Books about
Body-Centered Therapies

1. Job's Body: A Handbook for Bodywork (2003)
2. Discovering the Body's Wisdom (1996)
3. The Future of the Body: Explorations into the Further Evolution of Human Nature (1993)
4. Transformation Through Bodywork: Using Touch Therapies for Inner Peace (1996)
5. Getting in Touch: The Guide to New Body-Centered Therapies (1997)
6. The Bodywork and Massage Sourcebook (1999)
7. Bodywork: What Type of Massage to Get-And How to Make the Most of It (1996)
8. Bodywork Therapies for Women, A Guide (2000)
9. On other page: Mind Body Spirit Hd (2002)

Job's Body: A Handbook for Bodywork
by Deane Juhan

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Book Description
Possibly the most famous and widely used single resource in the field of bodywork (required for national certification in massage therapy), this beautifully written book gives a richly detailed picture of how and why the body responds to therapeutic touch. A reader-friendly yet scientifically reliable and detailed introduction to the human body, this updated edition (including new introductory and supplemental material) surveys "bodywork," showing how its practices alter deep-seated patterns of body and mind. For general reader as much as professional and student interested in the body-mind and not wanting a dry, clinical presentation, this is the book.

About the Author
Deane Juhan, who taught many years at Esalen, lives in Mill valley and conducts professional classes worldwide for Trager and other bodyworkers.

Dr. Ken Dychtwald Review
This fascinating text offers everything a health practitioner, massage therapist, exercise instructor, or student of human potential could hope for: an information-packed reference on the workings of the body and mind; a broad assortment of strategies for releasing tension, freeing energy, and enhancing health through "hands-on" bodywork; an eloquent exploration of the most mysterious and powerful of all human interactions--touch.

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Discovering the Body's Wisdom
by Mirka Knaster

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There are so many different kinds of bodywork available these days, many people find it hard to choose. Massage therapist and health writer Mirka Knaster's comprehensive book is a good place to start. She covers just about everything in both the Eastern and Western traditions--from various types of yoga, martial arts, and massage to newer practices such as Rolfing and the Alexander Technique to esoteric movement and touching practices of which most people have never even heard. The one thing all these techniques have in common is that they seek to bring healing and self-discovery through physical practices. "Many people first turn to bodyways because the pain of an injury or chronic condition forces them to seek alternatives," Knaster writes. "The other motivation ... comes from a natural drive toward healthy or optional functioning." Either way, she says, these practices help us overcome our disconnection from our body and our feelings.
It would be hard to overstate how much sheer information is supplied in this book. Not only does Knaster describe each technique and explain what it's supposed to do for you, she gives its history and a brief biography of the inventors, along with addresses and phone numbers for obtaining more information. A chapter on working with a given practitioner helps answer the multitude of questions readers are likely to have: How do you know if he or she is properly trained? How should you feel after a session? What do you do if your relationship with the practitioner seems too intimate or even improper? While anyone looking to get involved with a given technique would do well to find books that discuss it in greater depth, some may find that Discovering the Body's Wisdom already provides everything they need. Either way, it's a fascinating book, and a great reference to keep around.
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The Future of the Body: Explorations into the Further Evolution of Human Nature
by Michael Murphy

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Reader Review
An encyclopedia for the New Age., September 5, 2000
Reviewer: frostansuz@aol.com from San Francisco, CA USA
Michael Murphy is the co-founder of Esalen Institute, a gorgeous little retreat in Northern California, part spa, part think tank, that was a key incubator of the "New Age" movement. He's also author of some compelling books including the amazing "Golf in the Kingdom." He has spent a great deal of time over the years studying the possibilities of human transformation - of our becoming more alive and conscious and happy and tuned in to the true vibes of universe. In this book he tells us pretty much everything he's learned. It turns out to be quite a lot.

It's a 785-page tome. The bibliography lists something like 2000 books and articles. He provides a rich and detailed history about human efforts toward transformation and transcendence over the centuries, and includes capsule summaries of many technologies used today in pursuit of that elusive goal, including bodywork (Alexander work, Feldenkrais, etc.) and new philosophical/psychological/spiritual approaches such as psychosynthesis. He examines spiritual healing. He delves into mesmerism, hypnosis, the martial arts and the contemplative practices of modern-day monks. He talks about erotic love, sports and stigmata. He's nothing if not wide-ranging. Murphy's basic belief is that we humans have vast "uncharted powers" in our bodies, psyches and spirits beyond what we think we have, and that these can be cultivated to our benefit. He is a true believer in the possibilies of the New Age; he thinks that we may be on the verge of a significant leap in evolution, and that if we diligently pursue some of the disciplines described here, we will hasten the process. He writes, "I remain convinced that as a species - and as individuals - we either grow or die. If we deny the actuality of these uncharted powers, they either stagnate within us or erupt painfully and perversely." The book is impressive and inspiring if you're into this sort of thing and may be an eye-opener for you if you're not. My only criticism is, the prose style is too often dry and pedestrian, so you actually may NEED to be into this sort of thing to wade through it all.

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Transformation Through Bodywork: Using Touch Therapies for Inner Peace
by Dan Menkin

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Getting in Touch: The Guide to New Body-Centered Therapies
by Christine, Ph.D. Caldwell (Editor), Kern Foundation

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Reader Review
Compehensive Resource, August 18, 2000
Reviewer: Laura Minges (see more about me at Amazon.com) from Pasadena,, CA USA
This is a strong compilation of bodywork techniques written by the founders of each technique. Accessible and thought-provoking, it provides theoretical as well as practical bases for each type of therapy. The book presents a wide range of options in a non-judgmental way, neither endorsing nor discounting them. This allows the reader to choose the method most appropriate for his or her needs. It is excellent for trauma survivors who wish to reclaim ownership of their bodies, either in conjunction with or separate from talk therapy. However, one does not need to have experienced trauma to benefit from bodywork. Therefore, I strongly recommend it to all audiences.

About the Author
Christine Caldwell, Ph.D., is a body-centered therapist in private practice in Boulder, Colorado. She is founder of the Somatic Psychology Department at the Naropa Institute and director of the Moving Cycle Institute. She is author of Getting Our Bodies Back: Recovery, Healing, and Transformation Through Body-Centered Psychotherapy.

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The Bodywork and Massage Sourcebook
by Andrew S., Lmt Levine, Valerie J., Phd Levine

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Book Info
(Lowell House) Somerset School of Massage Therapy, NJ. Discusses the benefits of Swedish massage, Reiki, shiatsu, Trager, and Feldenkrais. For consumers.

Reader Review
Excellent, February 1, 2000
Reviewer: A reader from Hershey, Pennsylania
I have been a massage therapist for 7+ years and I find this book to be one of the best written books I have read. This book is easily as valuable to the experienced massage therapist as it is to a rank amatuer. I commend the authors for there fine work and I look forward to future releases from them. I fully endorse this book and recommend it to all interested in this topic.

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Bodywork: What Type of Massage to Get - And How to Make the Most of It
by Thomas Claire

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Table of Contents
-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 Holo

About the Author
Thomas Claire was a National Merit Scholar at Kenyon College, received a Fulbright Scholarship to France, and was a University Fellow at Brown, where he received a master's degree in comparative literature. After getting an MBA from Columbia, he held various positions in banking and corporate finance. He left the world of business after thirteen years to explore writing and bodywork. He is now a licensed massage therapist, a graduate of the Therapeutic Touch. Claire writes for publications including Massage Therapy Journal. He lives, teaches, and practices in New York City.

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Bodywork Therapies for Women, A Guide
by Delcia McNeil

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Table of Contents
Introduction: What are bodywork therapies and
how can they help you?
Part One: Bodywork Therapy and the Holistic Approach to Health
The Holistic Approach
The Meaning of Illness
Touch and Contact
Finding a Practitioner or Therapist
Part Two: The Therapies
The Massage Therapies
Swedish massage
Holistic massage
Sports and remedial massage
Indian head massage
Infant massage
Aromatherapy
Manipulation Therapies and Postural Education
Osteopathy
Cranial osteopathy
Cranio-sacral therapy
Chiropractic
Chiropractic; the McTimoney way
Rolfing
Postural integration
Alexander technique
Zones, Meridians and Pressure Point Therapies
Chinese medicine
Acupuncture
Shiatsu
Acupressure
Reflexology
Polarity therapy
Kinesiology
Touch for health
The Metaphysical Therapies
Healing: subtle energy, auras and chakras
Auras
Chakras
Therapeutic touch
Reiki
Absent or distant healing
Radionics: holistic distant healing
Colour healing
Sound healing
Crystal healing
Bodywork Psychotherapy, including Hypnotherapy and Rebirthing
The history of body psychotherapy
Bioenergetics
Hakomi
Biodynamic psychotherapy
Biodynamic massage
Gestalt
Rebirthing (or conscious connected breathing)
Hypnotherapy
Energy Movement Systems
Yoga
Tai chi
Chi gung
Pilates
Feldenkrais
Dance movement therapy
Gabrielle Roth five rhythms movement practice
Convergence Therapies
Rosen method®
Zero balancing
The Bowen technique: Bowtech®
Trager® approach
The metamorphic technique
Pulsing
Conclusion
Appendix I: Comparison of CAM and conventional medicine approaches
Appendix II: Glossary of other bodywork therapies
Notes
Selected Reading
Resources

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