Introduction:

Dr. Ida P Rolf is widely credited as the founder of Rolfing or Structural Integration, as she liked to call it. Her work has inspired thousands of practitioners to practice her work, millions of clients, and is now credited with being the founder of a larger movement in the allied health field. In this blog post, we will explore the life and work of Dr. Rolf and how her legacy lives on today.

Early Life and Education:

Dr. Rolf was Brooklyn born and got her Ph.D. in biochemistry from Colombia in 1920 at a time when few women were attending university. She studied math and physics at the Swiss Technical Institute in Zurich, six years after Einstein was a professor, while studying homeopathy for fun in Geneva simultaneously.

The Development of Structural Integration:

Dr. Rolf developed her approach to Structural Integration based on her understanding of the properties of connective tissue called fascia. Fascia has rightfully so been in vogue lately, but at the time it simply wasn’t understood. In that way, her work was visionary and, 45 years after her death, she is still revered as a modern influencer of thought.

The Philosophy of Structural Integration:

In an interview from 1974, Dr. Rolf shared her larger vision for what the work is while tying in some concepts of physics. She suggested that the role of Structural Integration is to create order in the body by bringing about the best order of a human body both mentally and physically. She understood the role of entropy in the universe and in the human body. She felt that order in the body would bring about the best order of a human body both mentally and physically.

Dr. Rolf believed that after order is reestablished, the next step is the integration of Structural Integration, which sets this work apart from simply ordering structure. She emphasized the importance of relationship in the integration process.

Legacy:

Dr. Rolf’s work has inspired thousands of practitioners to practice her work, millions of clients, and is now credited with being the founder of a larger movement in the allied health field. Her teaching inspired Emmett Hutchins, which was my personal teacher, who taught her work his entire life. She considered this work a folk art, something taken up by a student under a master, practicing and sharing until they really own the craft for themselves.

Conclusion:

Dr. Ida P Rolf’s legacy lives on today, inspiring practitioners to practice Structural Integration and helping clients achieve the best order of a human body both mentally and physically. Her vision for the work emphasized the importance of order and integration, and she understood the role of relationship in the integration process. Her contributions to the field of bodywork have been invaluable, and her work continues to influence practitioners and clients alike.

 

https://youtu.be/lQQk572VeGU