Rolfing® — the complete body makeover

Rolfing works with the fascia or connective tissue as it systematically addresses the entire body’s structural patterns.

by Deanna Melnychuk — 

The holiday season is upon us, and once again you will be going to parties and meeting new people. Are you concerned about how you look? Improved diet, designer clothes, a fresh haircut and a personal trainer have all enhanced your confidence level, but you still slouch and your back and neck still hurt, causing you to grimace rather than smile. So there is more yet to do. Consider Rolfing!

Does this describe you — the person in a “before picture?” Through habitual response patterns, injuries and stress, have you lost your “line” — your verticality? Has your body developed restrictions and compensatory patterns that result in poor posture and may create physical illness and emotional instability?

Even if you lose weight, tone up, discipline yourself to stand up straight or take an assertiveness workshop, you will not address the core issue. Your body structure is at war with gravity — and gravity is winning.

Would you not rather be the person in an  “after picture,” exhibiting confidence and excellent posture who looks healthy and vigorous? Gravity lifts you up and you are at peace. You have just completed the 10 sessions of Rolfing, which have realigned your body along its vertical axis and released patterns of imbalance. You now move with fluidity and grace.

With a reawakened awareness of your body, you are able to shed postural patterns that no longer support you. You have acquired a new freedom of versatile and appropriate physical expression. You have more energy and vitality.

Rolfing works with the fascia or connective tissue as it systematically addresses the entire body’s structural patterns. A Rolfer™ uses her hands to lengthen shortened and hardened fascia. She asks her client to be an active participant through directed breathing and slight movements. Each of the sessions lasts about 1-1/2 hours, spaced one to three weeks apart, and each one builds on the previous one. The results are long-lasting, as a well-ordered structure tends to be self-sustaining.

You, too, can find your core — your inner essence — through Rolfing. Rolfing is quality that you can feel — and others will notice.

Deanna Melnychuk, B.Sc., is a certified advanced Rolfer™ and Rolfing® movement practitioner, licensed massage therapist, Reiki master, cranioSacral therapist and reflexologist. 602-404-8685 or www.rolfingcentre.com.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 29, Number 6, Dec 2010/Jan 2011.