NEW! The Lived Experience of Gravity
Here’s a link to excerpts from a few chapters of my forthcoming book: Reimagining the Body, an embodiment curriculum for the 21st century. —describing my first meeting with Hubert Godard and how it transformed my idea of Rolfing, some workshop experiences and an exploration of “how not to fall down,” recently published in the 2022-2023 International Association of Structural Integrators’ Yearbook. pp13-25.
In August 2022, a chapter of my forthcoming book Reimagining the Body, an embodiment curriculum for the 21st century came out in the journal Structure, Function, Integration. The excerpt starts with a case study of arm injury and goes on to explore the expressive dimension as well as the biomechanics of the upper limb.
Stabilization: The core and beyond
This is the updated version of the paper below, published in Dynamic Body 2011.
Core Stabilization, Core Coordination
This paper, published in Structural Integration, The Journal of the Rolf Institute, describes the research and biomechanics of core stabilization and suggests a dynamic approach to the concept of “core.” Instead of a center of holding or accumulation, it is conceived as “empty,” a center of circulation. Important information for those working with back pain!
From The Clinician’s Complete Reference to Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Donald Novey, MD, editor. Published by Mosby, Inc. /Harcourt, St. Louis, MO.
Rolfing®Structural Integration
Aline Newton, Bret Nye, Russell Stolzoff, 2000
A basic introduction to the theory and practice of Rolfing® Structural Integration, including its history and research base.
From Structural Integration, the Journal of the Rolf Institute:
Core Stabilization, Core Coordination: Part One
Core Stabilization, Core Coordination: Part Two
Aline Newton, 2004
Important information for back pain sufferers and teachers and practitioners of yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi. Describes recent research showing the kind of exercises that are proving most effective for chronic back problems. Includes an explanation of the anatomy and biomechanics of stabilizing the spine and specific distinctions to help the practitioner and patient get the most from core stabilization exercises.
“Man, the Tottering Biped,” a review
Aline Newton, 2003
An analysis of walking from an evolutionary point of view. Exploring the background of how we came to walk on two legs gives insight into strategies for optimal locomotion for us today.
Walking—Step by Step
Aline Newton, 2003
An in-depth look at the biomechanics of walking with an emphasis on the role of the connective tissue/fascial network. The spine’s capacity to rotate and the legs’ ability to extend fully are the keys to effortless walking.
Breathing in the Gravity Field
Aline Newton, 1998
We breathe on average 20,000 times per day. The constant repetition of the movements involved in our particular breathing pattern can be a major contributing factor to head, neck and shoulder tension as well as to poor posture. This article explores the mechanics of the breath and the interaction of posture and breathing.
Hubert Godard Writings
I first met Hubert Godard, dancer, Rolfer, professor and movement educator, in 1990. Soon after, I felt the impulse to try to put some of his ideas in writing. They represent an exploration of the fundamental perspective of Rolfing—the importance of the gravitational field—that goes beyond structural alignment. Along with structural restrictions, habits of movement/coordination, as well as habits of perception and even habitual interpretations can be playing a role in our pains, problems and patterns of experience. Gravity is not an abstract force outside of us, but a fundamental guide that we use unconsciously to orient all our movements.
The Functional Approach: Basic Concepts in the Work of Hubert Godard
Aline Newton, 1996
Gravity’s effect can be seen through the body’s movement patterns as well as through its structural alignment. We orient to gravity, through our sense of support and through our sense of the space that surrounds us. Physiology and psychology meet in this domain.
Tonic Function: A Gravity Response Model for Rolfing Structural and Movement Integration
Kevin Frank, 1995
Reading the Body in Dance
Hubert Godard, 1994
Rare writing from Godard himself translated by Ruth Barnes and myself.
An Interview with Hubert Godard
Aline Newton, 1992
My first attempt to put in writing the important elements I found emphasized in Godard’s workshops.
The articles above require Adobe Acrobat Reader.