1: What was troubling you before you began Rolfing (stiff shoulders, low-back pain, and so on)?
Low-back pain, stiff shoulders, and tightness in my neck. I had a strong habit of carrying my weight on the outer edges of my heels, and for years I had wanted to change it.
2: After the ten sessions, what was resolved, or what did you notice?
The weight on the outer heels, which I mentioned above, changed completely. It was not something that would shift just because I wanted it to, so this astonished me. And having finished the ten sessions, I feel as though a single, clean medial line has formed through the middle of my body. Along with that, the stiff shoulders, the low-back pain, and the tightness in my neck have all eased considerably.
There was a large change on the mental side as well. Nothing psychological was dealt with in the sessions as such, but as my posture changed and space opened up inside my body, I think the same change happened in my mind. I have become more honest with myself, and I feel closer to the natural state I would want to be in.
Naturally, the changes in my body and mind began to show in my relationships with the people around me, and I was able to greatly improve a relationship with someone I had been in trouble with. I am certain that the change in me through Rolfing is what set it off.
Separately from Rolfing, the Source Point Therapy I received during the sessions was also very good. My own capacity to heal was drawn out, and my body seemed to come into order by itself; it appeared to suit me very well. Receiving ten sessions with Rolfing and Source Point combined was a truly, truly luxurious way to spend that time.
3: Who would you want to recommend Rolfing to?
Everyone, regardless of occupation, age, or gender. People who feel something is wrong with their body, of course, but also those who do not, because I think everyone has some habit of their own in how they use their body, and is carrying some trouble somewhere. It may show up as real pain, or as something faint, a vague sense of tightness, or it may simply be that they have not noticed it.
Through the Rolfing sessions, I came to meet the sensations of my own body more finely, and what was out of balance improved a great deal. What is remarkable about Rolfing is that it does not go back to how it was before; the change holds.
With the massage and seitai you find around town, the muscles seem to soften for a while and then return to where they were. With Rolfing, you become conscious of how you use your own body, and it basically does not go back. I think it is a wonderful program for anyone.
4: A word for anyone who is curious about Rolfing
Being curious may itself be a sign that your body or your mind is asking for a change. Otsuka offers trial sessions, so I would recommend starting with one and simply seeing what it is like. I began with a trial session myself. Otsuka pointed out a habit in my body that I had not noticed, and wanting to set that right, I started the ten sessions.