|
|
|
Choosing the best Rolfer for you can be a bit of a challenge. Here are some guidelines to consider.*
Fit for Rolfing
Rolfing is physically demanding, requiring not only strength but dexterity and a high level of body awareness. Ask yourself if this person is making the most of their body. How's their posture? Ask what your potential Rolfer does to keep fit, for example yoga, qigong or martial arts? Though developed by a woman, only men were originally allowed to participate in the training due to the strength needed to be a good Rolfer. If someone you're considering is offering bodywork using only light pressure or even worse working with “energy”, that's not Rolfing – best to look elsewhere.
Straight or Mixer
Is your potential new Rolfer only doing Structural Integraion or have they simply added some Rolfing skills to their bag of tricks? A telltale sign of a “mixer” is excessive emphasis on letters after her or his name, e.g. MD, DC, ND, RN, LPN, PT, LMT, LMP, etc. Do you want to work with a professioal who is focused on Rolfing or someone trying to keep up with multiple fields, e.g. massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, etc.? If you're considering someone offering 'Rolfing massage', think again. That person is very confused.
Intensive Training vs. Modular Training
For a long time the Rolfing training has been a full-time program, meaning one had to stop whatever one was doing before to concentrate on learning Rolfing Structural Integration. Unfortunately there is now “modular training” so new Rolfers can attend classes on the weekend…and keep the day job. Do you want to work with a hobby Rolfer or someone who is Rolfing on the side, or do you want someone who has chosen to focus on being the best Rolfing practitioner possible? Don't hesitate to ask about this.
*This is one Rolfer's opinion. Feel free to let me know what you think!
|
|
