Berlin

On Tuesdays, 2 students pay the price of 1 ticket (8€/person): 16€. Please present your student IDs at the box office.

FR:EIA is the new plastinate at the BODY WORLDS Museum in Berlin, which was officially unveiled on November 24 during a webinar! In front of over 1000 participants from all over the world, BODY WORLDS curator Dr. Angelina Whalley, fascia expert Dr. Robert Schleip, and the definitive leaders of the fascia project, Dr. Vladimir Chereminskiy and Gary Carter, explained in detail the complicated and elaborate process of fascia plastination, as well as the importance of this unique plastinate for medical research and education.

The fascial connective tissue makes up about 20% of our body, depending on our constitution, and forms an all-encompassing net-like network that connects the individual body structures and anchors them glidingly in the body. This does not sound very spectacular, and that is why scientists have paid little attention to this tissue for centuries.

The actual functions of connective tissue were completely misunderstood for a long time. Only in recent years has it begun to be understood that it plays a central role in our health. Thus, back pain often has its cause not in vertebral or disc damage, but in the fasciae. Muscle soreness and sports injuries are also usually based on fascia injuries.

Although fascia is the focus of scientific and therapeutic attention today, three-dimensional imaging of fascial tissue has been a challenge until now. This is precisely what the team led by BODY WORLDS creator Dr. Gunther von Hagens, together with experts from the International Fascia Society, has now succeeded in doing. For three years, anatomists, scientists, physicians and physiotherapists from both teams from different countries worked to illustrate the complex and extremely unstable connective tissue network on an entire body. The resulting whole-body plastinate, called FR:EIA (= Fascia Revealed: Educating Interconnected Anatomy), shows this reticular tissue system in minute detail. It is the only preparation of its kind in the world.

Dr. Robert Schleip has put fascia in a new light with his years of research and has thereby contributed significantly to a rethinking in the sports, fitness, yoga, osteopathy and physiotherapy fields as well as in Chinese medicine. For him, FR:EIA is a breakthrough in three-dimensional fascia representation: "FR:EIA realizes a historically significant extension of conventional anatomy. In this novel representation, the fascial connective tissue takes center stage instead of being recognized only as a supportive background and packaging organ. Without the blessings of plastination, this beautiful whole-body representation of the fascial network would not have been possible. FR:EIA is therefore a unique object of study for all physicians, therapists and fascia experts, but also a revelation for the medical layman," says Dr. Robert Schleip.

For BODY WORLDS curator Dr. Angelina Whalley, the plastinate is the absolute highlight of the exhibition: "Even Leonardo da Vinci admonished us to recognize that everything is connected to everything else. The ever-growing findings in fascia research impressively prove his view. FR:EIA will permanently change the way we look at ourselves, our understanding of our physical needs and the way we treat our bodies. I am delighted to be able to present this unique plastinate to a broad public in our BODY WORLDS Museum in Berlin."

Click here for the webinar-recording.

We cordially invite you to explore the new fascia area at the BODY WORLDS Museum at Alexanderplatz for yourself!

From now on, the museum offers a free audio guide for your own smartphone.

How does it work?
Just connect to the WLAN with your smartphone, scan the QR code at the cash desk, and then you're ready to go. The audio tour for your smartphone is available in German and English.

We wish you an exciting visit to our exhibition!

The fascia structure of the human body and fascia manipulation form the basis of Rolfing® Structural Integration - a method of manual bodywork. The aim of this sustainable method is to align the body in the context of gravity. Rolfing® focuses on the fascia (connective tissue) but involves the whole body.

Rolfing® Structural Integration can lead to impressive postural improvements. Already in the 1950s this bodywork was explained by its inventor, Dr. Ida Rolf, mainly with the concept of fascia: "Fascia is the organ of posture. Nobody ever says this; all the talk is about muscles. Yet this is a very important concept, and [...] we as Rolfers® must understand both the anatomy and physiology, but especially the anatomy of fascia".
These early findings regarding the importance of the fascia now receive a new scientific foundation and meaning through current research and thanks to the fascia plastinates of the Bodyworlds exhibition. For trained Rolfers® or students of Rolfing®, the fascia plastinates are interesting objects of study. Dr. Robert Schleip, fascia expert and Research Director of the European Rolfing® Association: "The world's first fascia plastinate, FR:EIA, puts fascia in a completely new light scientifically. There is now a lot of new evidence that working with fascia has an impact on the whole body because fascia connects everything."
New findings could now lead to a change in thinking and have the potential to help millions of people suffering from chronic pain, stiffness, mobility problems and surgical rehabilitation.

What is Rolfing® Structural Integration?
Rolfing® Structural Integration is a method of manual bodywork that focuses on fascia. The aim is to align the body in the best possible way in the context of gravity. Through touch and movement, certified Rolfers® support their clients in improving their posture and movement patterns.
The body stores physical and emotional tension, trauma, and stress. Pain in one part of the body affects other parts. Rolfing® can improve the functioning of the body and the emotional state.
Rolfing® is different from therapies such as massage, deep tissue work, chiropractic, or osteopathy, although clients often have similar physical symptoms.
More information about Rolfing® Structural Integration:
rolfing.org.

The Rolfing Training at the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute® Europe
Students of Rolfing® gain a solid understanding of myofascial bodywork and movement principles through the three core themes of Touch, Movement and Anatomy. The basic Rolfing® training takes place in three levels, with emphasis on a good mix of theory and practice.
Courses can be taken on a modular basis (part-time) or intensively (full-time training blocks). In order to continue training after the certification as a Rolfer®, further education, Rolf Movement™ and Advanced Rolfing Training are offered.
The Dr. Ida Rolf Institute was founded by Dr. Ida Rolf herself. The European Rolfing School is based in Munich, Germany. A team of highly qualified teachers, whose ongoing training is part of the quality standards of Rolfing® training, teach in several languages and at selected European locations. With a teacher/student ratio of no more than 1/10, teachers provide individual feedback and help their students gain confidence in using important concepts and new skills.
The teaching at the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute® Europe is based on Dr. Ida Rolf's work and method of Structural Integration. In addition, the training today also includes the study of new scientific research in the areas of fascia, movement, anatomy, and touch. This combination makes it possible to meet the challenges we all face in today's world.
More information about the Rolfing® training:
rolfing.org.
Video about studying at the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute® Europe:
rolfing.org.

The European Rolfing® Association
The European Rolfing® Association e.V. (ERA) is a non-profit organisation based in Munich, Germany. It was founded in 1991 to support all certified Rolfers® practising in Europe and represents the profession of Rolfers® in Europe.
Through its own school, the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute® Europe, it provides training and continuing education for Rolfers®.
rolfing.org.

Long-distance running is a demanding sport that tests endurance, mental toughness, and physical resilience, often leading to repetitive strain and imbalances in the body. Whereas regular health checkups are mandatory to prevent major injury, it’s also essential for runners to take care of their bodies as athletes.

While traditional training focuses on cardiovascular and muscular strength, the importance of optimal body alignment is crucial yet often overlooked.

Rolfing® Structural Integration - a form of bodywork that enhances physical alignment and function by manipulating the fascia - won't magically transform you into a record-breaking marathon runner. However, it can significantly improve your posture and fascial structure. This can lead to smoother, faster, and longer runs, reduce the risk of injuries, and speed up recovery time.

Many runners experience daily aches and pains, such as tight hamstrings, joint pain, plantar fasciitis, or knee issues. These may not be severe enough to stop running but are certainly annoying. Rolfing can help with these issues, reducing pain and supporting faster recovery.

Good alignment and posture are crucial to prevent overuse injuries. Running thousands of steps each week with poor posture can eventually lead to more serious issues. Unlike non-sportive individuals, runners face the consequences of poor posture much sooner.


How Rolfing® supports running performance

Improved Biomechanics and Posture

One of the primary goals of Rolfing is to ideally align the body in relation to gravity. By addressing structural imbalances, Rolfing helps runners achieve a more efficient posture and movement pattern. Research has shown that optimal biomechanics reduce the energy cost of running, which can improve endurance and performance. Proper alignment also minimises compensatory movements that can lead to overuse injuries.


Improved Breathing

Efficient breathing is crucial for endurance athletes. Rolfing can enhance diaphragmatic function by releasing restrictions in the thoracic region. Improved ribcage mobility and diaphragmatic expansion lead to better oxygen intake and utilisation, essential for sustaining long-distance running.

After the Rolfing first session, clients often notice significant improvements in their breathing capacity and feel lighter or taller: The first session focuses on freeing the breathing muscles and enhancing a full three-dimensional breathing pattern. This deeper breathing capacity is especially beneficial during high-intensity training. Since we breathe between 17,000 to 23,000 times a day, any restrictions in breathing affect our movements. Rolfing helps to alleviate these restrictions.

A study published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" reported significant improvements in respiratory function among subjects undergoing Rolfing sessions (Gelb, 1994).

Enhanced muscle efficiency

Efficient muscle function is paramount for long-distance runners, as it directly affects performance and endurance. Fascial tightness can impede muscle coordination and increase energy expenditure. Rolfing frees these restrictions, allowing muscles to function synergistically.

Dr. Ida P. Rolf highlighted this benefit, saying, "Rolfing® releases the joints. It gives the muscles a chance to relax and work" (Rolf, 1977).

Enhanced muscle efficiency translates to improved running economy, where runners use less energy to maintain their pace.
Enhanced Flexibility and Range of Motion

Fascial restrictions can limit flexibility and range of motion, hindering a runner's stride. Studies have demonstrated that Rolfing can increase flexibility by releasing fascial adhesions and promoting tissue resilience. This enhanced range of motion allows for a more fluid and extended stride, potentially improving running efficiency and speed.

Improved execution of movement

Rolfing releases fascial tension patterns throughout the body, increasing mobility and making it easier to stand up straight. Additionally, Rolfing sessions can include movement education, helping clients with their movement economy and body awareness. By improving the execution of movement actions like step length, toe hinge, foot propulsion, plantar flexion, etc. Rolfing might enhances gait cycle therefore running and walking efficiency.

Faster Recovery

Research tends to show that muscle soreness might sometimes be rooted in tense fascia, not just muscle tissue. Fascia can harden excessively around injured areas, limiting range of motion. Rolfing helps to loosen this "stuck" fascia and accelerate recovery by improving movement and circulation around joints and muscles. Better circulation benefits sore and inflamed tissue, speeding up healing and getting you back on your feet sooner.

Injury Prevention

Common running overuse injuries include plantar fasciitis, patellofemoral pain syndrome, sciatic nerve pain, shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, and iliotibial band syndrome. These injuries often stem from fascial tightness and poor biomechanical patterns. Rolfing addresses these root causes by promoting balanced tension in the fascia and enhancing structural integrity. It eliminates unhealthy tension patterns, allowing your body to move naturally with ease and flow. This natural movement is what runners strive for.

Research has shown that Rolfing can reduce chronic pain and improve functional movement, making it an effective strategy for both injury prevention and recovery (Barnes, 1998).

Psychological Benefits

In addition to physical advantages, Rolfing has been shown to provide psychological benefits that are important for marathon runners. The deep tissue manipulation involved in Rolfing can lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety levels, enhancing overall mental well-being. A positive mental state is essential for endurance athletes, as it can impact motivation, focus, and resilience during long-distance events.


After receiving the 10-series of Rolfing Structural Integration sessions, running clients often report:

• Easier breathing capacity
• Lower perceived exertion
• Longer steps and strides
• Better performance in adverse conditions (bad weather, fatigue, mood)
• A more fluid running style
• Higher body awareness
• Reduced tension in the iliotibial band, knee, hamstrings, and thighs
• Relief from chronic injuries in some cases

Rolfing® Structural Integration offers a multifaceted approach to enhancing marathon running performance through improved biomechanics, increased flexibility, injury prevention, faster recovery, and psychological well-being.

As more and more athletes and researchers recognise the interconnectedness of body structure and function, incorporating Rolfing into a training routine can help runners achieve their full potential while maintaining overall health and longevity in their sport.


For more information about Rolfing® Structural Integration, please visit rolfing.org.