What should I expect during a session
Your first session with Crystal usually lasts 2 hours, most sessions after your first will last 45-90 minutes. You'll discuss your goals, needs, habits, etc. Crystal will do a body analysis to see where you might need more movement, freedom or release of tension. Women should wear bra and underwear (or a two piece bathing suit, or jogging bra and shorts) and men briefs or boxer briefs (no boxers.) You will be an active participant in your sessions, providing movement and feedback when called upon. Together you will find a comfortable depth and pressure in which to work. Rolfing is a hands on body work combined with movement education.
What is the "Ten Series"?
The Rolfing Ten Series is a systematic approach to bodywork. Each session has certain goals, and when all the goals of the series have been met you will find yourself at your available level of organization and balance. Because movement education and change can be a slower process in certain areas of the body than others, your Rolfer may request additional sessions. The "Ten Series" may actually take 13 sessions, for example.
Is Rolfing painful?
The reputation Rolfing has of being painful is unfortunate and outdated. When originally developed in the 60's, there was an idea of "no pain no gain" and a thought that "primal scream" like releases were healthy. Times have changed. In the recent decades more research has been done and we've learned that pushing the body beyond it's threshold can be damaging. Crystal will work within your limits of comfort. Communication is key to success in your series. Rolfing is an intense experience, no question. But it does not have to be painful.
What is Rolfing?
Rolfing is the name coined for the original system of body work developed by Dr. Ida P. Rolf. It is also known as Structural Integration. It can and does make dramatic changes in a person's physical structure. Rolfing has an unequaled and unprecedented ability to dramatically alter a person's posture and structure. By accessing connective tissue, Rolfers are able to better organize ones body to rest in gravity, rather than resist it. Professional athletes, dancers, children, business people and people from all walks of life have benefited from Rolfing. People seek Rolfing as a way to ease pain and chronic stress, and improve performance in their professional and daily activities. It's estimated that more than 1 million people have received Rolfing work.
What is the purpose of Rolfing?
The purpose of Rolfing is to allow the body to be fluid, light, balanced, free of chronic pain and stiffness, and at ease with itself in the gravitational field. In essence, Rolfing seeks recovery of the graceful and unrestricted movement we enjoyed in youth-before years of chronic stress, injuries, poor posture or just inactivity created patterns of restriction and compensation in our bodies.
Where did Rolfing come from?
Rolfing Structural Integration is named after its creator, Dr. Ida P. Rolf (1896-1979). Dr. Rolf received her Ph.D. in biochemistry from Columbia University in 1920 and furthered her knowledge of the body through her scientificwork in organic chemistry at the Rockefeller Institute. Her extensive search for solutions to family health problems led her to examine many systems that studied the effect of structure on function, including yoga, osteopathy and chiropractic medicine. Dr. Rolf combined her research with her scientific knowledge to stimulate a deeper appreciation of the body's structural order, resulting in the theory and practice of Rolfing. The Rolf Institute's international headquarters is located in Boulder , Colorado , with offices in Germany , Brazil , Japan and Australia .
Benefits of Rolfing:
* Improved balance
* Better posture
* Breathing is easier
* Improved joint and soft tissue Range of Motion
* Improved soft tissue flexibility
* More mental energy
* Decreased physical pain
* Easier recovery from exertion
* Movements are easier and more fluid
* Athletic performance is improved
* A calmer mind, well being
* Improved body awareness
Research has noted that Rolfing can:
enhance neurological functioning;
allow the body to conserve energy;
significantly reduce excess curvature in the spine;
create more economical and refined patterns of movement.
Specific symptoms that Rolfing has been noted to help:
* Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
* Whiplash injuries
* Back pain
* Temporal Mandibular (TMJ) problems
* Plantar Fasciitis
* Frozen Shoulder syndrome
* Tennis Elbow
* Foot problems, pronation, supination and flat
* Scoliosis
* Spinal Lordosis or Kyphosis issues
* Neck, Shoulder and Back hyper-tension
* Headaches
* Knee pain
* Hip pain
