"Gravity is the Tool. Gravity is the Therapist"---Dr. Ida.P. Rolf

Goals and Benefits—Structural Integration is the name Dr. Ida P. Rolf gave to her original approach to health and well being. The main goal is to balance the whole body, head to toe, within gravity. As Dr. Rolf said…”When the body gets working appropriately, the force of gravity can flow through. Then, spontaneously, the body heals itself.”

Gradually, gracefully the body evolves to a noticeably easy, balanced, symmetrical, and effortlessly upright stance. Chronic pains and stress associated with bodily imbalances resolve spontaneously. Relief of symptoms is a byproduct of the main goal of aligning the body with the force of gravity. Also, looking beyond therapeutic concerns, having a balanced body is a foundation for personal growth, peak physical performance, full artistic expression, and self discovery.

People of all ages, varying backgrounds, and different levels of ability will get wonderful lasting benefits. It is a foundational life lesson for living well. This is especially true for children. They take away an unambiguous engrained sense of true balance to support them to grow up unimpeded, to stay healthy, to live fully, and to reach whatever goals they choose for themselves.

How Structural Integration Works—Structural Integration is formatted as a series of 10 weekly sessions. Each is tailored to your individual needs and guided by a specific set of structural anatomical goals. There is gentle, sculptural manipulation of the soft connective tissue and movement education. Structural Integration is peerless and definitive. It is not a substitute for appropriate medical attention or other therapies; it is complementary. Balancing your body with gravity activates and supports your innate ability to be healthy, effective, and to grow to your fullest potential.

Balance and Gravity—Balance is central to health. Indeed, health means balance. Reflect on how the human body must find its balance on this Earth. Just like every other physical object the body is under the constant pull of gravity. In fact, it is the single most prominent physical force the human body has to deal with. There is a direct link between how your body stacks up in gravity and the level of your health, well being, and effectiveness. The architectural design of the body calls for left/right symmetries, with the major segments stacked up vertically one on top of the other. Yet, as Dr. Rolf observed, being out of balance in this basic way is so commonplace it goes unnoticed. What is usual are unique, random, imbalanced patterns and their associated compensations. When we do see the rare individual who enjoys truly normal balance we are moved by the self evident ease, power, presence, and grace. We intuitively recognize this as our birthright. It is something we want for ourselves.

For Your Consideration—Take a moment and imagine feeling free and easy in your body. Moving with power, presence and grace. Your body in good order and free of unnecessary restrictions. Feeling good. Looking good. Empowered to do your best, to be your best. Invigorated to realize your full potential for sound health, well being, growth and achievement. These are some of the possibilities with Structural Integration.

Next Steps—Certainly, the idea of living in balance makes sense. However, learning structural balance as a youngster or reestablishing such balance when you are an adult does take doing. But, isn’t real growth about transforming yourself, applying yourself to turn your goals and aspirations into realities? When you decide to take this next step, Dr. Ida P. Rolf Method Structural Integration will give you definitive, personalized assistance.

What You Have Here…

The Most

Significant

Practical

Diagnostic Tool

In the History of the Universe!

Oh, YES! Read On…

The vertical line of gravity defines sound architecture.

In Architecuture and the trades it's called "Plumb and Square".

This is also true for the make up of the human body.

Could you be out of balance with the simple and obvious dictates of gravity?

If you were a pizza, would the toppings be sliding off?

Worried the predicted earth polar shift might find you standing beside yourself?

What’s your bet on the fate of the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

If you followed your nose, would you be going uphill or down?

CONSIDER… How imbalances in the arrangement of the body are an underlying cause of chronic aches and pains and stress. Or, at least, contributors. They block your everyday effectiveness. Drain your energy. Keep you from your full potential in physical and creative pursuits.

Living with imbalances in the makeup of your body means only one thing… YOU ARE IN VIOLATION OF THE LAW OF GRAVITY! (No need to call the cops. You are already under arrest.) Unwrap gum…chew…enjoy. Twist open paper clip. Attach a 60-inch (or so) length of string to small end (top) of clip. Pause to admire your handiwork. Let this gizmo hang on or near a full length mirror.

To see if you are out of balance in this most fundamental, but mostly overlooked way...do this:

GET THIS... One large mirror. Some string. A paper clip. And, a stick of gum.
DO THIS… Unwrap gum…chew…enjoy. Twist open paper clip. Attach a 60-inch (or so) length of string to small end (top) of clip. Pause to admire your handiwork. Let this gizmo hang on or near a full length mirror.


STEP FORWARD… Standing in front of the mirror place your body so that the vertical string lines up with the center of your nose. It’s best to remove your outer clothes for this. (IMPORTANT: Remember to lock the door for privacy sake.)


TAKE A LOOK… Is there more of your body on one side of the line? One shoulder higher…or lower? Larger…or smaller? Hips level? Legs straight? Knees pointing directly ahead? Feet parallel? Now from the side…Is your head on top of your neck/shoulder, or jutting forward? Are you leaning forward? Waist horizontal, or tipped forward? If you align the center of your ear with the line of gravity (same as that string thing), does it scribe a line down to the middle of your ankle?Standing in front of the mirror place your body so that the vertical string lines up with the center of your nose. It’s best to remove your outer clothes for this. (IMPORTANT: Remember to lock the door for privacy sake.)

IMAGINE… Living in true, natural balance. Your body stacked up along the simple vertical. Relaxed and easy. Unencumbered by the pull of gravity. That is the natural pattern. Who wouldn’t want that? But, now to do something about it. You know, it’s in you.

SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW!... Spend more time in your body’s natural pattern.


Sitting − Don’t slouch over what you’re doing. Sit up straight. Keep your head over your    shoulders (not in front). Bring your work up to eye level.


Walking − Walk with your feet/toes going straight ahead. Allow your arms to swing free and easy. Let your body twist naturally.


Standing − Distribute the weight of your body equally between both feet. Back your weight off your toes. Point the top of your head skyward. Let your waist move back a little. Drop that old habit of pulling your shoulders back. Instead, let your arms/shoulders rest easy on your rib cage.


These suggestions are rudementary. But, first see to making them conscious
habits. In very short order your body will readjust to a new, healthier pattern. There are lots more tips, but this for starters.

PERSONALIZED ASSISTANCE?… Rolf Structural Integration is definitive and peerless for bringing the makeup of the body to an effortlessly upright, unstressed, balanced stance. Think integrity, power, ease, grace, presence. The power and genius of this approach is how in a very short time such profound constructive change can be achieved.

AT YOUR SERVICE... David D. Wronski has several year’s experience in transformational life coaching. He is expert at effectively working with individuals of all ages and varying backgrounds to foster positive life change for everyday effectiveness, peak physical performance, refined artistic expression, and freedom from pains and stress.

“My recommendation for anyone who sparks to the idea of becoming consciously active in raising the level of balance of their body...First do all the things that you already know you should do to improve your health. Spend some time regularly sitting straight and relaxed, doing nothing, and observe how things tend to start to resolve themselves from a simple receptivity in that place of simple balance. To keep yourself from mental distractions try following the flow of the breath. Better, and the simplest, sit focused on presence awareness. Also, do consider some active discipline such as yoga or tai chi. Low impact cardiovascular exercise like brisk walking, swimming. Ready for more, call give me a call”

Frequently Asked Questions About Structural Integration

What can I expect?

The first session begins with a discussion of your goals and an evaluation of your structure and movement patterns. Your medical history is discussed to highlight areas of particular emphasis and to clear for contraindications. Instant photos are taken to follow before and after progress. The first visit takes 90 minutes; subsequent sessions, an hour to 75 minutes. You can expect to be active during the sessions with coached movements, directed breathing, and focusing on internal awareness. Between sessions you may feel ongoing shifts in balance and awareness. It is not uncommon for clients to experience changes in their emotional life, generally leading to an improved sense of well-being.

Why ten sessions?The soft connective tissue system forms a whole continuous network from head to toe. Imbalances in one area of the body form complex patterns of compensation throughout the body. In order to achieve lasting results the series is needed to thoroughly address the whole structure in a systematic way.

How often should I come?
Sessions can be scheduled a week apart or spread out over 5 to 6 months. There is no set rule. Each session builds on the work of the previous. Between visits previous session changes are being integrated. Scheduling sessions one to two weeks apart is optimal to maintain continuity and momentum in the process.

What should I wear?It is important for me to see your physical structure and to observe the changes that occur during the session. Typical attire is modest underwear or athletic wear (plus top for women). You comfort is primary and you are encouraged to wear what you feel is appropriate for you.

Ten sessions - isn’t that expensive?It’s a question of your priorities and the value you see in doing this. Structural Integration is an investment in one’s long term health and well being. Think of it as a whole body make-over. The take away is tangible and lasts a lifetime. My fee for adults is $225 per session, payable at the time. Rates are lower for children, pre-teens, and students. Community service grants are available to those in need.

Does the series need to be repeated?
The Basic Structural Integration 10 series does not need to be repeated. Many clients report continued improvements in posture and movement long after their series is completed. It is recommended that no further work be schedules for 6 months to a year after the initial series. You can come back periodically for a “tune up” session(s) depending on need. There is also a 5 session Advanced Series for those motivated to further refine their development.

Does insurance cover Structural Integration?
First check with your insurance company to see if they will cover Structural Integration, Dr. Ida P. Rolf Method. In New Jersey practitioners are required to be licensed under the Massage and Bodywork Therapist Law. A doctor's referral may also be acceptable to your insurer. I will have you pay for the session at the time of service and then provide a statement so you can make the claim.

Does it hurt?Structural Integration does not have to feel painful. In fact, it should feel good. The sensation is one of being sculpted, tissue moving, pain and stiffness releasing. My touch varies from the very subtle to sometimes firm and dynamic. There can be a range of intensity from a level you can easily accept, sometimes so subtle that you hardly notice it, or to the point where you automatically resist. The practitioner and the client are in a dialogue, a cooperative relationship. From the very beginning of the series I make sure my clients understand their feedback is included and necessary. If at any time the sense of touch is unacceptable, you simply communicate whatever your needs so I can adjust appropriately, or stop.

What is “integration”?In one sense the body is integrated when the parts fit as they should by anatomical design. Like all other physical structures the human body operates under the influence of gravity. The constant pull of gravity is the single most prominent physical force the body has to deal with. Therefore, integration in the fullest sense is achieved when the individual human energy field aligns with gravity, the energy field of the earth.

What is “correct” or “normal” body structure?Structure refers to relationships, where things are designed to go. The major body segments—the head, neck, shoulders, torso, pelvis, legs, and feet—are designed to stack up directly over one another vertically. When there is balance, the left and right sides are symmetrical. By definition from basic Anatomy and Physics there is correct structure when the body stacks up vertically, with left/right symmetry and front to back horizontality.

How do people get out of balance?It is commonly understood that we automatically get bigger and stronger as we grow up. However, the arrangement of the body—the way the parts of the body fit together, the structure—doesn’t come about spontaneously. That is learned. In this regard we are mostly self-taught! Add to that accidents and traumas, illness, bad habits, inadequate learning and it becomes understandable how we are shaped by our experiences.

The average person lives with the body weight shifted away from the central vertical axis. Since the body is broader at the top than below when imbalances exist gravity tends to pull it down. Dr. Rolf said this: “Some individuals may perceive their losing fight with gravity as a sharp pain in their back, others as the unflattering contour of their body, others as a constant fatigue, yet others as an unrelentingly threatening environment. Those over 40 may call it old age. And yet these signals may be pointing to a single problem so prominent in their own structure, as well as others, that it has been ignored. They are at war with gravity.

What does it compare it to?
Every approach to human health and wellness is built on a particular model and method of approach. There are benefits to each and situations where one or the other is the appropriate choice. Structural Integration has a whole body structural perspective. The main goal is to balance the entire body, head to toe, along the lines of gravity. As such it is peerless and definitive. By balancing the soft tissue tensions throughout the entire musculoskeletal system the relationships of the various parts normalize, with the major body segments stacked up vertically and the sides symmetrical.

Physical Therapy…Physical Therapy is modeled on the idea of joint flexibility and strengthening musculature in and around an affected area(s). Structural Integration has to do with creating balance in the opposing tensions in the myo-fascial (muscular-soft connective tissue) system throughout the entire body.

Hatha Yoga…Structural Integration has much in common with yoga. I highly recommend it to my clients. It is said that Dr. Rolf considered yoga to be the best exercise system ever devised (with the proviso that the student worked with a good teacher). However, Dr. Rolf believed that something other than yoga—like hands-on manipulation—was needed to fully free the structure and achieve ultimate length and separation in the joints. For the beginning and intermediate yoga student Structural Integration can speed up and facilitate progress. For the advanced practitioner there are real opportunities for discovering new aspects of your being and accessing areas you may have been avoiding or unconsciously working around. Those who know have claimed that "20 years of hatha yoga is equal to the 10 session series of Structural Integration. "

Psychotherapy…Many schools of psychotherapy recognize the body (somatic) factor. The shape and health of the body affect one’s psychological makeup and experience of living. Structural Integration releases chronic pain and stress. One’s confidence, self image, and expressiveness are enhanced out of the simple event of standing easy and effortlessly upright. Clients’ before and after photos very often clearly show positive changes relative to maturity, stature, self confidence, and attention/presence.

Chiropractic…Chiropractic therapy focuses on boney relationships, particularly the alignment of the bones of the spine and individual joints. That method typically uses high velocity thrusting methods. With Structural Integration balance in the soft connective tissue system is the primary consideration. Unless the strain and tension in the soft tissue are balanced, however, the bones will continue to be pulled out of alignment. Structural Integration employs slower sustained pressures and works on the entire soft tissue matrix. After Structural Integration, when there is a need Chiropractic adjustments, the changes tend to come about more easily with deeper and longer lasting results. Balancing the tensions in the soft tissue network of the body allows the bones to stay in their proper relationship.

Who is it for?People of all ages and varying levels of physical ability and background will get wonderful lasting benefits. The singular benefit of Structural Integration is a balanced body. You experience it for yourself and the advantages are self evident. It feels at once right and familiar. It lasts. And it is not static. It evolves and refines over time. As your body begins to show signs of a higher order of structural balance, there is a profound sense of ease, lots of energy, and a joyful realization of new possibility. The impulse to realize your personal best is invigorated. This is something you own. It becomes a condition from which you live your whole life. You say, “I feel great! I feel wonderful!”

The Average Individual…Posture improves markedly. Movements are graceful and flexible. Tensions leave and chronic aches and pains dissolve. The so-called effects of aging soften and your look and feel vital again. There is the simple feeling of things working right. Self image is enhanced with a feeling of new possibility. Habits and addictions lose their grip. The mind is clear and emotions are more accessible.

Children…While Structural Integration is a powerful therapeutic tool, its main objective is educational. Children should be given an adequate experientially based training in the basic workings and correct use of their bodies. Looked at to correct obvious problems or as a preventative measure Structural Integration it is wholly worthwhile. Yet, it is far more that that. It is a lesson on how to stay young, to become all that you have in you to be. It offers a tangible understanding for living a balanced life.

If you have children in you care, you surely spend a good deal of time, energy, and money to provide the best education and give them every opportunity. Not even in what are considered to be the finest schools or in all the other special classes children receive, is there much enlightened teaching of the basic physical skills—standing, sitting, waking, how to use the body is a way that continues to foster balance, ease, efficiency and effectiveness. “Head up, chin down, shoulders back, chest up, stomach it” is still usual. This idea is not consistent with the dictates of proper structure. What’s more, it is a pattern that is “put on” and totally fails at having good structure and posture developed as an innate experience coming from deep down inside oneself. Having an early on sense of vertical alignment and true balance is a reference with which children can grow up unimpeded. It is a pivotal advantage enabling them to excel in life in general and in whatever fields thy may choose to enter and explore.

Physical Fitness / Athletics…If you are involved in physical fitness and athletics, whatever your level, you will discover new possibility to advance. When the body is no longer carrying imbalances, inner frictions resolve. You are less prone to injury. Recovery time is faster. Your most natural and efficient basic form emerges. You can take on the form(s) demanded by the discipline of your particular activity more easily. The need to compensate is taken out of the picture. Performance improves. The “zone” can be your usual experience rather than an elusive, chance event. Winning won’t only be the goal, it’ll be the stance you play from.
Artists…The artist will uncover new refinements and range of creative expression. The body as an instrument in exquisite balance “plays” in tune and expresses itself easily and gracefully. Transcending the technique of your medium, letting your spirit soar, real mastery can come into view. This joy and freedom is communicated in your art.

Self Knowledge…Those questing for self discovery, striving to attain to wisdom and true understanding will find through Structural Integration a lifetime guide. Out of a simple and clear sense of earthly rootedness and deep inner uplifted support, obstacles clear up just in the process of life itself. Your birthright of peace and joy can unfold and manifest. Feet firmly on the ground, head lifted heavenward.

The Functionally Impaired…Individuals with severe functional restrictions from birth or due to accident or trauma are groups with specialized needs. For those who since birth have never even known average functioning, the slightest gains can often be counted as miraculous. Building back adequate structure and function after one has sustained substantial loss from injury or illness can be a slow, heroic process.
In many cases the progress from any approach is highly individual and not predictable. Structural Integration, either alone or in conjunction with some other therapeutic regimen, will at the very least be an important facilitator. It also could quite possibly make the critical difference. It has often been a successful “last resort” option where other approaches were of little or no help.

Rolfing New Jersey
Rolfer New Jersey
Structural Integration New Jersey
Rolfing Montclair, New Jersey
Rolfer Montclair, New Jersey
Structural Integration Montclair, New Jersey

Structural Integration for Children

(Excellent video at end of article.)

Finding one’s balance in the world is part and parcel to growing up healthy, being effective, and enjoying life. There is an ineluctable relationship between the architectural balance of the body in gravity and the quality of one’s life. Simple bodily balance has a profound, yet underappreciated effect on one’s health, experience of living, well being, and effectiveness. The balance of your body, its verticality and symmetry, determines whether gravity is friend or foe. Even so, this fundamental consideration for such balance—how well the body stacks up in gravity—goes mostly overlooked. 

Most of us do not enjoy living at anywhere near our natural potential for the kind of simple balance necessary to live in harmony with this constant force. The human body is just like any other structure on this Earth. It is subject to the downward pull of gravity. To ignore this or leave it to chance is to place oneself in default for putting up with chronic pain and stress and living below your potential, having vital energy needlessly expended just to keep upright and hold together.

Structural Integration is a individualized training to foster a significantly more balanced arrangement in the makeup of the body along the lines of gravity. Chronic pains and stress melt away as the body becomes more vertical, symmetrical, and effortlessly upright. Properly understood, Structural Integration is not a therapy. It is educational, a training in living with the foundation of being balanced according to the body’s anatomical design and the dictates of the laws of physics.

Children need to be given an adequate education in the basic workings and correct uses of their bodies. It is obvious that we automatically get bigger and stronger as we grow up. However, balance in how the parts of the body come to fit together doesn’t come about spontaneously. That is learned. In this regard we are mostly self-taught. We find our way in this respect by trial and error and by modeling those around us. Add in a unique personal history of accidents and traumas not fully resolved, bad habits that become ingrained, and improper and/or limited training. We are shaped by our experience. The resulting random arrangement of the body with its complex of compensations rooted firmly throughout the fabric of the body is what the average individual takes for granted and reports as “who I am.”

Youngsters have youth on their side. For the most part they are healthy. Consequently, we don’t usually give too much attention to their structure or how it will affect them later in life. Structural Integration looked at only as a preventative measure is wholly worthwhile. Yet, it is far more that that. It is a lesson on how to stay young, to become all that you have in you to be. It offers a tangible understanding for living a balanced life. This tangible balance is an ingrained knowledge that colors everything you do. It lasts and further develops over time.

If you have children in your care, you surely spend a good deal of time, energy, and money to provide the best education and give them every opportunity. Not even in what are considered to be the finest schools or in all the other special classes children receive, is there much enlightened teaching of the basic physical skills—correct standing, sitting, walking, how to use the body in ways that continue to foster balance, ease, efficiency and effectiveness. “Head up, chin down, shoulders back, chest up, stomach in is what usually suffices. That idea is not consistent with the dictates of proper structure. What’s more, it is a pattern that is “put on” and totally fails at having good structure and posture developed as an innate experience coming from deep down inside oneself.

Correct bodily balance translates to improved overall physical performance in basic motor skills and in athletics. The body moves with authenticity, ease, grace, and self evident power. Inner frictions are reduced lessening the potential for injuries. Recovery from injury and trauma is faster and residual effects minimized. The body in tune is an instrument ready for fluent and full artistic expression. Psychologically, living with a truly balanced body supports being present and attentive. Think inner strength, self-confidence, self reliance. It’s about literally standing on one’s own two feet, having a trusty compass for finding one’s way effectively and creatively.

Having an early on sense of vertical alignment and true balance is a reference with which children can grow up unimpeded. It is a pivotal advantage enabling them to excel in life in general and in whatever fields they may choose to enter and explore. They take away an unambiguous engrained sense of true balance to support them to grow up unimpeded, to stay healthy, to live fully, and to reach whatever goals they choose for themselves.

Gravity and Aging

Gravity and Aging…Word “Up”!

My approach to health is based on balance. Balance in Gravity. That's Rolf Structural Integration. I’m also for approaches which stand for everybody using the innate resources at hand to empower and enrich their lives. As Henny Youngman might say…"Take gravity, please."

Dr. Ida P. Rolf saw chronic symptoms such as pain and stress, fatigue, poor self-image, early aging as “…signals pointing to a single problem so prominent in their own structure, as well as others, that it has been ignored. They are at war with gravity.” 

She developed an approach that offers personalize assistance to individuals to live effortlessly upright, stress free, and supported by the energy field of the earth itself. Her big idea: "Gravity is the tool. Gravity is the therapist."

Imagine that. Talk about deep ecology! The force of Gravity itself is a vast untapped, universally available and ever ready natural resource for human health and wellness. 

An old friend of mine recently (finally!) got it about Gravity and said, “It’s amazing that with all the interest in ecology and natural living nobody’s talking about Gravity.” (Much less doing anything with it, I would add.) We certainly wouldn’t buy that house if the foundation was off and the walls were cracking. Or drive down the street with our front end out of alignment. At Pisa I’ll let you take my picture next to the tower; but, no way am I going up there. But when it comes to our own physical architecture — how our bodies stack up in respect to the basic dictates of Gravity — we don’t look at our own stance in Gravity, how our own bodies stack up. 

My friend suggested that I write a piece on “Gravity and aging”. So here we are. Thanks, buddy.

There is a problem with talking about Gravity as such. Gravity is the most prominent physical force the body has to deal with. It is also so constant and ubiquitous and ever present in our life that it’s not noticed. Perhaps we’re reminded of its being there when we drop something or take a spill ourselves. Mainly it doesn’t register. It’s as if you asked a fish, “how’s the water?” “What water?” Imagine if human beings were adapted to gravity to the same degree as the fish are to the sea. If dolphins can leap into the air, what can you imagine humans could leap into? Art Bell listeners, stay tuned.

So what about Gravity and aging, you ask? Simply this … doesn’t it make just plain common sense that if you are not spending energy keeping yourself up, keeping yourself together, that you have more of it for living? You got to be in it to win it, though. And when your body is in balance along the lines of Gravity you will discover its inner secret: It uplifts you. It is supportive, nourishing. It energizes. You feel great. You live well. And you last longer too.

Now that you’re all convinced that you should have more Gravity in your life, now what to do? (While I offer clients personal assistance to balance their bodies along the simple lines of gravity, my aim in writing this is to give some pointers that will get you started. Should you want a helping hand, there are qualified practitioners in my field and in so many others that you can call on.) 

My Rx: This may seem a little strange to you at first; but you gotta try it. Just like when you drive your car you pay attention to the road (unless you’re one of those with a cell phone glued to your ear), so from now on—are you ready–feel your feet. That’s right, feel your feet.

Your feet are the foundation of your body, literally. By always feeling your feet you will start creating the habit of paying attention to your body. Such mindfulness will become an ingrained habit. It will grow to the point where you will become conscious of the felt sense of your whole body and the feelings that are moving through it. That’s when you will also be able to be aware of the signals your body gives when it is out of balance in gravity or any other way. Then you can make the necessary adjustments yourself. Comfortable, relaxed is the hallmark of living in balance. It’s in you. Go there. 

PISA UPDATE

OR…

STRAIGHTEN UP, ALREADY!

So, you ask, what about the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

Did you know that by 1990 the Pisa tower was leaning by nearly 4 ½ meters off center. Scientists have so far removed a small amount of soil from the base and the structure came back nearly 2 ½ centimeters. Centimeters!? They plan to remove 50 cubic meters more and expect that this will cause it to come back another ½ meter. This is predicted to add another 350 years to the tower’s life!

If you look at your body in basic architectural terms…compared to a simple vertical line… how do you stack up? If you visited Pisa, would you blend in? Does your body look more like a question mark than an exclamation point? Are you zagging when you want to be zigging? Should we call the Ministry of Silly Walks? If you were a pizza, would the topping slide off? Does the girl next door like you just the way your are?…Next door! Huh, bunky?

Seriously, how our bodies stack up in the earth’s energy field, gravity, makes a lot a difference in the quality of our health and aliveness. We mostly don’t pay much attention to this “gravity factor” in our day-to-day living. Unless, if we accidentally drop something or have a spill; then, gravity asserts itself quickly and quite emphatically. So as we age we find ourselves too quickly breaking down and in need of all kinds of unnecessary outside supports. We live below our normal potentials.

Good news! We have choice. And it’s right at hand. Now, just to do it! Synchronizing yourself with the earth’s great energy field is easy. Stand up straight, already. Sit upright, with dignity. Move consciously and be present with the simple messages gravity is giving you in your felt sense of things. Like mamma said, “don’t slouch.

Yours In Gravity,

David D. Wronski

And, oh yes, there is something more…

It’s called Structural Integration, The Ida P. Rolf Method. I have been an enthusiastic practitioner of this craft since 1981 when I was certified by the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration. This unique approach to health and wellness offers personalized assistance should you want to take the matter of balancing your body with gravity to a higher level.

Structural Integration offers significant lasting benefits for people of all ages with different abilities and backgrounds. It is a personalized training to raise the level of balance in the architectural make up of the body. The body becomes noticeably easy, unstressed, and effortlessly upright. In proper alignment with gravity chronic pains and stress resolve automatically. It invigorates you to realize your full potential for sound health, well being, growth, and achievement. A balanced body is a solid foundation for self discovery, peak physical performance, and full artistic expression. The experience is vital and fresh. You move with grace, ease, power, and presence.

Rolfing New Jersey
Rolfer New Jersey
Structural Integration New Jersey
Rolfing Montclair, New Jersey
Rolfer Montclair, New Jersey
Structural Integration Montclair, New Jersey

Rolf Talks Golf

Rolf Talks Golf

I channeled Ida Rolf. What?...Who?...Whether or not you’re into such stuff or whether you give a hoot about the game of golf, please read on. Dr. Rolf says makes some sense. Even for the non-golfer.

Dr. Ida P. Rolf founded Structural Integration. She had solid scientific credentials in Bio-Chemistry. She researched the causes and cures of chronic disease. Out of her findings she developed and then taught a unique approach to human health and well being. Her teaching now lives on in several accredited schools. 

The main goal of Structural Integration is to restore and evolve the body to its natural balance along the lines of Gravity. It is possible to do this because the human body is plastic; it can change. And, just like any other structure on this earth, the human body is subject to the force of Gravity. So it makes sense that when the body is more symmetrical and stacked up vertically it should work better. Right?

As a long-time student of the work of Dr. Ida P. Rolf I think I may have imbibed at least a little of her essence. That’s where the channeling stuff comes in. Who knew? In the spot where I work her picture looms just over my shoulder. Listen to what she whispered into my ear. (Why golf? One of my friends who I’m inviting to come in for Structural Integration is a golfer. So relating the work to his interest was on my mind. Even if you’re not a golfer, see if what she says doesn’t also apply to you in some way.)

Ida was famously blunt in pointing out that most people live out of balance with respect to the demands of Gravity. In her words, “they are at war with Gravity.” (If you look at yourself and others you’ll see whether what she is saying is true.)

Ok, Dr. Rolf, what’s on your mind?

“I just don’t get it about those golfers. All that fuss about pushing a little ball around on the grass. To each his own. They spend so much time and so much money on what not and whatever. Lessons. Books. Equipment. Play, play, play. Practice, practice, practice. Well, I will concede all that gets some improvement by and by. Some, anyway. By … and … by.

The one thing that those … duffers … haven’t seemed to have stumbled upon is taking a good long look at the complete picture. The body itself and how it’s put together is a big part of what goes into the game. The human body in structural terms is supposed to work with the force of Gravity. That calls for architectural balance — symmetry and verticality. But, if you bother to look, you’ll see that the average person lives with the centers of Gravity of the major segments of the body slipped out from the central axis. As for symmetry…you may have an arm and a leg on each side, but how different they are! Goodness, gracious! A lot of energy, time, and expense is invested in lessons and equipment trying to compensate for some of those obvious but unrecognized physical imbalances. 

Why not do something to get the body itself into proper alignment in the first place! I didn’t make this stuff up, folks. I didn’t create a problem just so I would have something to fix. Take a look at yourself in the mirror. See for yourself what I’m talking about.

Your body is in balance or it isn’t. Usually a little of both. People at the top of their game in athletics and the arts already know how important cultivating physical balance is. How about the average Joe … And Joanne? If you were a putter, would anybody buy one? Would you? Are you hoping for yet another design gimmick so you can go get another big bucks driver?

So if I’ve offended your tender ego by suggesting that you take a firm grasp of the obvious, get over it. Suck it up and do something about it. You don’t have to go see David. He’s a nice boy, but he’s big bucks. Just think about what I’m telling you. You’ll know what to do. Your aunty Ida loves you. Now straighten up!”

Whew! Thank you Dr. Rolf, ma’am. You said what I was afraid to say myself. Thanks for the compliment too. I think.