We do a Rolfing series to help develop a higher degree of organization and function in the body. This means addressing the individual's ability to find balance, heal, and go through life with a greater amount of body awareness. People are attracted to the idea of doing a 10 series so they can be more autonomous and independent from the constant need for professional help with aches, pains and issues, but even after a successful series is completed there are good reasons to see your Rolfer with some degree of regularly . Three of these reasons are General Maintenance, Getting in Shape, and Deeper work.
General Maintenance
As mentioned above, Rolfing helps encourage body awareness. Many people feel that seeing their Rolfer monthly continues to foster this. Some people come in a little more frequently than that and some people less, but either way, seeing a Rolfer with some degree of regularity after a series has been completed helps the body to find a healthy balance, and with this the mind will follow. The nervous system responds to careful attention, like a houseplant, it thrives under the right conditions, and the good intentions of the Rolfer along with the open relaxation of the client can provide this. It is a myth that Rolfing is all pain an suffering, it has it's moments, but we take care to encourage a relaxed receptive state in the individual, one in which healing can take place. Although the idea of maintenance is important, as a Rolfer we are always thinking of the future, and how to build something new.
Get in Shape
Exercise means different things to different people. I am happy to get in an hour a day walking, but with the advent of the seasons of great physical activity- sport, skiing, hiking, travel, Rolfing is just what a person needs to adapt to higher physical demand. The individual's ability to adapt is what the Rolfer encourages, we are self regulating organisms. You have to ability to adapt to new or increased activity, and your Rolfer is here to help you with this. Aches and pains along the way are normal to some degree, as long as they don't become debilitating. We can help manage those aches and pains by paying attention to restrictions old and new, and encouraging more efficient ways of using your body. When you have decided to get in better shape, don't hesitate to book a Rolfing session.
Go Deeper
When I mention going deeper I am not talking about using more pressure or working on deeper layers of myofascia, I am talking about working with greater detail. After a 10 series we feel like we have addressed most of the basics. This leaves room for focusing on other details. We have established a good degree of support and now more attention can be giving to anything that appears to be an issue. Slowing down, focusing on problem areas longer, joint decompression, tendon and ligament work, these are all on the table now, as we don't feel so pressed to cover most of the things we already addressed in the series. I would not classify post 10 series work as maintenance really, because there is always strategy being used to create a higher order structurally, rather than simply maintaining what has been done. We are always thinking about what's next, what would be the most beneficial at any given time.
In summery, I encourage people to come in whenever they feel like they need some attention from their Rolfer, but deciding on some some recurring time period can be helpful so that good intentions don't get buried in a pile of things that need to be done in life. It is important to prioritize health and self care, and this can make one more efficient in life as well. So don't hesitate to book a session and start on part two of your journey, even if it has been a while. Rolfing is not a luxury, it is about experiencing the body more fully and learning about oneself. Hopefully we can all be interested in that.
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