Rolfing and Visceral Work
In our journey to foster health and wellness, we are taking a closer look at two techniques that have been gathering steam in the holistic health space: Rolfing and visceral work. These bodywork therapies might just be the next step in your wellness journey.
Dr. Ida Rolf introduced the world to Rolfing in the early 20th century. Simply put, Rolfing is a type of bodywork that focuses on manipulating the fascia, which is the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles and organs, to help improve physical alignment and overall well-being. Visceral work soon came into play with a focus on improving organ function through manual therapy. The goal is to support irregularities in your organs so that they may work more efficiently.
What is the Technique?
When we talk about Rolfing, we are talking about a hands-on process where a trained therapist uses pressure and movement to work on the fascia to improve alignment and reduce pain. Imagine a thorough massage that targets deeper tissues in your body. Visceral work, on the other hand, involves more gentle manipulations focused on the organs, helping to address issues that stem from organ irregularities such as digestive problems.
How Might it Help?
Many individuals have found relief from chronic pain, stiffness, and even digestive issues through these therapies. If you find yourself dealing with persistent discomfort despite trying other treatments, these might be options worth exploring (Schleip et al., 2012).
The Experience
During a session, the practitioner works carefully, applying pressure with their hands to target areas. It's a collaborative process, where feedback and communication between you and the practitioner play a crucial role in ensuring effectiveness.
After a session, people often report feeling more relaxed and experiencing a reduction in pain. You might notice better posture and more fluid movements (Cottingham et al., 1988).
Looking at the long-term picture, with consistent sessions, you can expect to see a steady improvement in your physical alignment and a reduction in the discomfort you might have felt previously.
Pairing with Acupuncture
We often get asked how these therapies can pair with other holistic approaches such as acupuncture. It turns out that integrating acupuncture can be a great way to amplify the benefits. While Rolfing and visceral work address the physical aspects, acupuncture can work to balance the body’s energy, potentially leading to a more harmonized system (Yuan et al., 2013).