when the body gets working appropriately, the force of gravity can flow through; then spontaneously, the body heals itself - ida rolf
ROLFING IN FARNHAM
Breathe Deep, Stand Tall, Sit with Ease.
Rolfing® is an approach to releasing tension that is held in the connective tissue of the body, called fascia. Sometimes compared to glue or fabric, fascia gives the body its own unique shape - it literally holds everything together! And when I say everything, I mean - everything. Fascia is found around every cell, muscle, nerve bundle and bone in the body. Through a variety of life experiences this connective tissue can become bunched together (think scar tissue), pulled or twisted, creating an imbalance in the body which can lead to pain, stiffness or a lack of mobility, and possibly even illness.
Rolfers ‘see’ the body in a unique way - in relationship to gravity. This relationship can be as complex as the body itself, so we use a framework called ‘The 10 Sessions’, which aims at resolving the root of the inconsistencies through an embodied educational process. This framework addresses the body's structure (how we look), coordination (how we move) and perception (how we use our senses), giving the client agency to navigate through space from a place of awareness and ease, changing one’s understanding of physical reality.
Improved Posture and Alignment: Rolfing realigns and balances our physical structure, improving posture and alignment. By addressing imbalances and misalignments in the body, Rolfing helps individuals stand, move, and sit more efficiently, reducing strain on muscles and joints.
Pain Relief: Rolfing therapy can alleviate chronic pain such as back pain, neck pain, and joint discomfort. By releasing tension in the fascia and reorganising the body's structure, Rolfing can help reduce pain caused by imbalances and misalignments.
Increased Flexibility and Range of Motion: Rolfing sessions involve gentle manipulation of connective tissue to increase flexibility and range of motion. This improved mobility enhances athletic performance, daily activities, and overall physical comfort.
Enhanced Body Awareness: Rolfing is an education in body awareness: movements, sensations, and alignment. This heightened body awareness helps to prevent injuries by encouraging adaptablity in movement patterns.
Stress Reduction: Rolfing has a calming effect on the nervous system. People often experience reduced stress levels and a sense of relaxation.
Emotional Release: Rolfing releases stored tension in the body's tissues due to emotional stress and trauma. Through Rolfing sessions, clients often experience emotional catharsis and greater well-being.
Improved Breathing: Rolfing can address issues in the diaphragm and chest area leading to improved breathing patterns. Proper breathing is essential for oxygenating the body and reducing stress.
Long-Term Benefits: The effects of Rolfing are long-lasting. The structural changes achieved during Rolfing sessions endure beyond the completion of the therapy resulting in long-term improvements in posture, alignment, and overall physical comfort.
Holistic Approach: Rolfing treats the body as a whole rather than addressing isolated symptoms. The acknowledgement of interconnectedness in the body/mind sphere accentuates well-being.
Benefits of Rolfing
Book your Rolfing Session Today
Rolfing offers a comprehensive approach to addressing physical and emotional well-being. Rolfing can improve posture, pain relief, increase flexibility, reduce stress, and is a re-education about how to be in a good relationship with gravity, and with yourself.
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Many people have found Rolfing to be a valuable tool in their journey toward better health and vitality.
Contact me:
Email: lizzie@freeliz.com
Phone: +44(0) 7964 015 081
ROLF MOVEMENT
Embodiment Through Exploration.
The relationship with gravity is a key aspect of the Rolfing process, so it makes sense that the question of how we move through gravity is answered with Rolf Movement®.
A Rolf Movement session highlights movement patterns and asks questions such as how do we orient and resource ourselves? The session might revolve around an inquiry about:
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how do we bear weight and rest down in order to lift up?
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how economical is the movement?
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where does movement placing unnecessary stress on the rest of the system?
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is the range of perception regarding the movement?
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what might make the movement more balanced and complete?
Sometimes assessing how resourced we are at day to day macro-movements such as standing, walking, sitting and breathing makes sense, but there may be a specific movement that has led to injury or chronic pain, such as swinging through a tennis serve, the habitual gait of a runner, or a sequence of yoga asanas. It may even be that there is an unexplored micro-movement that is the root of the problem.
The session is generally split between work with movement combined with touch to a deconstruct fascial holding patterns, rebuild spacial awareness and refine sensitivity in areas that are under-utilised.
The goal of any movement session is to look for a more efficient, integrated way to relate to gravity, and to restore our innate ability to orient and find direction.
FAQ's
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Do I need my own mat and props?For in-person classes, it is helpful to have your own mat, though I have a variety of extra mats on site that you are welcome to borrow. Props in the form of blocks, yoga belts and chairs are available on site, but i can be useful on colder days to bring a warm blanket. For online classes, it is very helpful if you have both a mat and a pair of blocks and a yoga belt. If you are local to Farnham I have a variety of props for loan during the Omicron peak.
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I have a handicap, can I attend class?"My goal is to be as inclusive as possible in my lessons. If you have a special need that you are uncertain about, please contact me using the form at the bottom of the page to let me know, and I will better be able to assess if I can help you.
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What should I eat/drink before class?For the purposes of yoga, it is best to eat no more than 1-2 hours before class if possible. Drink water or tea freely before and after the session, but if it is possible to refrain from drinking during the practice itself, the practice will have more potency, and here is why. One of the goals of yoga is to create a 'lightness of energy', with the intention of directing that energy upwards...so if there is the weight of food and water pulling the body down, it works in opposition to the practice. Of course, if you need to drink water throughout a lesson for specific health reasons, feel free to do so. Eating is a large topic and shares an intimate relationship in how we feel in the body, so becoming aware of this is the first step.