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Rolfing? What’s that?

When I first heard of Rolfing from someone in movement education, I had no idea that the system of bodywork would require much physical and mental strength on the part of the Rolfer. I even thought it had something to do with golf (yes, the sport).

Of course, I was curious. So I looked up the new word on the Internet. While it didn’t take long for me to realise that the system was named after its founder Ida Rolf, I must admit it is a topic that very few can understand. The form of alternative medicine is also known as structural integration (SI).

Here are the lessons I learnt from being Rolfed – from the viewpoint of a client.

1. Your relationship with your Rolfer is important.

I think one of the most overlooked parts of Rolfing is your relationship with your Rolfer. It’s important that you’re comfortable with your Rolfer. You’re also likely to share with your Rolfer about your lifestyle, any habits, quirks, whether you are independent or still live with a guardian, in particular, if you have any lifelong condition that may explain the way you carry yourself in relation to gravity.

2. Rolfing isn’t something to be taken lightly.

Since Rolfing involves hands-on manipulation of one’s connective tissue, for the entire session, you can expect that the Rolfer will use his/ her sense of touch to attempt to re-align your body structure. At first glance, this can seem strange and some clients would even take their (Rolfer’s) work for granted as certain touches can feel very light and subtle. However, if you do decide that Rolfing is for you, you’ll eventually learn much more about your body and how to be more aware in different physical spaces. If you did Biology before, you might appreciate Rolfing even more.

3. Rolfing can be extremely taxing for both the client and the Rolfer.

Due to the intense yet subtle nature of Rolfing, Rolfers can serve only up to five clients per day. It also depends on why you have chosen to come in for a Rolfing session. Depending on how much manipulation work is necessary, a client can feel exhausted. Personally, there were times when I felt like I had been run over by a lorry. Other times, the pressure was quite strong but still bearable. The Rolfer has also to be patient in dealing with a client’s reactions, especially if the client feels uneasy about being given ‘new’ pressure levels, taught undiscovered movements, and/or placed in certain ‘unknown’ positions meant to improve posture and overall alignment.

4. The results of Rolfing can differ from person to person.

One person can feel immensely different after going for Rolfing, while another person can feel the exact opposite. Some clients would feel tremendous improvement after just one session, while others would feel the difference after attending at least five sessions. It is also not uncommon for some clients to feel little to no difference, after some time. Besides, you also have to remember your goal for being Rolfed. Additionally, you have to account for the level of experience the Rolfer has – there are Rolfers and Advanced Rolfers.

5. Rolfing is not a massage.

Back when I first started Rolfing, like many others, I was tempted to equate Rolfing with a massage session. Much later, I realised that in a number of sessions, my Rolfer incorporated a bit of stretching and rotation of my joints towards the end of my Rolfing session. After each session, I would be asked to walk and describe any improvement, sensation and anything else that would help the coming sessions.

6. Everyone’s Rolfing needs are different.

Your Rolfing frequency and gap between each session would depend entirely on what you are looking to achieve. I know of a few clients who come in once a month for maintenance (after a while). It is worth noting that Rolfing sessions are a little on the high end of the spectrum for Malaysians, so the pricing factor is one to think about when considering whether to attend these sessions.

7. A Rolfer’s client list can be interesting.

I used to think a Rolfer’s day-to-day is mundane. I mean, it’s all about discussing aches and pains and relieving them, right? Nope. As a Rolfer, the kind of clients you get can give you different perspectives. Some of my Rolfer’s clients include a life coach, a Bharatanatyam dancer, a Pilates instructor, those who have backaches, as well as less severe forms of Cerebral Palsy.