About Jim Arkison: Rolfer

Being raised by parents who grew up in the middle of the Great Depression, I was encouraged to go to college and obtain a degree in a field that could survive tough economic times. I graduated from Michigan State in 1978 with a degree in Accounting.

After working two years in this field, I decided to start following my heart. I went back to school for three years studying to become a priest. It was a powerful time of stepping outside the flow of life to take a look at who I was. I left the seminary in 1983 knowing that the priesthood was not for me, but not knowing what would be. However, I felt clear that I wanted to work with people in a very direct way. I did not know what that meant but within a year, I had my answer.

I met my wife-to-be, Julie, in 1984. She had been born with severe club feet and had numerous surgeries from shortly after birth until she was 18. She was in the middle of getting the 10-series of Rolfing when we met. She said that it was giving her the ability to feel and function within her body in ways she had never felt.

When I was young, playing sports was the big focus for me. I was fascinated by what my body could do and enjoyed the mental discipline aspect. I could not understand how anyone would rather watch a game on television, even if it was the Super Bowl, than be outside playing sports. Unfortunately, those years of sports took a toll on my body, especially my knees and my back.

With Julie’s encouragement, I signed up for the Rolfing 10-series and felt my body feel better than it had in years. And importantly, the benefits did not go away with time. I wanted others to be able to experience these same benefits that I had. I began saving my money until I was able to go back to school at the Rolf Guild for Structural Integration. Finishing in 1991, I was able to start my practice of Rolf Structural Integration.

Over the years, my clients have reported all kinds of physical benefits ranging from reduced pain and greater stamina to increased range of motion and a sense of lightness. They also report non-physical benefits such as less stress and a greater sense of joy in their lives. I consider myself a lucky man to have found this work, and even luckier to be able to share it with others.

I honor Dr. Rolf for giving this gift to the world.