Introduction
Hello, this is Hidefumi Otsuka, offering Rolfing sessions in Shibuya, Tokyo.
I’m currently participating in the Advanced Rolfing Training (Phase 2) held in Ichigaya, Tokyo. As we reach the end of the second week (as of July 4, 2025), I’ve had the opportunity to explore the depth of Spinal Biomechanics under the guidance of instructors Ray McCall and Hiroyoshi Tahata.
Although Ida Rolf, the founder of Rolfing, never taught Spinal Biomechanics herself, this concept forms a core part of Advanced Rolfing Training. Why is understanding this method so important? I’d like to share some thoughts on that here.
What Is Spinal Biomechanics?
Spinal Biomechanics refers to an approach in which manual techniques are applied to the entire spinal structure — including the spine (thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae) and the cranium — to awaken the body’s innate movement intelligence through the spine.
This approach is not about manipulating or adjusting bones.
Rather, it is about:
- Creating an environment where bones want to move on their own
- Waiting for the moment when natural change arises from within the person
This principle is grounded in the idea:
“The position of vertebrae is the end result of a tension pattern in the fascial matrix.”
In other words, it is not the bone’s position itself that matters, but the underlying fascial tension patterns that support it. Therefore, spinal work should not be done early in the Rolfing process, but rather in later sessions — after fascial tensions have been somewhat reorganized.
In the Advanced Training, we also learned when to use this technique and how to assess the need using a method called Slinky. I hope to incorporate it actively going forward.
Approaching the Spine: “Seeing” Movement and “Sensing” with Awareness
Training began with a basic explanation of spinal movement. In most cases, lateral flexion (side bending) and rotationoccur together and influence one another. However, this coupling pattern is not uniform throughout the spine.
A notable distinction exists between:
- Upper thoracic spine (T1–T6)
- Lower thoracic spine (T7–T12) through lumbar and sacrum
T1–T6: Lateral Flexion and Rotation Occur in the Same Direction
In the upper thoracic spine, lateral flexion and rotation are coupled ipsilaterally — that is, in the same direction. For example, when side-bending to the right, right rotation naturally accompanies it. This movement pattern is influenced by the shape of the ribs, the orientation of facet joints, and the mobility of the rib cage, which also responds to the direction of gaze and breath expansion.
T7–Sacrum: Lateral Flexion and Rotation Occur in Opposite Directions
In contrast, the lower thoracic (T7–T12), lumbar spine, and sacrum typically exhibit contralateral coupling — side bending and rotation occur in opposite directions. For example, a right side bend is often accompanied by a left rotation.
Limited Spinal Mobility and Movement Patterns
Understanding these patterns allows practitioners to use lateral flexion and rotation to address mobility restrictions in the spine. In peer practice, even with simple techniques, we experienced surprisingly powerful results.
The body seems to communicate through spinal torque — telling us “which direction it naturally wants to turn” or “where space wants to emerge.”
Embryonic Memory and Vertebral Work
Interestingly, each vertebra from the cranium to the sacrum holds traces of somite formation from the fetal stage. Each spinal segment develops from the junction of two somites — above and below.
In one exercise during the training, we placed fingers on the upper, middle, and lower parts of a vertebra while sensing the anterior body with subtle movements of the eyes.
The fascinating part: even though we weren’t trying to move anything, the bones began to respond — and the effects reverberated throughout the entire body. It felt as though the body were reorganizing its own memory.
Sacral Nutation and Counter-Nutation (S2 Tracking)
The sacrum is a triangular bone at the base of the spine, forming the sacroiliac joints with the iliac bones on either side. The subtle movement occurring at these joints is referred to as nutation and counter-nutation.
By placing the thumbs on the second sacral vertebra (S2), we can observe subtle anterior-posterior and lateral movements — a process in Rolfing called tracking.
These movements are linked not only to breath and gaze but also to internal states such as emotion and unconscious tension. What’s important here — once again — is not to try to make something happen. As Tahata described with phrases like “neutral touch” and “gentle non-interest,” simply being present with clear, transparent awareness becomes the key that initiates change. Through this practice, I experienced profound shifts.
Neutrality Means “Being Without Watching”
One of the most central themes running through Spinal Biomechanics is neutrality.
Neutrality is not just about being passive or indifferent. It is about:
- Letting go of the need to change something
- Releasing judgment of good/bad
- Simply being with what is, without interference
Interestingly, even the intention to “watch over” something can inhibit change. Paradoxically, it’s often at the moment when you’re doing “nothing at all” that the bones subtly begin to move.
This attitude deeply resonates with craniosacral work, SourcePoint Therapy, and meditative practices like Zen.
Why Didn’t Ida Rolf Teach This?
Spinal Biomechanics is a technique that Dr. Ida Rolf did not teach directly. There are several possible reasons:
1. A Philosophy of “Soft Tissue First”
Ida believed that structure changes through fascial tension. Thus, she emphasized working with fascia over bones.
2. Distancing Rolfing from Chiropractic and Osteopathy
At the time, manual therapies focusing on bone manipulation were dominant. To establish Rolfing as a process of self-transformation, Ida drew a clear distinction from such modalities.
3. The Cautionary Tale of Wilhelm Reich
Ida had early associations with Wilhelm Reich, a somatic psychotherapist who emphasized how emotional states shift through body contact. He was eventually ostracized for dealing with “unseen forces,” and Ida may have internalized the risks of working without safe frameworks. For this reason, she may have been cautious about directly influencing the bones without solid grounding.
Conclusion
In this post, I explored the concept and application of Spinal Biomechanics.
I hope it will be helpful for others in their own practice and learning.