Went to my first Rolfing session today (thanks to Liz for idea!). The rolfer is Jennie and the action takes place in a 5th floor apartment in Pimlico. Jennie is very experienced manipulating bodies for 30+ years apparently and has worked with and is big friends with France in Geneva.
OK she started by taking 'convict' pictures so I can be reminded of what I used to be like. First impressions are that I had a 'toned' body but with some pelvic rotation.
Initial treatment consisted of laying on an electro magnetic mat to 'relax' me. Bit cynical about this after my experience with David Jones and developing EM equipment for the speedier hatching of chicks (didnt work!). Anyway Jennie then started, using 'old fashioned rolfing' basically felt like chinese burns (do kids still do them ?). Apparently the 'burn' was her slowly dragging out my body hairs!! on my upper chest side and under the arm (Pain level 5) she then moved to under my spine (bit like Pilates keeping pressure down) whilst concentrating on my breathing (Homework: try breathing into different spaces ie back, side etc) whilst she massaged the vertebra (pain level -1). Repeated on left side. Then I had to lay on my side whilst she tackled my hip area (Pain 7). The amazing thing is how quickly she notices when I lose focus and my mind starts wandering (very often) bit like being in a torture chamber, counting the brush marks in the ceiling.
Very interesting discussion about 'muscle fascia' and its use in rolfing. Also about not using shoulders (Excercise 2 - hang arms down side feeling weight at rear of arm).
Left feeling more opened up (says that my shoulder is very tight as well as area above hip - wait till she gets to my legs!)
Next one next week
2:16:16 PM 
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