The Book of Massage - The Complete Step-By-step Guide to Eastern and Western Techniques

A guide to the relaxing and healing skills of massage, the ancient Japanese art of shiatsu and reflexology. With step-by-step instructions, the book guides the reader through the complete working sequence for each skill and provides detailed descriptions of appropriate strokes for each part of the body. The book also explains what the body can tell you and shows how massage can be used to soothe, to invigorate, to relieve aches and tensions and to help in difficult circumstances, from work to leisure, from pregnancy to old age.

With more than 650,000 copies sold, massage therapist Lucinda Lidell's Book of Massage has been updated with new photos and instructional drawings. Not for the prudish, as the subjects in most of the photos are completely in the buff, the book presents an intense, information-packed, step-by-step guide to traditional massage, shiatsu, and reflexology.

No matter which method you choose to focus on (you're advised to choose one at a time), Lidell is thorough in her explanations of the strokes and techniques necessary to give relaxing, therapeutic massage in the privacy of your own home. Detailed drawings, diagrams, and photographs help to further demonstrate how to address each individual body part.

Divided into distinct chapters for each of the three methods, The Book of Massage also includes several sections that Lidell stresses are fundamental to all types of massage. The first is "Beginning," with information such as creating the right atmosphere (a warm room and soft lighting), applying oil, and finding a comfortable position. Additionally, Lidell suggests that everyone should review sections on the human touch and anatomy, both of which oddly come at the end of the book.

As thorough as The Book of Massage may be, do not expect to walk away from it an expert. As with any skill worth learning, giving good massage takes time, study, and practice, practice, practice. --Bree Altman