E68 -Swimming in Fascia: From Ida Rolf's Revolution to Modern Fascial Science with Anders Totten

Red Beard Embodiment Podcast

Join Alex as he sits down with longtime colleague Anders Totten, a structural integration bodywork therapist specializing in Tom Myers' Anatomy Trains approach. Anders shares his journey from massage school in Madison, Wisconsin to becoming a deep student of fascial work and structural integration. This conversation explores the fascinating world of fascia, from Ida Rolf's pioneering work in the 1940s-50s to cutting-edge research being presented at the upcoming Fascia Congress in New Orleans.

The discussion covers the collaborative nature of structural integration work, the profound experiences Anders had in cadaver labs touching actual anatomy trains, and the emerging connections between fascial work and emotional regulation through the nervous system. Anders reflects on his training with Polish bodywork wizard Jarek Kakowski and shares mystical experiences from working with cadavers, including the profound sensations of holding different organs.

Throughout the conversation, both practitioners emphasize the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in somatic work, moving beyond tribal thinking to embrace the convergence of fascial research, polyvagal theory, and embodied trauma healing approaches.

Ready to dive deeper into the world of structural integration and fascial healing? Listen to the complete conversation to hear Anders' full journey and insights into this transformative bodywork approach.

Key Highlights:

• 00:01 - Background introductions
• 05:00 - Ida Rolf origins
• 09:00 - Osteopathic influences
• 12:00 - Gravity field philosophy
• 16:00 - Tom Myers introduction
• 20:00 - Anatomy trains criticism
• 23:00 - Cadaver lab experiences
• 26:00 - Mystical organ touching
• 33:00 - Structural integration approach
• 39:00 - First session process
• 44:00 - Fascia Congress preview
• 49:00 - Emotional fascia research
• 56:00 - Interdisciplinary collaboration
• 60:00 - Future directions

Links & Resources

• Book a call with Anders: https://www.redbeardsomatictherapy.com/team/anders-totten
• Tom Myers' Anatomy Trains
• Rolf Institute
• Laboratories for Anatomical Enlightenment (Boulder)
• Fascia Research Congress (New Orleans)
• Robert Schleip's research
• Stephen Porges and Polyvagal Theory
• John F. Barnes Myofascial Release

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