Judith Aston came to Ida Rolf for treatment after several automobile accident. Originally trained as a dancer, she was told she should give up her career. Instead she went on to study Rolfing, but felt that the similar results could be achieved with less force. Aston-Pattering postulates that no one has a symmetrical body; the body is not linear, but has curves. Working in a gym on symmetrical Nautilus equipment works against the body's natural symmetry. Instead of projecting symmetry as the ultimate goal, Aston-Patterning encourages body parts to cooperate with one another through a system of learning and education through movement.

Aston-Patterning focuses on three integrated movement systems. An evaluation determines the restrictions limiting movement options; treatment aims at facilitating change throughout the body to create an environment where restricted movement doesn't have to occur and the individual performs exercises which loosen patterns of tension. The pace and sequence of Aston-Patterning sessions depends on the individual's need. Aston-Pattering practitioners work with a variety of back and neck problems and individuals, who like Judith, were told they couldn't perform a certain activity again due to injury. The sessions include both massage and movement work so the client has immediate feedback about how to release tension in the body.