Dr. Ida P. Rolf was the founder of Structural Integration. In 1920 she earned her Ph.D. in biochemistry from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University. For twelve years she worked at the Rockefeller Institute in the Chemotherapy and Organic Chemistry departments. In the 1930’s challenged by a friend’s disabilities and dissatisfied with the available medical treatment, Dr. Rolf explored Osteopathy, chiropractic medicine, Tantric Yoga, the Alexander Technique, Homeopathic medicine and Korzybski’s work on the consciousness.
By the 1940’s she had developed and experienced many breakthroughs with the work she did on chronically disabled persons unable to find help elsewhere. During her scientific research, she made a fundamental discovery about the body: the same network of connective tissue which contains and links the muscle system when it’s healthy can be used to reshape it when it’s been pulled out of proper order. Dr. Rolf further refined her technique and developed a training program to ensure that this important work would continue. There are several schools that teach Dr Rolf’s work these days. Graduates of these programs are required to have extensive knowledge in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, body awareness, ethics, and a mature sensitivity to psychological meditation.
…there is an ongoing psychological change as well toward balance, toward serenity, toward a more whole person. The whole person evidences a more apparent, more potent psychic development.
– Ida P. Rolf, Ph.D.
