How To Become A Rolfing California Practitioner

By Lila Bryant


As with acupuncture, chiropractics, massage and Reiki, a great deal of training is involved when desiring to become a rolfing practitioner. This is especially true when looking to become licensed in rolfing California. The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration is one of the best bets for those wishing to learn this amazing healing art.

Although, while chiropractics focus on skeletal aspects of the body, rolfing focuses on the fascia. The practice is based on a pattern of 10 treatments called a recipe. Many who work with these practitioners to alleviate pain, stress and emotional blockage indicate the benefits are far more reaching as well.

Massage provides a great deal of healing and relaxation; Rolfing on the other hand requires more intense pressure because it works to reshape and restructure this thin tissue. When receiving a treatment, practitioners often put the full force of body pressure so as to massage and manipulate each thin thread of skin tissue.

The recipe is split over ten sessions as the manipulation of these thin threads can also cause a great deal of soreness. As the threads run in different cross patterns, it is important to give each thread time to heal. Like with chiropractics, it is best to divide bodily manipulation into multiple sessions.

For individuals interested in becoming trained as practitioners without experience, the Foundations program offers all the building blocks necessary to learn the practice. Whereas, the Accelerated Foundations program is for those who hold certificates in massage, reiki or other healing arts. The Foundations program requires a high school diploma and 60 credits of higher education, whether through an extended education program, or online learning. Whereas, the Accelerated Foundations program requires having worked with a local professional for a few sessions, proof of work in other areas and a write up describing why one wishes to become a practitioner.

Research is mixed on benefits of the practice, many individuals claim the benefits are far more reaching than traditional medicine. As to how the practice works to help heal and transform the body, it is yet to be determined. One theory is that like with other forms of holistic medicine such as acupuncture and chiropractics, the body retains stress in different areas which is released during a session.

Before visiting a rolfing practitioner, it is best to check with a primary care provider or generalized holistic practitioner to assure it is safe to do so. While beneficial, it is a practice that can cause minor and major discomfort throughout the process. There is also a great deal of emotional work involved which has been known to bring past emotional traumas to the surface during the process.

Once a program is completed and one becomes a practitioner, there are still continuing education requirements every five to seven years. There is also a requirement that one become a member of the Rolf Institute. An annual membership is given to all graduates the first year with required annual fees in years following graduation. Membership allows one to use all the marks and services provided by the institute as long as the member remains in good standing.




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