Rolfing and Massage Therapy

Rolfing and Structural Integration

The Rolfing technique, developed by Ida Rolf, Ph.D., is a system for integrating the human physical structure. It is a form of connective tissue (fascial) manipulation and education and is based on the fact that the body is "plastic" or changeable. This plasticity enables the body to be vertically centered and aligned. Gravity, according to Dr. Rolf, is the major cause of stress on bodies when they are out of vertical alignment.  Correctly aligned posture is not possible for the average person because the fascia in the body has 'set in place", and retains out-of-alignment holding patterns. Slumped postures are impossible to correct by simply "standing straight" after the person ceases to concentrate upon standing straight! This is due to thickened fascia that develops in response to misalignment. Physical injuries and emotional states also contribute to this shortening and thickening, preventing the body from regaining its flow and freedom of movement.  Rolfing balances the fascial network, which surrounds all muscle tissue as well as bone, nerve, organ, ligament, joints and vessels. Pressure is applied to this plastic medium in a carefully developed sequence, and the Rolfer moves tissue toward symmetry and balance. The process takes place in a series of ten sessions lasting about an hour each.

These include:

• Acute conditions such as headaches, sore throats, ear infections, intestinal upsets, colds and flu, etc.  Chronic illnesses such as migraines, musculoskeletal pain, gastrointestinal, gynecological, arthritis, heart disease, etc.  Inherent tendencies before they become a serious illness or degenerative disease.
• Mental and emotional problems to reduce the effects of recent stresses and long-term patterns of anger, depression or anxiety

Stone TherapyTreatment

Since 2005, Suelina has been offering her unique Signature Stone Therapy Massage, which has been very popular with her patients and clients. Using mostly hot basalt stones with their deep penetrating heat, sometimes followed with cool marble stones and combined with hands on massage: Suelina's stone treatment goes beyond the typical massage creating a deeper experience of relaxation and well being! Her combination of stone massage and therapeutic massage together evoke a deep parasympathetic response that is so important in assisting the body towards self healing and balance. Whether you choose stone massage or standard massage,  Suelina is committed to helping you with her personalized care to achieve your own goals for better health and well being.

Stephen G. Inaba, RMT, CR

Stephen is both a Certified Rolfer and Registered Massage Therapist. He graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 1986, has been in private practice since 1987, and instructed at the College from 1990 to 1992. He completed his Rolfing in 1994, and continued studies in the U.S. and Brazil.  Stephen's background in massage therapy, and extensive training and experience in the Rolf method allows him to encourage the body back to balance, and attain a biomechanically efficient structure. This harmony allows for optimal functioning in all aspects of life.  The practical applications that Stephen can offer include increased fluidity and grace of movement, enhanced physical performance both for athletes and in every day activities, resolution of chronic pain, and psychosomatic release of emotions locked in with body patterns.

Many people report psychological and emotional changes after Rolfing, and a feeling of length and lightness of the body, with joints feeling more well "oiled".

To learn more about Stephen and the Rolfing technique, please click here to visit his website.

Suelina Quan, RMT

 

Suelina graduated from Sutherland Chan College of Massage Therapy in Toronto, Class of 81. She has been a registered practitioner in B.C. since that time. Suelina  has continued her post graduate studies in a wide range of treatments including trigger point therapy, myofascial release, energy balancing, deep tissue work, pregnancy massage, stress reduction and hot/cold stone therapy. She utilizes these modalities in combination with Swedish massage  to an individual's requirement to result in both effective therapeutic and relaxation treatments .