Rolfing^® is a distinctive form of bodywork designed to reorganize and restore balance to the body’s connective tissue, also known as fascia, or “the organ of posture.” By working through the fascial lines that organize and support us, Rolfing works to bring balance and order to our fascial system promoting greater health, comfort, and ease of movement.

Developed by Dr. Ida P. Rolf, a biochemist and Columbia University graduate in the 1920s, Rolfing has grown to become a transformative technique used by many to alleviate chronic pain, improve posture, and enhance overall mobility. Different from Chiropractic work and more than Massage Therapy, Rolfing focuses on this web-like complex of connective tissue to release tension, realign the body, and restore balance, potentially resolving discomfort and improving one’s sense of wellbeing.

Rolfing Techniques: Restoring Alignment and Balance

Clients are clothed, in a sports bra and shorts for women and shorts or boxer briefs for men, and are an active participant throughout the session. You may be receiving work lying down on a massage table or seated on a Rolfing bench. A Rolfer will use their hands, knuckles, fists or elbows as instruments to manipulate the fascia that surrounds and supports the muscles, bones and joints. These techniques range from gentle pressure to deeper, more focused work that targets specific areas of restriction. The bodywork may involve slow, deliberate movements to encourage the release of tension, allowing the connective tissue to release, reorganize and realign.

The approach is highly individualized, with each session tailored to meet the specific needs of the client. Each session will begin and end with a walking assessment to see how gravity may or may not be supporting or moving through your body. Rolfing practitioners work along the body’s fascial lines and major joints of the body like the feet, ankles, hips, spine, shoulders and neck to name a few, in order to restore balance and facilitate easier movement. This idea of reorganization is aimed to help the body adapt to gravity in a more natural, efficient way, contributing to a long-lasting sense of comfort and well-being.

The Benefits of Rolfing: A Holistic Approach to Wellness

The benefits of Rolfing are profound and can be life-changing for those who experience chronic pain, tension, or poor posture. By restoring body awareness and balance to the body’s structure, Rolfing can help reduce discomfort and improve flexibility, energy levels, and overall quality of life. It can be particularly effective for people with conditions such as back pain, neck and shoulder tension, sciatica, and even headaches.

The brilliance of Rolfing lies in Dr. Rolf’s fundamental insight: the body functions most effectively when its structure is balanced in gravity. When this balance is restored, the body moves more freely, heals more quickly, and operates with greater ease. As Dr. Rolf herself said, “When the body gets working appropriately, the force of gravity can flow through, then spontaneously, the body heals itself.”

This holistic approach to well-being is what makes Rolfing a unique and valuable modality in the world of bodywork.

Michelle Hahn, owner of Full Embodiment Rolfing

Michelle Hahn: Bringing Rolfing  to Life in Portland, Maine

As a Certified Rolfer with over 4 years of experience, Michelle Hahn integrates Rolfing into her broader practice of holistic healing, located at Full Embodiment Rolfing in Portland, Maine. Michelle’s work in Rolfing is complemented by her experience as a licensed Massage Therapist, Yoga Instructor, and Reiki 1 practitioner. This diverse skill set allows her to offer a truly integrative approach to healing, combining the benefits of Rolfing with other therapeutic modalities to create a comprehensive healing experience.

“My extended background provides a felt educational touch to the physical and energetic body, offering a unique healing experience,” Michelle says. “I believe my passion for physical health, and innate understanding of the human body, helps ensure each session is customized to fit the individual client and their body’s needs.”

Discover the 10-Series Journey

At Full Embodiment Rolfing, clients can embark on the renowned 10-Series program, a structured series of sessions designed to progressively release tension throughout, align the body, and optimize overall function. Each session builds on the previous one, creating lasting improvements in posture, body awareness, movement, and comfort. A fantastic form of bodywork and physical therapy for those willing to slow down and tune into sensation, building a richer mind body connection.

To learn more about Rolfing or to schedule your introductory session, visit Full Embodiment Rolfing at 535 Ocean Ave, Unit 2, in Portland, Maine. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or simply want to feel more comfortable in your body, Rolfing offers a transformative path to wellness.

Embrace your healing journey with Michelle Hahn and experience the powerful benefits of Rolfing today.