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

Lidell, Lucinda with Thomas, Sara, Beresford Cooke, Carola, Porter, Anthony Under the Consultancy of Maxwell Hudson, Clare

ISBN 10: 0852233280 / ISBN 13: 9780852233283

Published by Ebury Press, London, 1987

About this Item

A companion volume to the Book of Yoga. Photography by Fausto Dorelli. Classic guide to the relaxing and healing skills of the hands, from massage to shiatsu and reflexology. Beautifully illustrated with clear step by step instructions and authoritative advice on all aspects. NO INSCRIPTIONS. Colour frontis. 192 pp. Tight and bright.; 001185; 8vo.

Seller Inventory # 001185

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Book of Massage. The Complete Step By Step Guide to Eastern and Western Techniques
• Publisher: Ebury Press, London
• Publication Date: 1987
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0852233280
• ISBN 13: 9780852233283
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket
• Seller catalogs:
  • Older/Uncatalogued

About this title

Synopsis

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.

Review

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