A number of people I know have had skin cancer. Some have had less dangerous kinds, a few have had melanoma. I’ve read that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetimes.
Read MoreThe techniques of the Rolf Method of Structural Integration can result in “differentiation” and “integration” in the body. What does that mean? Differentiation is separating or helping tissue to function more specifically. It can include clearing adhesions between layers of tissue. It can also help the body learn which muscle or muscles should do a particular action – or how to not use unnecessary muscles for a given movement. Integration occurs when your body’s structure is working together in a more optimal way, providing ease of movement.
Read MoreA client asked me recently how to maintain the improvements obtained from a 10-series of structural integration. Here are my thoughts on that question, for your consideration. What do you do outside the studio to maintain the benefits of bodywork that you received?
Read MoreYou may have heard that the 10-series of structural integration is an educational process. Practitioners of other forms of body work, energy work and medicine tend not to use the term” education” to describe their outcome. Why might that be the case? Here is what Dr. Ida P. Rolf said about comparing therapy to education, from her book Rolfing and Physical Reality.
Read MoreThis story made its way around the Web a few years ago. I saw it just recently. Some reviewers quibble about the physics or other merits of the story. I think, however, that it makes a good point. While overcoming struggles can make us stronger, rumination and dwelling on problems is bad for our mental health (see this BBC article that summarizes the results of a large study published in the journal PLOS One in 2013).
Read MoreWith travel advisories and school closings, this week’s cold weather is the worst of the season so far. If you need to venture out, remember to keep your skin covered and dress in layers. The recommendations I’ve seen for these layers are: clothing next to your skin that ideally would be a wicking fabric, then an insulating layer like polar fleece or a wool sweater, and finally an outer layer. This would be your coat or jacket and rain or snow pants for your legs. Don’t forget your feet – wool socks and tall boots are my choice.
Read MoreWhether you travel often or only occasionally, you may have noticed that spending a long time in a car or plane can result in aches and pains. Even if you recently received bodywork, extended periods of sitting can undo some of its benefits.
Read MoreToday, I had a conversation with another graduate of the Guild for Structural Integration. One topic was how do we (or any hands-on practitioner, for that matter) know what layer in the tissue needs to be worked on? In the framework of the 10-series, the first 3 hours are “sleeve” sessions – meaning, they address the more superficial structures. The next 4 hours are “core” sessions, moving toward deeper work. The last 3 hours integrate the work.
Read MoreIn a recent article, Gretchen Reynolds of the New York Times summarized some important research. A new study confirms that children think better if they move more. The trend for many schools to reduce the time allowed for recess or cut PT is counterproductive. Play that includes running, chasing and jumping improved children’s ability to think.
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