A brief look at the 10-Series
July 18, 2015 (from Rolf.org)
The hallmark of Rolfing Structural Integration is a standardized “recipe” known as the Ten-Series, the goal of which is to systematically balance and optimize both the structure (shape) and function (movement) of the entire body over the course of ten Rolfing sessions.
Each session focuses on freeing restrictions or holdings trapped in a particular region of the body. A practitioner also maintains a holistic view of the client’s entire system during each session, thus ensuring the transformational process evolves in a comfortable and harmonious way.
1. Open the breath. A free and open breath prepares the body for the demands of the upcoming changes. A full breath provides support for the chest, shoulders, and neck. Some work on the arms may occur.
Read more about Session One >
2. Find the feet. Opening the breath changes the physical demands on the feet, so we create flexibility and adaptability there so that the whole body can feel supported.
3. Lengthen the sides, balancing front and back. Now we open up the sides of the body and differentiate soft tissue of the pelvis from that of the ribs to allow the pelvis more movement options.
Read more about Session Three >
4. Find support for and access "the core" from the bottom. The core begins from the base of the pelvis up through the roof of the mouth. We start this session by finding support through the ankles up along the inner leg before accessing the core.
Read more about Session Four >
5. Access the core from the front. We focus on the deep tissues dealing with the front of the spine and core space to establish flexibility in the low back.
Read more about Session Five >
6. Access the core from the back. We address the deep tissues of the back of the spine and core space to establish flexibility in the low and upper back.
Read more about Session Six >
7. Access the core from the top. By working in, on, and around the head, we balance the head and neck atop the flexible spine.
Read more about Session Seven >
8. Integrate the upper/lower body. Depending on the needs that present themselves, we solidify changes in the upper or lower body. Integration sessions hep reprogram movements and make changes last.
Read more about Session Eight >
9. Integrate the upper/lower body. Changes in the other part of the body are reviewed in light of the changes of the previous session.
Read more about Session Nine >
10. Integrate the entire body. We coordinate soft tissue movement across multiple joints so that movement can be as unfettered and free as possible.
Read more about Session Ten >
For another look at the 10-Series, check out this page on rolf.org