by Nobuko Fukuda (Certified Rolfer) JAPANESEby Nobuko Fukuda (Certified Rolfer) JAPANESEFAQ
How did you become a certified Rolfer?
I completed my training at the Rolf Institute in Boulder, Colorado in the U.S. I was certified as a Rolfer in the year 2000. The Rolf Institute in Boulder is the only facility that offers a program
that leads to certification of Rolfers.How long is the average training?
The training takes about one and a half to two years. Three levels of training and a written treatise on the principles and application of Rolfing need to be succesfully completed to attain certification as a Rolfer.How long have you been doing Rolfing in Tokyo?
I have been an active bodyworker in Tokyo since 1996.
I have been practicing Rolfing since October, 2000.Many people claim Rolfing is quite painful? Is this true?
Yes and no. Rolfing should not entail significant pain. A sensitive and skillful practitioner can change long-standing physiological patterns without causing great discomfort to the client. It makes no sense for a Rolfer to work in a way that is painful to the client, who will then only tighten up and withdraw from the Rolfer's touch.
A good Rolfer realizes that the intensity of the work can be controlled to adjust to the client's needs. Inflicting pain is counter to the basic philosophy of Rolfing, which is to affect change by creating length and space in the client's body.Who should see a Rolfer?
Dr. Ida Rolf said that Rolfing is unnecessary only if you are Fred Astair. Rolfing can help anyone who wants to find and experience an increased sense of balance in his or her body.How many treatments does it take to see the effects?
We usually suggest that you consider 8-12 sessions (usually 10) to improve overall performance and function in your body. To address a specific problem perhaps 2 - 3 sessions would be adequate. Since each person is unique, there is really no magic number of session.What exactly can Rolfing do for you besides improve your posture?
Rolfing systematically organizes the body's connective tissue network. This aligns the various body segments. The task and goal of a Rolfer is to free existing resrictions between fascial layers to release the body's frozen patterns of compensation. Consequently, the muscles will exist and function within more balanced relationships.What type of injuries does it cure?
We work on structural problems, e.g., back pain, scoliosis, etc. And, of course, it can be very beneficial in treating functional problems, e.g., stiff shoulders, pain in the arms, etc. Also, professional dancers, pianists, and other performing artists can benefit from such bodywork.Do most clients continue after the 10 sessions are up?
6 - 12 months after completing 10 sessions of Rolfing, it might be a good idea to revisit your Rolfer for maintenance. A successful cliant is one who becomes more self-aware of his/her body. Of course, a Rolfer tries to facilitate this during the 10sessions. Such a cliant will be able to tell when follow- up work is needed. This usually will depend on the level of healthy life style a cliant has been leading. Of course, life's tension will lead to bouy tensions and distoritions. Hence, the need for more work. But, it cannot hurt to check in with your Rolfer at least once in 6-12 months.What was your own first Rolfing experience like?
I first experienced Rolfing 10 years ago. In those days, I did not like my body. I desired a change, a new body. Rolfing gave me a chance to rediscover my body. This was an important turning point for me.What should a person look for in a Rolfer?
I think trust is basic and most important. Without trust between the Rofer and the client, physical change cannot be realized. If the client does not like the Rolfer, the physical touch will be experienced as unpleasant. A feeling of personal and psychological safety is important.
In an atmosphere of safety, the client can easily experience the benefits of Rolfing, and enjoy the sessions.
 Nobuko Fukuda(Certified Rolfer) Price \12000/session (usually 1.5 hour) 3mins from "Shimokitazawa" Station. For more information or to make an appointment, please send a mail to inguz@t3.rim.or.jp. |