students simply renamed Rolfing(TM).
Rolfers(TM) use hands-on manipulation and movement re-education to balance the body’s fascial network.
– Undergoing the full Rolfing(TM) series is like giving your body a 100,000-mile service and will improve posture, balance and muscle coordination for more energy and greater freedom of movement.
– Rolfing can often bring long lasting relief from joint and myofascial pain even where other methods have failed.
– Rolfing often brings greater self-awareness and a more positive self-image
– Rolfing is one of the most effective methods for achieving long lasting change
Through her own painstaking research, Dr Rolf realised that connective tissue or fascia as it is sometimes called, forms an intricate web throughout the entire human form, permeating and connecting every cell in the body. She called this fascial network “the organ of shape” and was the first to draw attention to the role of connective tissue in creating support throughout the body. Recognising that we are always under the force of gravity when we sit, stand and move, she realised that many painful conditions, such as back, neck and shoulder pain, RSI, plantar fasciitis, sciatica etc., were the result of misalignment and stress patterns in the connective tissues, often brought about by unconscious postural habits and emotional holding. Over the past five years many of her insights from over 70 years ago are being confirmed by research scientist around the world and particularly at the Fascia Research Institute in Ulm, Germany where a special program has been set up solely to explore the properties and function of fascia.
With only 32 certified Rolfers in the UK opportunities to ‘get Rolfed’ are still rare but with more practitioners in training at the British Academy in London, we hope soon to be able to bring the benefits of Dr. Rolf’s work to a much wider public.
“Rolfing is one of the best lifetime investments you can make in your personal development. After only a few treatments I felt significant change, the chest opening, feet feeling more grounded and Keith helped me realised just how much unnecessary tension I was carrying beginning to drop away. At the end of ten sessions most people stand taller, moved more freely and felt more positive and at home in my body”
Andy Roberts, Breathe-London, Positive Psychology coach & Yoga teacher
Keith Graham is a Certified Advanced Rolfer & Rolf Movement Practitioner with over 15 years in full time practice. In addition to running busy practices in London and Surrey, Keith is also Chair of UK Rolfing, a Director of The British Acadamy of Rolfing Structural and Senior instructor and Hon Vice President of the Tai Chi Union of Great Britain. For more details please go to: https://www.rolfingtaichilondon.co.uk/booking/
Keith works at triyoga soho. For his schedule and more information, please click here.