John
Teacher of Alexander Technique and Craniosacral Therapist, 65, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
I first heard about Rolfing many years ago when I was doing my Alexander Training. There was a definite prejudice against it, since it was regarded as heavy, painful,...even brutal. When Vicky joined the practice where I work I was nevertheless curious to actually experience Structural Integration, so I initially arrange to exchange some work with her. I was so impressed with her work that after our initial exchanges I decided to book in with her for the remainder of the 10 session series.
My intentions were initially, as I said, to experience the work but also I was looking for the possibility of experiencing more ease, freedom and flexibility in my body.
My prejudices were completely confounded since I found Vicky's work to be deep and subtle without being painful. I thought her approach was very considerate and caring, and I was aware that she was very conscious of working with the whole person rather than trying to 'fix' the part she was physically working on.
After the sessions I usually felt a great sense of well-being, and I was interested to find that some of the changes that are commonly felt after Alexander work, such as lightness and greater ease and freedom of movement, were also present after a Rolfing session. Indeed I found that the approach of these methods is different, the aims and general philosophy have much in common.
I have no hesitation in recommending Vicky's work very highly.
"Structural Integration is about the whole person, it is about fascia and feeling. The sensation of moving from weakness to strength, the exhilaration of owning a new part of oneself, the immediate and simultaneous re-education of one's being and action, the joy of self – empowerment, waking up, these are the experiences of Structural Integration."
- Emmett Hutchins