Home



    About Rolfing SI



    More on Gravity



    Benefits



    The Series



    Is It Working?



    Will It Last?



    Gettliffe Studio: A
    Space for Change



    Testimonials



    Getting Ready
    For Your Appt.



    Rolfing SI Blog



    Contact Vivian



About Rolfing®
Structural Integration:
What is Rolfing SI?

Rolfing structural integration is a system of manual therapy which realigns the body with gravity by soliciting the body's capacity for self-organization through the strategic and sensitive use of touch and movement. It allows the body to "re-boot" into a more optimal relationship with the gravitational field in which we live.

What might I get out of it?

By strategically relating the body's components to each other, "Rolfing S.I. strives to align and balance... the entire system [as] a smoothly functioning coordinated whole." * Typical benefits include better postural alignment, greater ease and flexibility, reduced tension and pain, increased body awareness, and improved function.

What is the "series?"

The hallmark of Rolfing S.I. is a tactical series of bodywork sessions, "the goal of which is to systematically balance and optimize both the structure (shape) and function (movement) of the entire body.... Each session focuses on freeing restrictions or holdings trapped in a particular region of the body" * This specific work happens while simultaneously addressing the client's whole structure and person, in order to ensure an integrated and harmonious transformation.

Why is it called "Rolfing?"

Rolfing structural integration was developed by Dr. Ida Rolf in the middle of the 20th century. According to the Rolf Institute, "the true genius of her method is the art and science of reshaping and reorganizing human structure according to clearly defined principles in a systematic and consistent manner." * Rolfing achieves this through the manipulation of fascia, the flexible connective tissue that permeates the human body as a single connected web surrounding every muscle, organ and joint in the body.

What does it feel like?

Rolfers use a broad range of touch to solicit the changes in the fascia which lead to better alignment within the gravitational field. Ideally the Rolfer works in close collaboration with the client to ensure that the amount of pressure used is experienced by the client as a welcome invitation to change.

Does it only affect my body?

"Rolfing SI is a holistic technique in that changes in structure can impact the whole person, physically, emotionally, and energetically." * Rolfing often results in a wonderful feeling of openness and freedom as old habits and unproductive patterns (structural and otherwise) are transformed. With this new freedom may come the expression of new ideas, new movements and increased potential.


*Courtesy of the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration®, Boulder, Colorado

Certified Rolfer Vivian Gettliffe's practice is located in Boulder, Colorado, in a sunlit studio at 2970 Washington Street.
Boulder is a world center for Rolfing S.I. and the home of the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration®.



rolfingboulderdenver.com Gettliffe Architecture