STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION
The many benefits of multi-layered body work (Rolfing)
Structural Integration also known as Rolfing1is a body realignment and reeducation
method. It consists of stretching and moving the connective tissue that envelopes the
muscles (fascia) in order to lengthen and balance the body along its natural, vertical axis.
Distortions of the connective tissue may be caused by reaction and compensation due to
accidents, emotional tension, or past traumas that have never been released. A compete
Structural Integration treatment consists of a series of ten sessions progressing from
superficial to deeper layers of tissue, and from localized areas of constriction to an
overall reorganization of larger body segments. If more treatment is required, clients may
return for advanced sessions.
Who is doing it?
Structural Integration is for anyone who’s experienced trauma and knows it’s limited
them in some way and wants to be released. My clients have included doctors, nurses,
professional and amateur athletes, massage therapists, artists, car accident victims, and
recipients of major surgery.
Erik McWilliams, received his certification from the Guild for Structural Integration in
Boulder, Colorado, and has done post-graduate work in this specialty. He has also studied
massage therapy and myo-fascia release. He was accepted by the China Academy of
Traditional Chinese Medicine, and began his study of Qigong at Xiyuan Hospital in
Beijing in 2000. Since then Erik has graduated from The Chinese Healing Arts Center’s
Medical Qi Gong program, and has continued his post-graduate studies in Qi Gong for
the past nine years. In 2006 Erik received his Master of Science in Oriental Medicine
from SAMRA University of Oriental Medicine in Los Angles, California.
What benefits do his clients reap?
They say its like jumping into a younger body. People report that they sleep and move
better. The pains they had grown accustomed to are gone.
Who is qualified?
Individuals training in Structural Integration must have an extensive background in
biology and the behavioral sciences, as well as professional experience in body
manipulation.
When a student is accepted into the Guild for Structural Integration, he or she participates
in small, personalized classes. They agree, in writing, to get advanced training within five
1
Rolfing is a registered trademark of the Rolf Institute
years of their original certification. A Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice governs
graduates of the Guild.
The Guild publishes a directory of Certified Structural Integration Practitioners
throughout the country, and is free for the asking. To acquire a directory or fine out more
about training, contact the Guild at P.O. Box 1559, Boulder, CO 80306; (303) 447-0122,
or visit them online at www.rolfguild.org. To reach the author Erik S. McWilliams please
call (310) 351-1380 or visit www.AlternativeDr.com and type in his name in the
practitioners box to find out more about his practice in Westchester, CA.