The Essential Massage Book

Massage is the safe, effective, drug-free way to treat countless ailments and injuries, from headaches and sprains to chronic back pain. This fully illustrated guide gathers the most effective techniques of all the different systems in one easy-to-use volume. Comprehensively covering five basic approaches--whole-body techniques, localized massage and pressure techniques, massage for healing, massage for relaxation and stress relief, and massage for pleasure--it offers detailed instructions on every system, from traditional Chinese methods to shiatsu, reiki, aromatherapy, and reflexology. Also covered are self-massage, holistic massage, hand treatment, head massage, and the chakras.

This superbly illustrated text familiarizes students with individual muscles and muscle systems and demonstrates basic clinical massage therapy techniques. More than 550 full-color illustrations of internal structures are embedded into photographs of live models to show each muscle or muscle group, surrounding structures, surface landmarks, and the therapist's hands. Students see clearly which muscle is being worked, where it is, where it is attached, how it can be accessed manually, what problems it can cause, and how treatment techniques are performed. This edition features improved illustrations of draping and includes palpation for each muscle. An accompanying Real Bodywork DVD includes video demonstrations of massage techniques from the book.

Starting with a simple setting that can easily be accomplished with few special preparations, readers will learn, step-by-step, how to make a deep and meaningful connect with their partner's body. Using a combination of strokes from the most time-honored massage traditions, they will learn to be mindful of where their partner holds stress and tension. As the massage continues, readers will enter into a profound nonverbal dialogue with their partner, learning much from the simple act of contact with another body. All of the techniques are illustrated with black-and-white photographs. Elegant and refined, this book is a perfect gift for a special someone or a friend in love.

In this update of the 2000 edition, Fritz, the owner and head instructor of a school of therapeutic massage and bodywork in Michigan, treats touch as a form of communication and expands coverage of ethical and legal issues, contra/indications for massage, and condition assessment and management. The treatment of medical terminology, core principles, and techniques is enhanced by color illustrations, case studies, review questions, resources and other appended information. The first edition was published in 1995. Annotation : 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

Hot stone massage is a unique variant of massage therapy that employs heated stones to release physical tension and calm the nervous system. The stones' warmth and weight help the recipient focus more intently on the massage, and to be more receptive to its benefits. This superb introduction explains everything about this ancient healing practice, from which stones to choose (color, smoothness, shape, and mineral content matter) to which strokes to use. Along with attractive instructional photos throughout, there's information on setting up the massage, working different parts of the body, stimulating the chakra points, and alleviating specific symptoms--including muscular aches, back pain, arthritis, circulatory problems, and insomnia.

A beautifully illustrated introductory guide to the healing powers of a massage, from traditional massage to shiatsu and reflexology. The Book of Massage is the classic guide to the relaxing and healing skills of the hands. Featuring both Eastern and Western methods, it presents step-by-step, beautifully illustrated instructions on everything from traditional massage to shiatsu and reflexology. The Book of Massage offers easy-to-follow techniques for giving the perfect massage, including advice on creating the right setting and suggestions for using aromatic oils and lotions. Now revised and updated with fresh color photos and drawings throughout, The Book of Massage is a simple and comprehensive handbook that reveals how you can experience the myriad benefits of giving and receiving a soothing massage.

Previously published in two separate volumes: Whole body massage, and Reiki healing.

Provides both theory and practical technique and is ideal for professional therapists, martial artists or anyone with an active lifestyle.

Massage with essential oils is one of the oldest and most pleasureable ways to combat aches, strains and minor ailments as well as improve circulation and enhance emotional state of mind. In this book fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions provide a comprehensive program for learning the basic techniques of massage and the application of essential oils.