How is Rolfing different from Structural Integration?
Structural Integration is the generic term for the style of bodywork that includes Rolfing. Rolfing is the original form of the work. Only practitioners that have attended the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration are permitted to call themselves “Rolfers”. All forms of structural integration trace their lineage back to Ida P. Rolf. Over time, various people have decided to change the way the method was taught or even alter its basic tenants. These people split from the RISI in order to pursue the work how they saw fit or because of personal/political reasons. Sometimes, additional schools broke off of these original fragments. Some break-off schools include the Guild of Structural Integration and Hellerwork. There are a number of others as well. Starting in 2002, the IASI started working to bring the various factions back together and restore professional communications between practitioners. This is a very good idea for the Structural Integration community.
