ROLF METHOD
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Structural Integration (Rolf method) is designedas a systematic treatment
delivered in 10 sessions, though shorter blocks of treatments can also be beneficial. Through working with the fascia to correct misalignment caused by physical injury or the stress of daily activities, Rolf method can ease discomfort, increase flexibility, improve poster and make breathing easier.
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Eyal’s approach incorporates a lightness and humour alongside a deep understanding of the structure and movement of the body, and through the combination of his therapeutic knowledge and teaching background he can also help to help incorporate a yoga practice into normal daily life. A yoga student for almost twenty years, Eyal began his in-depth exploration of the body when he trained as a yoga teacher in 1996, studying with leading teachers including Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, Richard Freeman in Colorado and Andre Siderski in Kiev, focusing on Ashtanga yoga, and later also Iyengar.
Alongside his teaching, Eyal began exploring various forms of bodywork beginning with his training in advanced Structural Integration therapy, before studying other therapies including Cranio-Sacral therapy, psychological reflexology and Tibetan Cranial healing. He completed his training as a Structural Integration therapist at the GSI in Boulder, Colorado
(USA) in 2000 under world-renowned teachers
Emmet Hutchins and Peter Melchior, senior teachers of Dr. Ida Rolf’s method, Since then he has worked in private practice in Boulder (USA), Tel Aviv (Israel) and in London (UK).
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Structural integration is a scientifically validated body work. It is a way to find
ease, balance ,improved posture, and frees one from chronic pain.
Structural integration affectionately known as ״Rolfing ״ is a unique combination of deep tissue work and movement education. the stress of daily activities, and past injuries can pull the body out of alignment and away from ones center of orientation. As this happens the fascia gradually shortens, tightens, and adjusts to accommodate the misalignment. This creates inefficiency and imbalance in the body that results in stiffness, discomfort, and loss of energy.
The rolfing method releases chronically tightened tissue and realigns the body in a right order.
Clients report increased mobility, relief from pain and high energy feelings .
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Structural Integration is performed in ten sessions. Each session is approximately one hour in length. It is preferable that the sessions are received, one per week for ten weeks in a row. The ten sessions are administered progressively; each session builds upon the last until complete integration of the body is achieved. The process of Structural Integration includes balancing the body in segments and achieving vertical alignment from balancing the body from front to back, side to side, top to bottom and inside to outside.
At the beginning of the first session the client completes a health questionnaire and spend some time speaking with their practitioner about the goals and intentions as applied to their unique situation and structure. Male clients receive work in underwear or swimsuit, women in two piece swimsuits or bra and underwear. The practitioner will observe the client, how they stand, walk and other general movements. In some cases a photograph or digital image may be taken if the client is interested in seeing before and after results. The specific goals of the session will be discussed. The client will lie on a massage table so the practitioner can work with their body. The client will participate in the session often being asked to breathe into the area being worked on or to make small, specific movements.
During the session the client may experience a warm, pleasant sensation from the area that the practitioner is working with. Some individuals do not experience any sensation while others may experience momentary discomfort. The practitioner will apply the appropriate pressure, based on the clients needs
and feedback. During most of the sessions the practitioner will help the client to become aware of habitual patterns of movement and imbalances in their body and will help them work toward making changes in these patterns in their daily life. After the basic ten series is complete a client usually allows a period of time for the body to adapt and fully integrate before scheduling additional work. The waiting period can be anywhere from one month to one year based on the client’s unique experience. After the waiting period the client can return for tune-up sessions or advanced sessions to further the process of integration. In some instances practitioners will work with clients in ongoing sessions to achieve specific goals.
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Structural Integration is a very personal process. It is important to remember that because no two people are alike, their experience and the benefits will never be exactly the same. As a result of the process people often appear taller and slimmer. Some actually gain anywhere from 1/4” to over 1 inch in height. Feelings of discomfort or pain are often alleviated. Other often experienced benefits are greater flexibility, a feeling of lightness and fluidity, better balance, increased breathing capacity, increased energy and greater self-confidence.
While Structural Integration is primarily concerned with physical changes in the body, it affects the whole person. We are made up of emotions, attitudes, belief systems and behavior patterns as well as the physical being. All are related. Align the physical structure and it will open up the individual’s potential. Clients often report positive changes, stating less stress, greater self-confidence and improved ability to handle life’s changes. Such changes have been reported in all age groups.