Rolfing does not achieve perfection; it begins the process. Its goal is to establish balance in gravity. The ten-hour cycle is a first step in that direction. Rolfing is an ongoing process that continues long after the work has been completed. Bodies have natural liking for uprightness, comfort, and ease. Insofar as they can experience it, they try to live in a place of balance. In this place, the energy of gravity can flow with (not counter to) the energy of the individual.
from Rolfing and Physical Reality by Ida Rolf
the ten series
A ten session series is the traditional protocol for improving your relationship to gravity. A typical ten series occurs over ten weeks, however this is flexible. We can do as many as two sessions in one week, or space out sessions further, though certain sessions are important to keep close together.
Depending on your situation, I may recommend additional sessions, including movement integration work. If you work a physically strenuous job or are an athlete, I am more likely to recommend additional hands on sessions, as well as more regular work post-ten series. For most people, however, I recommend taking a break from Rolfing after your ten series! Your body needs time to integrate the work, and this occurs over time.
session 1
The first session is about getting you oriented to a new space and to the process of Rolfing SI. I will work with your upper body, including your rib cage, arms, and shoulder girdle. This session marks the beginning of what Rolfers call the Sleeve Series.
session 2
In the second session I will work with your feet and legs, and complete the session with seated back work. This session shifts your base of support, creating more length up the entire back of your body.
session 3
Session 3 marks the completion of the Sleeve Series. In this session I work the lateral lines of your body, with particular attention to the relationships between your respiratory diaphragm, pelvis, and shoulder girdle. This session ties together the upper body work of session 1 and the lower body work of session 2, and balances your right and left sides.
session 4
Session 4 is the beginning of what Rolfers call the Core Series. In this session I work the midline of the legs, which begins the process of balancing the pelvic floor and supporting the viscera (your guts).
session 5
Session 5 completes the work begun in session 4. It is about opening up the whole front of the body, including addressing the function of the iliopsoas muscles, which are key to finding an easy, relaxed walking gait.
session 6
In session 6 I will work the entire back of your body, helping to free up the sacrum, the bottommost portion of your spine.
session 7
Session 7 is a complement to session 6. While session six works to free the lower portion of the spine, session 7 is about making sure your head (the top of your spine) is free to move. This is a detailed session that works with the head and neck, and may include additional work with the hands and arms, as well work within the nose and mouth. This session marks the completion of the Core Series.
session 8
Session 8 is an integrative session, meant to tie together the work of the previous seven sessions. Usually a lower body session, you should leave this session feeling a little more “put together.” I will spend some time working with areas that could use a little more attention, as well as working across multiple joints at once to educate your body about how to move in a fluid, integrated way.
session 9
Session 9 is the complement to session 8. Usually an upper body session, I will work to integrate the head, shoulder girdle, arms, thorax and hips.
Session 10
Session 10 is a full body session that is about integration and closure. This is where we say goodbye for a while! The typical recommendation for a break from receiving Rolfing SI work is about 6 months, however you’re welcome to wait longer or come back sooner if you are an athlete, do a physically demanding job, or experience a new injury.
Post Ten Series Work
Post ten series work can take many forms. Occasional single sessions, a three series of sessions, regular monthly work, or movement integration sessions are all good options and we can discuss what is best for you.