Rolfing: The Integration of Human Structures

by Ida P. Rolf, Ron Thompson (photographs) John Lodge (illustrations) (Illustrator)

This is Ida P. Rolf's long-awaited book, written over a period of years in time stolen from her full schedule of teaching and lecturing. Here, with the aid of over 600 illustrations, Dr. Rolf explains the theory and practice of the body therapy known as rolfing.

The purpose of rolfing is to put the body into a natural balance, or alignment, with the energy field in which it moves...the field of gravity. This rebalancing is accomplished through ten hour-long sessions of systematic maniulation that loosen and reorganize the myofascia, the connective tissue that surrounds the muscles. After rolfing, not only do you stand taller, look better, and move with greater ease, but you have more vitality and a greater of well-being.

The book is intended for two types of the interested but untrained layperson and the professional wanting technical information. In spite of its many illustrations, it makes no pretense of being an anatomy book. Rather its goal is to establish a new point of view, a new way of looking at the human body.

Genres: Health

304 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1977

Reviews

[Andrea Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book explained a whole lot of WHAT, but zero HOW. As a massage therapist I learned nothing about how to implement this information into my practice (although, I geeked out over the many beautiful anatomical diagrams). Apparently you have to spend $20k at the Rolfing Institute to gain applicable value….

Granted, it was revolutionary and illuminating material at the time. The fascial networks, their health, and their integration are very important concepts in most bodywork practices. Fortunately, many have since synthesized this information into more actionable and modern texts.

It definitely dates itself with the language and tone and it is VERY hard to get through. It is condescending and derogatory towards the “insufficient” and weak bodies possessed by the muggle hoards she is cursed to share the Earth with. Things like “sagging backsides are an aesthetic offense” made me want to use the well-integrated muscles of my pectoral girdle to hurl the book at the wall. Next time I want to hear about what a disgusting piece of shit everyone else’s body is, I’ll just hang out with my grandma.