The Rolf Method of Structural Integration & Connective Tissue Massage 

The human body is like a house. It is structured so that each part has its proper place , and each piece interlocks to balance the load of the others. As in the well-built house whose every post and beam is in place , the well-used body functions effeciently . Because Gravity pulls down on everything  , out-of-place body parts -beams out of alignment and unsupported by a post-  are pulled into painfully unnatural positions. We would like to return the construction to its original blueprint specifications. Putting one out -of-whack piece back into place is usually not enough.  Everything should be right before a house can stand or a body can work smoothly.

" When the body is working properly , the force of gravity can flow through it. Then , Spontaneously , the body heals itself."

-Dr. Ida P Rolf

The Body's geometry

When an elbow , knee or any other joint is properly balanced , the individual experiences an internal sense of rightness. The body senses that it is aligned along true planes of movement. The hinges of the legs (hips , knees , ankles , even toes ) all work within a single plane. The paths of the legs have parallel courses. The head and spine feel a clear sense of 'up." The elbows move naturally through their angle in a smooth course. Compared with this new organization , the previous functioning of the body appears random , even chaotic, In contrast , the new geometry , this new orientation in space , feels much more secure. Our goal is to bring the body close to it's center line of gravity so that fewer muscles are required for basic standing and sitting . "Posture" is no longer an immobile holding action but a floating balance and ease. it is is this attention to the proper body geometry that distinguishes  Structural Integration from those forms of bodywork that simply seek deep tissue massage and relaxation.

Each person has his or her own version of this ideal geometry , which depends on the person's height , the length of his or her limbs , and other similar factors. Five basic points are looked for when planning individual goals for each client. In order for the human body to function properly and maintain an upright position , these five landmarks must be in alignment : the ear , the shoulder , the hip , the knee ,  and ankle. The head , neck and shoulders tell the story of the structure below them. The body should glide along , rather than look as if it has to do extremely hard work with every step. The head and neck must be centered over the middle of the body , and the the spine that supports the structure  must be at the back of the pelvic section. The spine must then curve in cunjuction with the natural back curvature until it enters the base of the skull in a central direction..

"Some individuals may percieve their losing fight with gravity as a sharp pain in their back , others as the unflattering contour of their body , others as constant fatigue , yet others as an unrelentingly threatening environment. Those over forty may call it old age. And yet all these signals may be pointing ta a single problem so prominent in their own structure , as well as others , it has been ignored : They are off balance, they are at war with gravity."

-Dr. Ida P.Rolf