100th Monkey Books

Bodywork & Somatics



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The Alexander Technique: The Essential Writings of F. Matthias Alexander
Selected & Introduced by Edward Maisel (1967/1989) 204pages

Getting up, sitting down, walking. standing. opening and closing drawers. entering or leaving cars, dressing and undressing, shutting windows, reaching for a pencil, unscrewing the top of a mayonaise jar: all our usual activities, from the most strenuous to the least effortful, involve us in complicated patterns of movement and rest, which for better or worse, constitute our particular use of ourselves.... But how then do we acquire a better use of ourselves, and with it an improved approach to the activities of living? If behavior is mainly movement, what is the prerequisites of good movement? As early as 1907, Alexander (1869-1955) identified this prerequisite with the greatest lengthening of the spine possible in whatever we may be doing. It was this vertebral lengthening in activity which he then called "the true and primary movement in each and every act." - from the Introduction by Edward Maisel (Lyle Stuart)



The Body in Psychotherapy: Inquiries in Somatic Psychology
edited by Don Hanlon Johnson & Ian J. Grand (1998) 199pages

The Body in Psychotherapy explores the life of the body as a basis of psychological understanding. Its chapters describe the use of movement, awareness exercises, and bodily imagination in work with various populations and life situations. It chronicles somatic work with childhood trauma, political torture, and life transitions such as aging, the loss of parents, and the emergence of a sense of Self. The Body in Psychotherapy is the third in a series of Somatics texts. Other titles are Bone, Breath, and Gesture & Groundworks. (North Atlantic)



BodyStories: A Guide to Experiential Anatomy (expanded ed.)
Andrea Olsen (1991/1998)

BodyStories is a book which engages the general reader as well as the serious student of anatomy. Its information is applicable to dancers, artists, athletes, bodyworkers, massage therapists, teachers, and individuals with injuries or with a special interest in learning about their body. Thirty-one days of learning sessions bring heightened awareness about each bone and body system as well as providing self-guided studies to activate the learning processes. (Station Hill Openings)



Bodywork Shiatsu: Bringing the Art of Finger Pressure to the Massage Table
Carl Dubitsky (1997) 252pages

In the field of health care, the Western scientific approach has led to a remarkable understanding of the structure of the human bodymind through rigorous differentiation. The Eastern cultural approach, on the other hand, has led to a very keen and utilitarian understanding of pattern and function based on the perceived unity of that same bodymind. In this book, we will examine the art-science of BodyWork Shiatsu from both perspectives. Experience has taught me that in some circumstances energetic manipulation, treatment designed to balance energy, is most effective, while in other circumstances structural bodywork, treatment intended to alter physical structure, is more effective. What I find amazing is that in both cases my hands appear to be doing the same things. Only the perceptual framework and intention, the conceptual paradigm, differs. We will begin with an overview of traditional Chinese medicine and then review the subject in terms of Western anatomy and physiology. Both approaches yield remarkable insights. We will conclude with a step-by-step description of how to give a full BodyWork Shiatsu session on a massage table as well as an introductory treatment designed for a seated client. - from the author's Preface (Healing Arts)



Book of Massage: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Eastern and Western Techniques
Written by Lucinda Lidell with Sara Thomas (massage), Carol Beresford Cooke (shiatsu) and Anthony Porter (1984) 191pages

In this book we will show how touch techniques can be used not only to relax and increase the well-being of family and friends, but also to enhance your understanding of yourself and others. The three touch therapies presented-massage, shiatsu and reflexology-differ greatly in effect and mode of application. All three, however, work with the body's regenerative capacity, promoting each individual's own self-healing activity. Massage involves a systematic stroking, kneading and pressing the soft tissues of the entire body in order to induce a state of total relaxation. Shiatsu is a Japanese system of physical therapy, given with the fingers, thumbs, elbows, knees, or feet, concentrating on pressure points, or tsubos , in order to affect the balance of vital energy or ki in the meridians. In reflexology, you use special thumb and finger techniques to work on small areas, or reflexes, on the feet. These reflex areas are connected to different parts of the body, so that in working over all the reflexes on the feet you are in fact affecting the entire body. The main benefit of reflexology is relaxation, but it also improves the blood supply and unblocks the functioning of nerve impulses. - from the authors' Introduction (Simon & Schuster)



The Complete Book of Shiatsu Therapy
Toru Namikoshi (1981) 256pages

This book sets forth all of the techniques of practical shiatsu treatment. In addition, however, it provides the reader with the basic knowledge of the structure and functioning of the human body that is prerequisite to effective shiatsu....To ensure that this book makes both the basics and the practice of shiatsu as lucid as possible, I have taken the greatest care in selecting a vast amount of photographic illustrative material and in preparing myself charts and drawings to give the reader a clear picture of the relation between shiatsu therapy points and the organization of the body. - from the author's Preface (Japan Publications)



Complete Illustrated Guide to Shiatsu: Japanese Healing Art of Touch for Health & Fitness
Elaine Liechti (1998) 192pages

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Shiatsu provides a detailed introduction to this healing art, which uses the power of touch and pressure to provide physical and emotional healing. The book gives an account of the history and development of Shiatsu, from its origin in Japan to the growth of modern methods, especially Zen Shiatsu which forms the basis for the techniques given here. After giving essential background information on the concept of Ki energy, and how its flow through the body can be directed to help with healing, the book discusses Five Element Theory, Yin Yang and the idea of Kyo and Jitsu, as well as the importance of the meridians as the pathways of Ki. It also introduces the Tsubo - key points on the meridians that have a particular function in controlling the flow of Ki to different body parts and organs. The background theory is put into practice in the Basic Sequence, which uses step-by-step instructions to guide the reader through a complete program of Shiatsu treatment for the whole body. Further chapters provide techniques for Do-In (self-Shiatsu), treatments for specific conditions, and advice on how to approach further instruction toward full practitioner status. - from the author's How to Use This Book (Element)



Do-It-Yourself Shiatsu: How to Perform the Ancient Japanese Art of "Acupuncture without Needles"
Wataru Ohashi (1976) edited by Vicki Lindner 144pages

In this book, Wataru Ohashi tells how you can learn to perform Shiatsu at home on yourself and your friends. He has provided clear explanations of all technical terms and attractive photographs throughout to illustrate the Shiatsu techniques and the exact locations of the pressure points. He has also included special "Shiatsu Exercises," designed to keep your energy flowing. ( Penguin Arkana)



Foot Reflexology: A Visual Guide for Self-Treatment
Jurgen Jora (1991) 79pages

The healing and rejuvenating art of foot reflexology works on the principle that every part of the body is connected to the soles of the feet by nerve pathways and subtle energy channels. By massaging the foot, you can stimulate these connections, bringing soothing relief to the corresponding body part, whether the sinuses, back and neck, lungs, stomach, shoulder, hip, or other area of stiffness or pain. Conversely, massaging points on your hand is an effective way to treat foot injuries. Forty-six unique, full-color illustrations of the feet, overlaid with the corresponding body part, let you see at a glance which area of the the foot to massage for the desired result. (St.Martin's Griffin)



Groundworks: Narratives of Embodiment
edited by Don Hanlon Johnson (1997) 132pages

Groundworks gives accounts of the actual processes of working with individuals in six major schools of Somatics by either the creator of the method itself or a leading teacher of the method. The creators are Robert Hall of Lomi School, Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen of Body-Mind Centering, and Emile Conrad Da'oud of Continuum. Leading teachers of methods include Michael Salveson on Rolfing, Elizabeth Beringer on Feldenkrais work, and Darcy Elman F.M. Alexander Technique. Groundworks. is the second in a series of Somatics texts. Other titles are Bone, Breath, and Gesture & The Body in Psychotherapy. (North Atlantic)



The Heart of Listening: A Visionary Approach to Craniosacral Work
High Milne (1995)
vol. 1 Origins, Destination Points, Unfoldment 216pages
vol. 2 Anatomy, Technique, Transcendence 322pages

"Heart" has four words in it: Ear; Hear; Heat; Art. The "Heart of Listening" requires us to have not only an ear, but to hear with our whole being; it is energy work, and the heat in a healer's hands is a potent form of energy. Working with real, whole human beings is a hot-blooded endeavor that is, above all things else, an art Perception is the visual, external component of intuition, and insight is the contemplative, internal component of intuition. It is "in-sight"; it is the internal seeing of self and other. A visionary is someone who trusts what they perceive outside and what they sense inside, and values both equally. Many people can hold the parts, many people can hold the whole, but very few people can hold the parts and the whole. This book presents a visionary approach to craniosacral work. I hope that it will show you a way inside, a way outside, and a way outside, and a way to combine the two. - from Hugh Milne's introduction: The Heart
In the first volume, Milne introduces the reader to the story of visionary work - its genesis, evolution, philosophy, and practice - and explains how a grounding in meditation, sensitive touch, and intuitive perception can lead to a remarkable unfoldment in skill development. The shamanistic roots that craniosacral work shares with all forms of healing touch, are also explored, as is the healer's contract, the development of perception and intuition, and visionary diagnosis.
The second volume details the structures of the human craniosacral system as understood in the osteopathic and energetic models. He clarifies the anatomy, physiology, pathology, and energetics of each salient craniosacral structure, and goes on to explain how the practitioner might gain insight into what troubles the client, and what the client needs, by "listening" to the song of those structures. (North Atlantic)



Job's Body: A Handbook for Bodywork (expanded edition)
Deanne Juhan (1987/98) 412pages

(Station Hill Press)






Meridian Exercises: The Oriental Way to Health and Vitality
Shizuto Masunaga (1987) 238pages

The unique concepts and exercises in this book are easy to grasp with a wealth of photographs and illustrations. The psychological aspects of the meridians and exercise are explained in detail along with the physical effects. Further, the way to identify and correct imbalances is discussed in simple language and is illuminated with easy shiatsu techniques. In addition, specific recommendations for exercises most beneficial for various conditions are provided. Meridian Exercises is a Master Masunaga's final work. (Japan Publications)



Secrets of the Skeleton: Form in Metamorphosis
L.F.C.Mees (1980,1984) 98pages

(Anthroposophic Press)






Shiatsu Shin Tai: The Evolution & Synthesis of Traditional Bodywork
Saul Goodman (1996) 231pages

This book includes: Synthesis of Eastern /Western Techniques & Philosophy; Introduction to the Priority ands Sequence of Treatment; The Keywork of Bodywork in Evolution; Postural Evaluation; Passive Spinal & Hip Correction; Unwinding of the Atlas; Reorganizing the Body/Mind Information System (Infitech)



Shiatsu Theory and Practice: A comprehensive text for the student and professional
Carola Beresford-Cooke (1996) 292pages

Key areas covered include: The three major sources of Shiatsu theory - Five Element Theory, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Zen Shiastsu - how to use them together in practice. The history of the relationship between Shiatsu and acupuncture. Simple treatment routine in four positions. Explanations and interpretations of the four methods of diagnosis. Descriptions of the different techniques and kinds of touch used in treatment. Thoroughly referenced theory giving functions and symptomatology of each meridian. Detailed location and treatment procedures for each meridian. Case histories showing real application of theory in practice. The text is richly illustrated with detailed line drawings and photographs, including clearly illustrated meridian locations. (Churchill Livingstone)



The Shiatsu Way to Health: Relief and Vitality at a Touch
Toru Namikoshi (1988) 139pages

Shiatsu literally means "finger pressure." In the Orient, the system of key pressure points that is the foundation of this massage-like art has been used for it medicinal powers for thousands of years. Shiatsu helps your body help itself, stimulating the natural recuperative power. Shiatsu increases stamina, relieves stress and fatigue, improves sexual vitality, improves complexion and skin tone, relieves headaches, lower back pain, and a host of other common ailments. Included in this book are: Full-Body Shiatsu, Shiatsu for Stress and Fatigue, Shiatsu for Children, Shiatsu and Stretching. (Japan Publications)



Shiatsu: A Practical Introduction
Oliver Cowmeadow (1992/98) 154pages

This book clearly explains: the role of energy in Shiatsu; how to give a full body Shiatsu treatment; how to eat an energetically balanced diet to promote health; how to treat simple health problems with Shiatsu; methods of oriental diagnosis; common uses of acupressure points; and energy balancing exercises for yourself. (Element)



The Thinking Body: A Study of the Balancing Forces of Dynamic Man
Mabel E. Todd (1937) 314pages

The Thinking Body , originally published in 1937, is a classic in the study of human physiology, and the effect of psychological and mental processes on human movement. Todd was far ahead of her time in seeing the relationship between thought and movement. Since its republication in 1968, The Thinking Body has been recognized as a profound study of biomechanics, anatomy, kinesiology, and physiology, all brought to bear on a study of movement education. The purpose of this book is to re-educate us in our movements, to bring the power of mental and psychological processes to bear on all our physical movements. As Todd herself said, "It is profoundly true that we are as much affected in our thinking by our bodily attitudes as our bodily attitudes are affected in the reflection of our mental and bodily states." With 91 illustrations. (Dance Horizons / Princeton Book)



Your Body Speaks Its MInd
Stanley Keleman (1975/1981) 189pages

Your Body Speaks Its Mind is Stanley Keleman's provocative work on how to understand the language of the body and the nature of bodily experience. "We do not have bodies, we are our bodies. Emotional reality and biological ground are the same and cannot, in any way, be separated or distinguished," says Keleman. A key concept is what Keleman describes as the formative principle, how life shapes itself somatically according to subjective experience. He sees the body as an alive, kinetic, emotional form - not an object in space but the embodiment of a person in the shape he acquires through living. It is this process of life incarnate - individual human experience manifesting through flesh - that he describes in a personal and original style. (Center Press)



Zen Shiatsu: How to Harmonize Yin and Yang for Better Health
Shizuto Masunaga with Wataru Ohashi (1977) 176pages

Shiatsu is based on a full oriental medical system, which explains the human body in terms of a network of meridians through which flows an energy called Ki in Japanese. If the flow of Ki through the meridians is smooth, the person is healthy. If the flow becomes sluggish, the person falls ill. The nature of the flow is analyzed on the basis of the Chinese conception of the duality Yin and Yang into two states called Kyo and Jitsu . In the Kyo state, the flow of Ki is sluggish, and the body functions are dulled. In the Jitsu state, the flow is too rapid, and the body functions are overactive. A therapy that fails to take these states into consideration can only further retard the activity of sluggish functions and further stimulate hyperactive ones. In short, such therapy can produce no beneficial effect at all.. The way to restore the proper balance to the system of Ki energy is the subject of Zen Shiatsu . In this richly illustrated book, the author thoroughly covers tonification-sedation, meridian shiatsu (Zen Shiatsu). (Japan Publications)


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