“Rolfing’s foundation is simple: Most humans are significantly out of alignment with gravity, although we function better when we are lined up with the gravitation field.”

Named after its founder, “Rolfing” is a system of gravity-based soft tissue manipulation and movement education that was developed in the 1950s. Rolfing fans and practitioners (called “Rolfers”) claim that it improves posture and movement through the correction of “soft tissue fixations or improper tonus.” Ida P. Rolf, a biochemist turned physical therapist, extensively studied osteopathy, homeopathy, chiropractic medicine and yoga during the 1930s. Dr. Rolf claimed that she found a link between muscular tension and suppressed emotions, and developed Rolfing in response. In sum, Rolfers believe a properly aligned body is able to harness the force of gravity for its own well being, increasing energy, improving overall health and leading to a positive state of mind.

However, Rolfing goes further than chiropractic medicine in that it claims that both physical and emotional health depend on the proper alignment of the body. Moreover, unlike chiropractic medicine, Rolfing involves the alignment of much more than the spine: the head, ankles, hips, thorax, pelvis, shoulders, knees, etc. all much be configured in the proper way in order to fully counteract the negative effects of gravity.

However, despite glowing testimonials from Rolfers, a 2004 review of the practice found that, “there is no evidence-based literature to support Rolfing in any specific disease group.” Rolfers defend the efficacy of the practice, claiming that the “proof” lies in the fact that everyone manifests patterned tension in the muscles of some part of their body, and that releasing this tension helps to improve a person’s overall sense of wellness. Of course, this defense could hold true for any type of massage, and doesn’t necessarily demonstrate why Rolfing is any more effective at relieving tension than any old backrub…..

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