The human body is a social, spiritual and scientific enigma. Like the proverbial onion, the body has many layers and as each one is peeled back for closer inspection, the complexities are marvelous. The ten series Rolfing "recipe" has the ability to impact multiple layers, differentiating functionally and structurally, yet maintaining a wholistic intent. Rolfing can generate responses locally or system wide for ease of movement in space as well as functionality in time.



The ten-series is an order of events protocol with specific principals, goals, and anatomically specific sites with some variables because of the Anterior/Posterior models with associated anomalies. This article serves as a brief exploration and journey into the Rolfing Ten-Series as seen by a Certified Rolfer & is designed to be brief & informative.

First hour: adaptability and preparation (1-2-3) 3d: x, y, and z axis-static. "Preparing the body to receive order precedes establishing order. Changes introduced anywhere in the body must be capable of being integrated and sustained by the whole"-Jan Sultan and Jeffrey Maitland. The clients natural pattern & asymmetry must be identified first. The goals of the first hour are freedom of breath, initiate resolution of asymmetries of both girdles, spine, arms, & hands. Develop a sense of "who the client is" & review intake evaluation.

By assessing the client standing or sitting the practitioner gains insight into how the shoulder girdle moves or doesn't move and how this affects the ribs and the breath. Movement and lack of movement in the arms is included in a decision of first-hour intention.

Freeing the breath sends a system wide signal to begin adapting and preparing for more change and is manifest in the fascia as rel-ease. Working with client supine, practitioner can assess the ribs and diaphragm involvement, the rate of inspiration and expiration of breath, and which is preferred part of cycle. The lines of tension in the arms will be addressed here for the way they transmit into the shoulder girdle and neck.

Practitioner should observe rhomboids/pectoralis minor relationship towards glenohumeral junction as well as diaphragm/serratus relationship at the ribs. With client now sideline practitioner moves to assess space between the pelvis and femur and if they move like a block or differentiated elements, creating space if necessary. Lengthening hamstrings is first-hour protocol differentiating the two. Neck and back work is broad and connecting from occiputs to c7 erectors to sacrum. Practitioner ends first session with pelvic lift.