Embody the Skeleton: A Guide for Conscious Movement

by Mark Taylor

Overview

Somatic Movement Education allows efficient movement patterns to replace inefficient ones, resulting in ease of movement, more functional postural alignment, and the creation of space for the healing response of cellular and tissue reorganization. This book provides clear experiential guidance for embodiment of the skeletal system, through movement facilitation, hands-on facilitation, and movement meditations, supported by essential anatomical information and illustrations. Intended as a guide for movement practitioners, educators, and therapists in many disciplines and by anyone interested in mindful movement, the book addresses the healthy embodiment of each bone and joint in the body as well as techniques for bringing awareness to the skeletal system as a whole. The book is accompanied by a series of recorded movement meditations guided by the author.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781912085095
Publisher:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication date:	12/18/2018
Pages:	212
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.61(h) x 0.47(d)

About the Author

Mark C. Taylor is a somatic movement educator and therapist. Originally a choreographer, dance company director, and movement educator, he served on the faculties of Princeton University (USA) and the University of Limerick (Ireland). He worked as Program Director for Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen's School for Body-Mind Centering®, and developed a deep interest in somatic movement pedagogy while teaching in the school's programs in the U.S. and Europe. In 2006 he founded the Center for BodyMindMovement, providing certification training in Somatic Movement Education with sites in Pittsburgh, PA, Mexico City, São Paulo, Brazil, and Santiago, Chile. He is a board member and past president of the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA).

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Veronica C. S. Foster, MS, BCTMB, CHES, CSCS, CES (Northwestern Health Sciences University)
Description: This book covers anatomy, kinesiology, and palpation of the skeletal system. The basics of movement terminology and skeletal system structure and function are covered, along with some hands-on techniques for palpation of bones, myofascial release, and more.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide a guide for movement awareness through knowledge of the skeletal system. Although this book meets its primary objective of informing readers about the skeletal system and its movement, I question whether this book is a worthy addition to the field of anatomy, kinesiology, or movement therapies. Anatomy and kinesiology are topics covered in countless other books. Unique to this book are the hands-on approaches, however limited.
Audience: According to the author, this book may serve as a review for movement therapists, a way for bodyworkers to learn more about movement awareness, or a guide for patients, students, and other non-health professionals to practice their own embodiment. However, this book is not useful to anyone with knowledge of anatomy or kinesiology because the concepts presented here are the same as presented in dozens of other books. In addition, this book lacks the anatomical drawings that are customary in most books of similar content. This book may be useful for readers with no health, anatomy, or kinesiology background, but otherwise I would skip it.
Features: This book covers anatomy and kinesiology of the skeletal system, divided into lower and upper extremities and the axial skeleton and skull. Skeletal anatomy chapters alternate with chapters presenting ways to integrate the topics. Hands-on activities are presented in grey boxes throughout the book to help bring awareness to body position and movement in specific ways.
Assessment: This is a useful book for individuals with no health or medical background who want to become more present in their bodies and able to move with intention. This is not a useful book for health practitioners because most of the topics it covers are part of the foundational education in most health professions. Although the information found in this book is also found in other anatomy, kinesiology, and bodywork texts, this book uniquely focuses on the skeletal system and integrates information from the three fields of study. This book could be improved by adding more current research and new skeletal topics to update seasoned professionals.

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