Hellerwork
Hellerwork was an offshoot from Rolfing. In the 1970s an aerospace engineer called Joseph Heller, who had trained in Rolfing, decided that it needed to take much more account of the mind. Rolfing subsequently took a similar course and the differences between the two therapies have narrowed. Hellerwork is a relatively new discipline and there are only half a dozen practitioners in the UK, most of them working in London.
The Memory Of The Body
Hellerwork concentrates on putting the fascia (the connective tissue that holds your muscles and joins them together) back in place. When the body’s posture or movement goes awry as a result of injury or bad habits, Hellerworkers believe the fascia tightens up to compensate. The body tissues keep a ‘memory’ of all the upheavals you have gone through too. The aim is to release this emotional tension.
What Happens At A Hellerwork Session?
At the first session, you will be asked to strip to your underwear and probably have photos taken of your posture. You may get advice on how to improve the way you hold and move your body, such as being told that wearing shoes with high heels can damage your posture. The Hellerworker will use firm massage on your body and probably also discuss your emotional situation and your past hurts, both emotional and physical. The first three sessions concentrate on superficial muscles; the next four on deeper areas. The following three sessions unite the previous two areas; and the final session is a recap.
Rolfing
Rolfing has its origins in the 1950s. Dr Ida Rolf, an American biochemist, was told that spinal arthritis would make her dependent on a wheelchair. To avoid this Dr Rolf researched a number of different approaches to health and came up with her own therapy of ‘structural integration’, later known as Rolfing. She began teaching Rolfing in the 1950s and established the Rolf Institute in Boulder, Colorado, in the 1970s. She remained in good health until her death in 1979. Rolfing draws on practices such as yoga and osteopathy as well as biochemistry. It aims through deep massage of connective tissue and muscles to loosen up the body, realign it and free it of discomfort.
A Matter Of Gravity
Rolfing is based on the fact that gravity is the most powerful force acting on our bodies. If the body is out of alignment, there is waste of energy, chronic stress, and physical and psychological malfunction. If the body can be put back into line, then the patient can become more alert and alive, because less energy is being directed against gravity. Dr Rolf also came to the conclusion that if the body were better balanced physically, then the person would have an enhanced sense of wellbeing.
What Happens At A Rolfing Session?
Your body’s structure will be evaluated and photos will probably be taken of you in your underwear for reference. You will lie on a couch or floor while the Rolfer applies pressure to areas where the connective tissue is restricted. You may be asked to breathe or move in a certain way at the same time as the Rolfer works on you – all part of an integrated approach to freeing up your body. They may use knuckles and elbows on you as well as hands and fingers. There will be 10 sessions. The first seven sessions aim to remove strain from specific areas of the body, for example the neck or the knees. The other three organize and align the whole body.
Hellerwork And Rolfing Are Good For:
- Poor Posture
- Stress
- Old Injuries
- Personal growth
- Emotional problems
- Back pain
- Neck pain
Hellerwork And Rolfing:
AVAILABILITY – Limited
MEDICAL EVIDENCE – Limited
MEDICAL ACCEPTANCE – Limited
SELF HELP – Not possible
