Understanding Rolfing: The Art Behind Alternative Health Care

Addressing Common Questions About Rolfing

This blog aims to address questions about Rolfing and alternative health care. It primarily benefits my clients, but it also serves to educate the public about what Rolfing is and what it is not. Among the various articles available online, my post Is Rolfing Quakery is one of the most read. This popularity likely stems from the frequently searched title. I wrote this article in response to the openly hostile Wikipedia article on Rolfing, which remains challenging to edit for a more objective representation of the practice.

The Wikipedia author responsible for alternative health care articles seems to harbor a strong bias against anything not endorsed by the American Medical Association (AMA). This sentiment harkens back to the 1980s when the AMA attempted to eliminate many forms of non-mainstream healthcare, chiropractors being the main target, by suing practitioners out of existence. To counter this attack on alternative approaches to health and wellness, Ida Rolf famously stated that “there is not a chiropractor in America worth his salt that has not spent time in a jail cell.” Chiropractors faced significant challenges but eventually united and fought back, ultimately defeating the AMA in court rooms state after state. Their victory is why chiropractors still practice in America today.

The Science Behind Rolfing Practices

While Rolfing education isn't the longest study of any bodywork profession, the knowledge of anatomy and physiology is a bit more rigorous than that found in most massage schools. I completed my Rolfing training at the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute in Boulder, CO, where I've also assisted in teaching classes over recent years.

Anatomy and Physiology Education

In the first phase of training, students face the most challenging academic subjects, namely anatomy and physiology. Although physiology can be complex, it is less extensive in our school than anatomy. At the end of this phase, students must pass an anatomy-physiology test to advance. This requirement can be stressful for those who may not excel in academic subjects. However, most succeed by dedicating time to studying. Thankfully, ample quality study materials are available.

The anatomical study materials used at the Rolf Institute align with those taught in universities across the U.S. Currently, Thieme Atlas of Anatomy serves as our primary textbook. Instructors are permitted to draw from its index of images for their lecture notes. Additionally, we recommend Netter Atlas of Human Anatomy as a supplementary resource. Its detailed visuals illustrate bones, muscles, and fascial relationships effectively.

Trail Guide to the Body is another valuable supplementary book, serving as a palpation guide. It helps practitioners accurately locate areas on the body. I often recommend that students consider acquiring flashcards to memorize bones, muscles, their actions, and attachments. Lastly, Acland’s Video Series on Human Anatomy offers an incredible exploration of dissection and remains unparalleled since its production in the 80s.

Staying Informed

Beyond these study materials, Rolf Institute instructors and Rolfers strive to stay updated with trends in modern science and medicine, encompassing the chiropractic and osteopathic fields. Personally, I find that my clients, coming from various medical backgrounds, frequently have insightful stories to share. Many arrive with diverse "diagnoses" and histories of attempting numerous treatments. Whenever a client mentions visits to medical doctors, chiropractors, osteopaths, or physical therapists, I keenly listen to their experiences.

As Rolfers, however, we don't diagnose. We maintain an open inquiry as we explore each client's posture, movement, and pain reports, searching for strain patterns. Although previous diagnoses are acknowledged, I try not to let them overshadow the work. More often than not, there is additional context to consider.

The Foundation of Rolfing

Importantly, the founder of Rolfing, also known as Structural Integration, was Dr. Ida Rolf, who held a PhD. in biochemistry. Her dissertation focused on collagen, and she later worked at an osteopathic college. Originally, Rolfing students were required to take anatomy courses at a college or university as part of their training. Every student also needed to possess a college degree of some sort before commencing their training.

Dr. Rolf approached her work with a strong scientific focus, yet she equally embraced yoga and mysticism. When Rolfing gained popularity, it coincided with the human potential movement of the 60s. This era brought a more spiritual vibe, which sometimes overshadowed the scientific angle. Dr. Rolf even taught her techniques to medical doctors, only to pull back once she observed they merely incorporated the techniques without fully engaging with the Rolfing philosophy and strategy.

The Art of Rolfing

In conclusion, it's essential to understand that while Rolfers incorporate scientific principles in their training and practice—our anatomy textbooks mirror those used in American universities—Rolfing itself is not a science. Mastery of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology doesn't impart the skills of a Rolfer in assessing and addressing a client's needs. The ability to recognize strain patterns from foot to neck, both while standing and walking, requires experience and intuition.

During my college years as a psychology major, an instructor remarked that psychology is not a science; it is an art. This sentiment resonates today, not only in Rolfing but in psychology as well. Within modern psychology, extensive scientific research is conducted, yet the therapist's artistry ultimately makes a difference.

In a university psychology department, you'll encounter various disciplines, including behavioral, cognitive, and somatic therapists, each with their theories and practices. This contrasts with biology departments, where there tends to be a more unified understanding grounded in science.

Thus, to simplify, Rolfing is not a science. Rolfers generally accept this stance. Rolfing is an art that employs scientific knowledge in training practitioners. Critique it all you wish, but how can something that openly acknowledges its artistic nature be labeled a pseudoscience, as it is stated in the Wikipedia article on Rolfing? Ultimately, the judgment is yours.

As I aim to foster growth and understanding in the realm of alternative health care and physical medicine, I hope this blog serves as a useful resource for those curious about Rolfing and its significant benefits.