Dr. Ida P. Rolf received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Columbia University in 1920, and furthered her knowledge of the body through her scientific work in Organic Chemistry at the Rockefeller Institute. Dr. Rolf spent nearly 50 years perfecting the techniques of the work she called Structural Integration, which later became known as Rolfing. Her extensive research led her to examine many systems, including osteopathic medicine and yoga, which studied the effects of structure on function. This, together with her scientific education, intrinsic knowledge and hands-on experience guided her to an understanding of structural order, which in the field of gravity determines physiological function. Dr. Rolf’s early students were medical practitioners whose orientation was traditional allopathic medicine. However, it became clear that her work was holistic in nature, (treating the whole person) and was an approach towards health maintenance and personal evolution.
Today, medical doctors, osteopaths, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, professional athletes, dancers, yoga practitioners and numerous people throughout the world have come to experience the benefits of Rolfing. The reasons are generally; personal, after more traditional modalities have failed, a friend or family referral or an ever-growing doctor or chiropractor’s referral. Due to the positive results of their experience, several pursue Rolfing as their primary career choice.