Smyth Rolfing

Bill Maynard writes:

I've Been Rolfed by George!

"As in all matter organized into biological units, there is a pattern, an order, in human bodies... Rolfers make a life study of relating bodies and their fields to the earth and its gravity field, and we so organize the body that the gravity field can reinforce the body's energy field. "

Dr Ida P. Rolf

In the past, when an unexpected or unforeseen event brought favorable change to my life, I would credit it to good luck.. I have since come to the awareness that what I attribute to either good fortune or misfortune has no connection with that which befalls me. Instead, I harvest what I create; and what I reap is tempered by the spiritual assistance I request. Such was the case with my Rolfing experience. It was totally unexpected when her Guruness brought up the subject at dinner one evening. "George Smyth is interested in giving a Rolfing demonstration, " she said. I knew George was a Rolfer having met him on occasion when he stopped to drop off a check for a "Journal" ad. I raised the soup spoon slowly to my lips. "I told them that he could use the office, but we would have to limit the number of guests," she continued as I sipped the hot soup. "I told him I would have to confirm it with you." I smiled and reached for more soup. "He needs a volunteer for the demonstration," she continued quickly. "I told them that you would do it. " She stopped and waited for a reaction. That's when I inhaled the soup. Dinner that evening took longer than usual, and for some reason I can only remember the soup.

However, once committed I wanted some information about the process of Rolfing. George discussed it with me and left some material to read. I also questioned several of my friends. None had been Rolfed, but most of them had heard that it was painful. I asked George about this, and he said that most people tended to exaggerate when describing pain, and that it was more myth than fact. Nevertheless, not being fully convinced I spent the next week resigning myself to the fact that I could be facing a painful ordeal. The die had been cast. I was going to be Rolfed, and my friends would be watching. According to George's information, the first session was fairly gentle and enjoyable, but just in case, during my meditation on that day, I asked the Holy Spirit to ride "shot-gun " for me.

I had read that Shirley MacLaine had been Rolfed and then went out on a limb to become one of the centuries brashest exponents of pop-mysticism. DaFree John upon completing his tenth session was seen running naked through Fiji proclaiming his complete enlightenment. After all, if this was so, what might happen to me. However, being of lessor convictions then they, and to be safe, I was depending on Holy Spirit to see me through.

That evening I climbed on the table with wings of anticipation, but to my surprise and relief, George was quite gentle as he began the session. He explained to the guests what he was hoping to achieve (to loosen the fascial sheaths surrounding the muscles and to realign the tissue around the joints) with controlled pressure and direction. I began to feel pleasantly warm and relaxed as the session progressed. I was feeling no more discomfort or pain than that which I experience with deep tissue massage. In fact, when George asked me to walk about the room when the session was ended, I felt curiously light and free. My entire body glowed from the increased circulation. My energy level had increased dramatically, and I felt a youthful vitality that I had not experienced in many years. I resolved at that point, that come what may, I would complete the other nine sessions.

Rolfing takes ten sessions that last one hour each for completion. It can be done in ten weeks or spaced over longer periods of time depending on the desires of the client. It has been described as a method by which structural integration is attained by
manipulating connective tissue in an orderly process to bring all parts of the body into proper alignment.

You might ask yourself, " who needs it, and why? " It is my understanding that when we place a part of the body under consistent stress, or suffer a severe and debilitating injury, we tend, to favor the injured part by making shifts or adjustments in our bodily positions. When we compensate by adjusting out body parts to ease the pain or strain, the body often becomes unbalanced or misaligned. The fascia or connective tissue, which contains and links the muscle tissue conforms to the new position to contain and hold it. The fascia then sets (hardens) into position forcing that part of the body out of alignment or structural exactitude. The body's automatic reaction to physical trauma by compensatory adjustment is, in my opinion, almost universal and found in all life forms as a reflexive, protective measure. However, with the human form we are able to realign or bring back into a more healthful position the misaligned body part by Rolfing.

The chances of any of us passing through life without some physical or emotional trauma must be infinitesimal. Therefore, most of us, to a greater or lesser degree, go through life out of alignment, letting the pull of gravity tire us, experiencing dull aches and pains in joints and muscles, and maintaining a general and unexplained feeling of lassitude.

A competent Rolfer can realign the affected body part by expertly manipulating the fascia, which is plastic-like and pliable, to conform to its original alignment. Once true alignment is achieved, the tissue sets and holds the corrected position permanently until further injury or stress occurs. To correct further misalignment, it is recommended that a maintenance session be repeated at least every twelve months.

Yes, I've been Rolfed, by George! I completed the next nine sessions with hardly a whimper or grunt. With new age music playing and Holy Spirit riding 'shot gun' how could I miss? The pain was minimal, and I often floated with the music unaware of George or my body. At times, when he became a little too " savage ", I would return and let him know, "I can feel that." He would then ease up.

I will admit, there were some "tender " areas that made me grunt; and that some sessions were more rigorous than others. However, with the help of music and lots of laughter (George and I joked quite often), I can really say that I enjoyed the total experience.

You are probably wondering about the final results, the finished product, the fait d' accompli. Were they subtle or apparent, more inward or outward, more emotional than physical, temporary or lasting? I will say that I'm happy with what has been achieved (it's the best mess her Guruness has ever help need to create). I am both proud and pleased it happened this way. Looking into the mirror one day I noticed that my head was sitting straighter on my neck. Both shoulders were now parallel whereas the right one once sloped lower than the other. The right foot that pronated in an outward arc as I walked has been corrected. I neither toe in nor toe out. My chest muscles have been realigned, the puffiness around the diaphragm has disappeared. My stomach appears flatter. My right ear, which was noticeably lower than my left is now more closely aligned with it. My legs are straighter. My pelvis is once again in the right position helping me to stand straighter and to lessen the pull of gravity.

I suppose the bottom line is that I not only feel great, but I am proud of the changes that occurred. I find myself more aware of my body than at any previous time--aware of how I walk, how I hold myself and last but not least how I feel mentally, emotionally and physically. In my new awareness I plan to take care of this body in every way... With proper nutrition, plenty of exercise an adequate rest.

Oh yes, I'm going back to George for maintenance; and I won't wait for twelve months. This time I will be looking forward to the session with anticipation, and you know who'll be riding 'shot-gun' for me. Of course, does anyone accomplish anything without spirit"?



		Testimonials



Anne writes: "For over nine years after an auto accident, I want to one referred specialists to another. I did my PT and exercises, took plenty of medication, and was always in pain. Chronic migraines led me to try an alternative healing process. After 10 Rolfing sessions, I can say I've been virtually pain-free."

Gordon writes: "I am much more calm, much more at peace. I accept challenges and relate with people on a level I never have before. I used to be jumpy, tense, and quick to respond."

	Suzanne writes: "After exhausting many other options, to combat my scoliosis I tried Rolfing. This is the only procedure that has helped to reverse much of my curvature of my spine. The benefits of Rolfing are not only physical but mental and emotional also. After completing Rolfing sessions, I felt more self-confident and relaxed."

Bill Maynard writes: I've Been Rolfed by George! "As in all matter organized into biological units, there is a pattern, an order, in human bodies... Rolfers make a life study of relating bodies and their fields to the earth and its gravity field, and we so organize the body that the gravity field can reinforce the body's energy field. " Dr Ida P. Rolf In the past, when an unexpected or unforeseen event brought favorable change to my life, I would credit it to good luck.. I have since come to the awareness that what I attribute to either good fortune or misfortune has no connection with that which befalls me. Instead, I harvest what I create; and what I reap is tempered by the spiritual assistance I request. Such was the case with my Rolfing experience. It was totally unexpected when her Guruness brought up the subject at dinner one evening. "George Smyth is interested in giving a Rolfing demonstration, " she said. I knew George was a Rolfer having met him on occasion when he stopped to drop off a check for a "Journal" ad. I raised the soup spoon slowly to my lips. "I told them that he could use the office, but we would have to limit the number of guests," she continued as I sipped the hot soup. "I told him I would have to confirm it with you." I smiled and reached for more soup. "He needs a volunteer for the demonstration," she continued quickly. "I told them that you would do it. " She stopped and waited for a reaction. That's when I inhaled the soup. Dinner that evening took longer than usual, and for some reason I can only remember the soup. However, once committed I wanted some information about the process of Rolfing. George discussed it with me and left some material to read. I also questioned several of my friends. None had been Rolfed, but most of them had heard that it was painful. I asked George about this, and he said that most people tended to exaggerate when describing pain, and that it was more myth than fact. Nevertheless, not being fully convinced I spent the next week resigning myself to the fact that I could be facing a painful ordeal. The die had been cast. I was going to be Rolfed, and my friends would be watching. According to George's information, the first session was fairly gentle and enjoyable, but just in case, during my meditation on that day, I asked the Holy Spirit to ride "shot-gun " for me. I had read that Shirley MacLaine had been Rolfed and then went out on a limb to become one of the centuries brashest exponents of pop-mysticism. DaFree John upon completing his tenth session was seen running naked through Fiji proclaiming his complete enlightenment. After all, if this was so, what might happen to me. However, being of lessor convictions then they, and to be safe, I was depending on Holy Spirit to see me through. That evening I climbed on the table with wings of anticipation, but to my surprise and relief, George was quite gentle as he began the session. He explained to the guests what he was hoping to achieve (to loosen the fascial sheaths surrounding the muscles and to realign the tissue around the joints) with controlled pressure and direction. I began to feel pleasantly warm and relaxed as the session progressed. I was feeling no more discomfort or pain than that which I experience with deep tissue massage. In fact, when George asked me to walk about the room when the session was ended, I felt curiously light and free. My entire body glowed from the increased circulation. My energy level had increased dramatically, and I felt a youthful vitality that I had not experienced in many years. I resolved at that point, that come what may, I would complete the other nine sessions. Rolfing takes ten sessions that last one hour each for completion. It can be done in ten weeks or spaced over longer periods of time depending on the desires of the client. It has been described as a method by which structural integration is attained by manipulating connective tissue in an orderly process to bring all parts of the body into proper alignment. You might ask yourself, " who needs it, and why? " It is my understanding that when we place a part of the body under consistent stress, or suffer a severe and debilitating injury, we tend, to favor the injured part by making shifts or adjustments in our bodily positions. When we compensate by adjusting out body parts to ease the pain or strain, the body often becomes unbalanced or misaligned. The fascia or connective tissue, which contains and links the muscle tissue conforms to the new position to contain and hold it. The fascia then sets (hardens) into position forcing that part of the body out of alignment or structural exactitude. The body's automatic reaction to physical trauma by compensatory adjustment is, in my opinion, almost universal and found in all life forms as a reflexive, protective measure. However, with the human form we are able to realign or bring back into a more healthful position the misaligned body part by Rolfing. The chances of any of us passing through life without some physical or emotional trauma must be infinitesimal. Therefore, most of us, to a greater or lesser degree, go through life out of alignment, letting the pull of gravity tire us, experiencing dull aches and pains in joints and muscles, and maintaining a general and unexplained feeling of lassitude. A competent Rolfer can realign the affected body part by expertly manipulating the fascia, which is plastic-like and pliable, to conform to its original alignment. Once true alignment is achieved, the tissue sets and holds the corrected position permanently until further injury or stress occurs. To correct further misalignment, it is recommended that a maintenance session be repeated at least every twelve months. Yes, I've been Rolfed, by George! I completed the next nine sessions with hardly a whimper or grunt. With new age music playing and Holy Spirit riding 'shot gun' how could I miss? The pain was minimal, and I often floated with the music unaware of George or my body. At times, when he became a little too " savage ", I would return and let him know, "I can feel that." He would then ease up. I will admit, there were some "tender " areas that made me grunt; and that some sessions were more rigorous than others. However, with the help of music and lots of laughter (George and I joked quite often), I can really say that I enjoyed the total experience. You are probably wondering about the final results, the finished product, the fait d' accompli. Were they subtle or apparent, more inward or outward, more emotional than physical, temporary or lasting? I will say that I'm happy with what has been achieved (it's the best mess her Guruness has ever help need to create). I am both proud and pleased it happened this way. Looking into the mirror one day I noticed that my head was sitting straighter on my neck. Both shoulders were now parallel whereas the right one once sloped lower than the other. The right foot that pronated in an outward arc as I walked has been corrected. I neither toe in nor toe out. My chest muscles have been realigned, the puffiness around the diaphragm has disappeared. My stomach appears flatter. My right ear, which was noticeably lower than my left is now more closely aligned with it. My legs are straighter. My pelvis is once again in the right position helping me to stand straighter and to lessen the pull of gravity. I suppose the bottom line is that I not only feel great, but I am proud of the changes that occurred. I find myself more aware of my body than at any previous time--aware of how I walk, how I hold myself and last but not least how I feel mentally, emotionally and physically. In my new awareness I plan to take care of this body in every way... With proper nutrition, plenty of exercise an adequate rest. Oh yes, I'm going back to George for maintenance; and I won't wait for twelve months. This time I will be looking forward to the session with anticipation, and you know who'll be riding 'shot-gun' for me. Of course, does anyone accomplish anything without spirit"?