Whether you're a longtime bodywork enthusiast or someone who has had little or no experience with massage, Bodywork is the essential guide, answering all the key questions about every different kind of major bodywork therapy. And unlike the other books on massage and bodywork, this is not a how-to; it is a guide to getting bodywork.
There is a dizzying array of massage and bodywork available to all of us - yet few people have the time, energy, or money to explore each one in depth and discover which is best for them. Bodywork gives a vivid, first-person narrative account of what each type of bodywork actually feels like. It also includes:
* a definition of each type of bodywork
* the origins of each type and the theory behind it
* healing properties and/or spiritual and relaxation benefits
* contraindications
* how much a session will cost and how many sessions you will need
* resources for further information
* and much, much more - all at the reader's fingertips.
Bodywork draws upon the resources of dozens of talented practitioners, the author's own extensive training, and all the latest literature. It presents enough information to be of interest and value to the professional, while at the same time being totally accessible to the general reader.
"...takes readers through the typical session of more than fifteen therapies and outlines the health and relaxation benefits of each approach; including Rolfing, Swedish Massage, the Alexander Technique, Shiatsu, and more."
Preface
Author's Note
Acknowledgments
Getting Started: How to Use This Book
Helpful Hints
How to Make the Most of Your Massage
How To Choose a Practitioner
A Note on Gender
Introduction
What Is Massage?
Bodywork Is Not a Substitute for Medical Treatment
A Brief Overview of the History of Bodywork
The Role of Massage and Bodywork in Health Care in the United States
The Common Foundations of Bodywork
Touch Research Institute: The Scientific Evidence
The Evolving Role of the Massage Therapist
Part I: Traditional Western Massage
Swedish Massage at a Glance
Chapter 1: Swedish Massage and Its Variations
What Is Swedish Massage?
The Origins of Swedish Massage
The Theory Underlying Swedish Massage
The Typical Format of a Swedish Massage Session
The Experience: I Get Rubbed the Right Way
The Benefits of Swedish Massage
Contraindications to Swedish Massage
Background and Training of Practitioners
For Further Information
Suggested Further Reading
Variations on Swedish Massage
Medical Massage: Working from a Doctor's Rx
Sports Massage: Maximizing Peak Performance
Trigger Point Therapies: Releasing the Pressure Points
On-Site Massage: Massage Comes to the Workplace
Specialty Practices: Endless Variations
Part II: Structural/Functional/Movement Integration: Somatic Education
The Rolfing Method of Structural Integration at a Glance
Chapter 2: The Rolfing Method of Structural Integration
What Is Rolfing?
The Origins of the Rolfing Method of Structural Integration
The Theory Underlying Rolfing
A Typical Rolfing Series
The Experience: I Get Rolfed
The Benefits of Rolfing
Contraindications to Rolfing
Background and Training of Practitioners
For Further Information
Suggested Further Reading
Other Approaches to Structural Integration
Aston-Patterning
Guild for Structural Integration
Hellerwork
The Alexander Technique at a Glance
Chapter 3: The Alexander Technique: Aligning the Spine
What Is the Alexander Technique?
The Origins of the Alexander Technique
The Theory Underlying the Alexander Technique
The Typical Format of an Alexander Lesson
The Experience: I Align My Spine
The Benefits of the Alexander Technique
Contraindications to the Alexander Technique
Background and Training of Practitioners
For Further Information
Suggested Further Reading
The Feldenkrais Method at a Glance
Chapter 4: The Feldenkrais Method: Awareness Through Movement
What Is the Feldenkrais Method?
The Origins of the Feldenkrais Method
The Theory Underlying the Feldenkrais Method
The Typical Format of a Feldenkrais Session
The Experience: Awareness Through Movement
The Benefits of the Feldenkrais Method
Contraindications to the Feldenkrais Method
Background and Training of Practitioners
For Further Information
Suggested Further Reading
Part III: Other Contemporary Western Bodywork Practices
Myofascial Release at a Glance
Chapter 5: Myofascial Release: Physical Therapy Joins Hands with Massage Therapy
What Is Myofascial Release?
The Origins of Myofascial Release
The Theory Underlying Myofascial Release
The Typical Format of Myofascial Release
The Experience: My Myofascia Is Released
The Benefits of Myofascial Release
Contraindications to Myofascial Release
Background and Training of Practitioners
For Further Information
Suggested Further Reading
The Trager Approach at a Glance
Chapter 6: The Trager Approach: Meditation in Motion
What Is The Trager Approach?
The Origins of the Trager Approach
The Theory Underlying the Trager Approach
The Typical Format of the Trager Approach
The Experience: I Get "Tragered"
The Benefits of the Trager Approach
Contraindications to the Trager Approach
Background and Training of Practitioners
For Further Information
Suggested Further Reading
Rubenfeld Synergy Method at a Glance
Chapter 7: Rubenfeld Synergy Method: Touch Therapy Meets Talk Therapy
What Is Rubenfeld Synergy?
The Origins of the Rubenfeld Synergy Method
The Theory Underlying Rubenfeld Synergy
The Typical Format of a Rubenfeld Synergy Session
The Experience: I Get Touched and Talk
The Benefits of Rubenfeld Synergy
Contraindications to Rubenfeld Synergy
Background and Training of Practitioners
For Further Information
Suggested Further Reading
Rosen Method at a Glance
Chapter 8: Rosen Method: Listening to the Body
What Is Rosen Method?
The Origins of Rosen Method
The Theory Underlying Rosen Method
The Typical Format of a Rosen Method Session
The Experience: I Listen to My Body
The Benefits of Rosen Method
Contraindications to Rosen Method
Background and Training of Practitioners
For Further Information
Suggested Further Reading
Part IV: Asian Bodywork: Practices with Eastern Roots
Shiatsu: Oriental Acupressure at a Glance
Chapter 9: Shiatsu: Oriental Acupressure and Other Bodywork Practices
What Is Shiatsu?
The Origins of Shiatsu
The Theory Underlying Shiatsu
The Typical Format of a Shiatsu Session
The Experience: Balancing the Pathways of Energy
The Benefits of Shiatsu
Contraindications to Shiatsu
Background and Training of Practitioners
For Further Information
Suggested Further Reading
Variations on Shiatsu: Other Healing Approaches Related to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture
Moxibustion
Acu-Yoga
Cupping
Sotai
Ear Seed Acupuncture
Auricular Therapy
Iridology
Other Oriental Bodywork Practices
AMMA Therapy
Jin Shin Do Bodymind Acupressure
Thai Massage
Tuina: The Traditional Chinese System of Manual Therapy
Reflexology at a Glance
Chapter 10: Reflexology: Baring Your Sole
What Is Reflexology?
The Origins of Reflexology
The Theory Underlying Reflexology
The Typical Format of a Reflexology Session
The Experience: Feet First
The Benefits of Reflexology
Contraindications to Reflexology
Background and Training of Practitioners
For Further Information
Suggested Further Reading
Aromatherapy Massage at a Glance
Chapter 11: Aromatherapy Massage: Appealing to the "Scentses"
What Is Aromatherapy?
The Origins of Aromatherapy
The Theory Underlying Aromatherapy
The Typical Format of Aromatherapy Massage
The Experience: Massage as a "Scentsual" Experience
The Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage
Contraindications to Aromatherapy Massage
Background and Training of Practitioners
For Further Information
Suggested Further Reading
Part V: Energetic Bodywork: Healing with the Human Energy Field
Therapeutic Touch (TT) at a Glance
Chapter 12: Therapeutic Touch (TT): Modulating the Human Energy Field
What Is Therapeutic Touch?
The Origins of Therapeutic Touch
The Theory Underlying Therapeutic Touch
The Typical Format of a Therapeutic Touch Treatment
The Experience: I Get Energized
The Benefits of Therapeutic Touch
Contraindications to Therapeutic Touch
Background and Training of Practitioners
For Further Information
Suggested Further Reading
CranioSacral Therapy at a Glance
Chapter 13: CranioSacral Therapy: The Skull Speaks
What Is CranioSacral Therapy?
The Origins of CranioSacral Therapy
The Theory Underlying CranioSacral Therapy
The Typical Format of a CranioSacral Therapy Session
The Experience: My Skull Speaks
The Benefits of CranioSacral Therapy
Contraindications to CranioSacral Therapy
Background and Training of Practitioners
For Further Information
Suggested Further Reading
Other Practices Associated with CranioSacral Therapy
SomatoEmotional Release
Visceral Manipulation
Zero Balancing
Reiki at a Glance
Chapter 14: Reiki: Universal Life Energy
What Is Reiki?
The Origins of Reiki
The Theory Underlying Reiki
The Typical Format of a Reiki Session
The Experience: Tapping into Universal Life Energy
The Benefits of Reiki
Contraindications to Reiki
Background and Training of Practitioners
For Further Information
Suggested Further Reading
Holotropic Breathwork at a Glance
Chapter 15: Holotropic Breathwork: The Music of Breath
What Is Holotropic Breathwork?
The Origins of Holotropic Breathwork
The Theory Underlying Holotropic Breathwork
The Typical Format of a Holotropic Breathwork Session
The Experience: I Breathe to Music
The Benefits of Holotropic Breathwork
Contraindications to Holotropic Breathwork
Background and Training of Practitioners
For Further Information
Suggested Further Reading
Polarity Therapy at a Glance
Chapter 16: Polarity Therapy: Balancing Currents of Energy
What Is Polarity Therapy?
The Origins of Polarity Therapy
The Theory Underlying Polarity Therapy
The Typical Format of a Polarity Therapy Session
The Experience: My Energy Currents Get Balanced
The Benefits of Polarity Therapy
Contraindications to Polarity Therapy
Background and Training of Practitioners
For Further Information
Suggested Further Reading
Part VI: Supplemental Information: Simple Tools
Chapter 17: The Spa Experience: Pampering Yourself While Your Body Works
The Spa Experience: Total Immersion
Travel Agencies That Specialize in Spa Vacations
Suggested Further Reading
Chapter 18: Resources for Further Exploration
Networking: Holistic Learning Centers
United States
Foreign Learning Centers
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
Graduate Degree Programs
Support Groups
Resources for Further Reading
Periodicals
Mail-Order Book Companies/Book Publishers
Professional Associations of Additional Bodywork Practices
Glossary: Bodywork from A to Z
Appendix A: Comparative Summary of Bodywork Practices
Appendix B: State Boards Administering Massage Practice Laws
Notes
Bibliography
Postcript: Unlearning
Index
Overview
Whether you're a longtime bodywork enthusiast or someone who has had little or no experience with massage, Bodywork is ...