The Rolfing 10 Series
The Rolfing® Ten-Series is a process that systematically balances and structure and function of the full body. Each session strategically focuses on different areas of the anatomy to create balance and works within each area to reduce strain and improve the relationship to the rest of the body.
Session 1
Expand the breath
Restrictions around the rib cage are released to improve respiration. This session begins the process of rebalancing the relationship between the shoulder/thorax and the pelvis/abdomen. Expanding the ribcage can reduce pressure on the heart and lungs while improving circulation. Stimulating awareness of breath provides support for further changes throughout the sessions. Clients may experience a sense of lightness and discover their new breathing capacity.
Session 2
Support from the feet
The aim of the session is to release restrictions in the feet and lower legs. By distributing weight more evenly through the feet clients can gain greater stability for the upper body. We start to explore the relationship between the feet and the rest of the body with questions like “How does holding tension in the feet affect the entire system?” After the session clients may discover a new grounded connection to the earth.
Session 3
lengthen the sidelines
By releasing restrictions along the sides of the body, the shoulders and pelvis can reorganize towards greater alignment. This session also explores the proprioception and interoception of the body’s volume. After the session clients feel greater length and freedom of the torso as well as increased mobility of the shoulder girdle.
Session 4
Support through the midline
The aim is to improve weight transmission along the inner line of the legs so that the upper body has a greater sense of stability. Releasing the inner legs limits kinetic drag during movement. This session explores the relationship between the pelvic floor and the diaphragm. When we hold tension in one, we often hold tension in the other. After the session, clients may notice a feeling of uprightness and greater ease in leg swing.
Session 5
Stabilizing the midline
Fascial restrictions are released in the front body along the upper legs and torso. Exploring proprioception and freeing the main hip flexors provides a deeper connection between the lower body and upper body. This session provides increased hip mobility and reduces pull on the lower spine. Clients may discover changes in the quality of movement in their hips. Depending on the client’s structure, this session may also explore the front neck and mediastinum region.
Session 6
Freeing the backline
The emphasis is on the backline of the body, releasing restrictions from the heels to the head. At the end of this session, all major fascial restrictions below the neck have been addressed. Freeing sacral restrictions allows for greater movement of the spine. Clients may notice a feeling of lightness and increased spinal mobility.
Session 7
Freeing the neck and head
The aim is to free restrictions within the shoulders, neck, and head. The neurocranium is differentiated from the visceral cranium opening the sinuses and relaxing all the muscles of facial expression. Clients may report feeling lighter and notice their face is deeply relaxed.
Session 8 & 9
Initiate integration
One of these sessions will be a lower-body session and the other an upper-body session. The goal is to address any remaining restrictions that require additional work while integrating the work done in previous sessions by exploring refined movement. The integration will help the body to better sustain all the changes achieved during the sessions.
Session 10
Integrate the whole body
The last session integrates the whole body together. Smoothing out any kinetic drag within the superficial fascia of the whole body. This session explores subtle extrinsic movements around major joints. The effects of the Rolfing® will continue long after the last session as the body undergoes its own unique adjustment process to the changes initiated by Rolfing®.