what is rolfing massage

Rolfing, also known as Rolfing Structural Integration (SI), is a form of alternative medicine developed by Ida Rolf. It involves a series of ten hands-on physical manipulation sessions, which are sometimes referred to as "the recipe." Practitioners use deep manipulation of the bodys soft tissue to realign and balance the bodys myofascial structures, with the belief that such alignment can result in improved movement, breathing, pain reduction, stress reduction, and emotional changes. Rolfing aims to restore flexibility, revitalize energy, and leave individuals feeling more comfortable in their bodies. It is marketed with unproven claims of various health benefits and is based on the unproven belief that aligning the body with the Earths gravitational field can benefit the bodys "energy field." However, it is important to note that the safety and effectiveness of Rolfing have not been confirmed, and it has been characterized as pseudoscience and quackery. Rolfing differs from massage in that it is a full-body protocol aimed at elongating fascia across the entire body and aims for structural change rather than just temporary relief.