Gravity is a constant force that affects every aspect of our lives, from the way we stand to how we move.
Despite its significance, its impact on our physical health is often overlooked. Rolfing® Structural Integration uniquely addresses the relationship between the human body and gravity, potentially offering profound benefits for those seeking alignment and balance.
The Role of Gravity in Body Alignment
Gravity impacts our posture, movement, and overall body function. Understanding gravity's role in our body mechanics is essential for maintaining physical, and therefore mental, well-being.
Misalignment with gravity can result in chronic tension, inefficient movement patterns, and substantial physical discomfort:
When we are out of alignment, gravity drags us down, just as it drags down a building that has lost its architectural integrity. Whether from poor posture, injury, illness or emotional distress, an unbalanced body is at war with gravity. We experience this war with gravity as pain, stress, and depleted energy.”
– Certified Advanced Rolfer® Jeffrey Maitland.
Dr. Ida Rolf, the pioneer of Rolfing® Structural Integration, recognised the fundamental role of gravity in body alignment. She believed that by aligning the body correctly within the field of gravity, one could achieve optimal health:
When the body gets working appropriately, the force of gravity can flow through. Then, spontaneously, the body heals itself."
– Dr. Ida P. Rolf
How Rolfing® Works with Gravity
Rolfing operates on several key principles as highlighted by Stephan Lautz: the body as a unit, the plasticity of fascia, and the influence of gravity. During Rolfing sessions, practitioners work to realign the body, so it functions harmoniously with gravity.
This involves manipulating the fascia—the connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs—to release tension and improve posture. Rolfing helps the body return to its natural alignment, allowing gravity to support rather than hinder movement.
“A Rolfer works with gravity. He understands the gravitational pull in everything that a human being does, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, from the moment he is conceived until the day the undertaker catches up with him. Gravity does not take a vacation.”
- Dr. Ida P. Rolf
Gravity: Rolfing's® Unique Approach
Rolfing® Structural Integration sets itself apart from other bodywork methods, not only through its focus on the interaction of all body elements and specialised fascial mobilisation techniques, but with its unique emphasis on integrating the entire body within the field of gravity.
Like many other approaches, Rolfing is capable of releasing the body from its restrictions, but unlike every other manipulative system, East or West, Rolfing is unprecedented in its being the first and only system to have conceived and succeeded in organizing the whole body in gravity.”
- Avadhan and Dick Larson
Most bodywork techniques aim to enhance body function. Rolfing® goes beyond this by addressing both bodily structure and function, focusing on aligning the body within the field of gravity:
“If [… ] we intervene in Rolfing by arranging the relationship patterns of the body elements, then we do so with the aim of adapting the sum of all these structures as optimally as possible to gravity. If there are no more blockages in the body, the force of gravity can flow unhindered through it. The client then has the impression that he can suddenly move easily, elegantly and effortlessly.”
– Stephan Lautz
Gravity is a fundamental force that shapes our bodies. Proper alignment with gravity through Rolfing offers numerous physical and mental benefits. These can include improved blood flow, reduced pain, increased energy, and enhanced movement efficiency. By working with gravity, Rolfing can help the body function more effectively, leading to a greater sense of well-being.
Discover how Rolfing® Structural Integration can help you align with gravity and enhance your quality of life!
Author: Sabine Becker
Sources:
- Jeffrey Maitland: Rolfing® Structural Integration. The Whole-Body Approach to Well-being. Published in Massage Magazine, July 2012
- Stephan Lautz: Gravity and Rolfing
- Avadhan and Dick Larson: How Gravity Affects Your Body and its Relation to Rolfing
Learn more about Rolfing® Structural Integration.
Find a Rolfer® or Rolf Movement™ Practitioner near you
More information on how to become a Certified Rolfer®.
Curious for more?
Sign up for our newsletter and receive regular information about Rolfing® Structural Integration.
