In 1920 Ida Pauline Rolf received her PhD in biological chemistry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. As part of her academic studies Dr. Rolf worked at the Rockefeller Institute as a chemical researcher between 1917 and 1926.

 

While seeking improved health for herself and her family she explored various forms of alternative healing including homeopathy, osteopathy, chiropractic, and yoga. These disciplines led her to appreciate how the bodies network of soft tissues: muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments could be manually manipulated to release chronic tension and restore balance. As she considered what structural arrangement of the body offerred the highest level of functioning she came to see the body’s relationship to gravity as being a key factor. This led her to develop a series of ten sessions that could serve as both a teaching device and a treatment protocol.

 

Dr. Rolf began training students at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California in the mid 60s. In1971 the training program was established as The Rolf Institute in Boulder, Colorado where it continues today as the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute.

 

Rolfing, Rolfer, Rolf Movement and the Little Boy Logo are service marks of The Dr. Ida Rolf Institute in Boulder, CO.®