The Book of Massage: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Eastern and Western Technique

As a fibromyalgia patient, I've found massage to be a great help in managing my disease. When my husband indicated he'd like to learn how to help me through painful moments, I began looking for a book to help teach him the basics. The combination of clear instructions, multiple suggestions for customizing massage experiences, and fantastic illustrations made this a winner (and I checked out about twenty or so different books). For someone who started with movements similar to what you'd use to pet a cat, the techniques absorbed from this book greatly increased not only his skills but his creativity in working knots out of sore muscles. I also found myself suddenly figuring out exactly how mysterious moves (from the client's perspective) were pulled off, such as using forearms or elbows instead of just palms or fingers. A few combinations of area-specific instructions intrigued me, and once suggested to a massage therapist, ended up being just the ticket for sore shoulders. Althought you can learn incredible things from this book, it's not a substitute for actual training. Even my middle-ground position as having learned from several talented massage therapists and being able to replicate their results on friends and family members do not make me nearly as adept or knowledgeable as the professionals. It's a resource and perhaps a "Layman's Guide," but not nearly enough to open a business on or to claim expert status. It's not at all comprehensive of all the techniques out there, but it's a great place to start. Although some of the illustrations are not youth-appropriate (I would not give this to a teen curious about massage), they are still handled tastefully and within context most of the time, especially considering when this was published. While my experiences in massage have always included being covered or semi-clothed, I can understand some of the rationale behind the body-baring photographs. Another note is that this book also features aromatherapy and cultural ideas of healing/massage, especially Eastern techniques. The authors don't seem to claim that these beliefs are absolute/completely necessary for massage, they do take them seriously and present them as concepts to consider and potentially include in a massage experience (personally, I don't buy into them). Overall, if you're wanting a clear, concise guide that goes in-depth on massage techniques without being too complicated for beginners, I highly suggest getting this book.

Over the years I have read numerous books on health, fitness, energy healing, Zen, Taoism and various massage systems. I must say that this amazing book (The Book of Massage: The complete step-by-step guide to Eastern and western techniques by Lucinda Lindell), which I purchased on Amazon for a bargain price, is one of the very best books ever written on this subject. This 192 page large size soft cover book covers in detail three systems of massage: massage, Shiatsu and reflexology. The beautiful photographs and illustrations make this an excellent reference source for anyone interested in learning the basic principles of massage, Shiatsu and reflexology. It is essential to understand that these techniques are best learned from any instructor to fully comprehend each of the techniques presented in this volume. The value of this book can be fully appreciated when combined with hands on practice and training. The unique book covers the following material: Beginning information, massage methods, Shiatsu techniques, Reflexology techniques for feet and hands, the human touch, body reading and anatomy. If you are interested in massage techniques and systems this is a MUST BOOK to have in your personal library. Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Chair/Seated Use of the Martial Arts ring, bamboo and metal, for seniors and the physically challenged)

This book I got in hopes of giving me a descent introduction into giving massages. This book has provided a solid foundation from which I feel I can expand from into the more elaborate and complex details of the art of giving a massage. It is an older book but having practiced many of the lessons given, I have quieted all question of whether the book may be outdated and possible ineffective. I would suggest this book if you are as I was, just a beginner looking for a foot hold to start from.

This is an amazing book. It gave me a whole new outlook on massage and how valuable it is for body maintenance and health in general. There is a lot of intimacy within this practice (hence why massage parlors make the headlines all the time). It's quite beautiful and sensuous, but also very methodical and healthy. I bought this for my husband due to his many RA joint ailments. Additionally it alleviates his stress and helps him to disassociate from his rough day at work. It helps to reduce the inflammation in his knees, elbows, ankles and wrists. The book is very extensive and covers everything, from the actual concept of massage and the many variations available. It also covers reflexology and trigger therapy. So much information that has been well sought out and researched. Excellent illustrations with step-by-step guidance for beginners. I highly recommend this book if you want to not only get closer to your companion, but share in an art that is truly intense and binding.

Got this a while ago at a bargain price. There are a lot of massage books out there, I have a few in my collection. This one stands out in instruction, easy to follow, very reader friendly.

There's different sections and most of the instructions are good, but beware that there are a lot of graphic pictures and drawings. Wouldn't mind except the nude photos and drawings were pretty much gratuitous. But not in a 'sexy' way at all, just like they were really embracing the idea of the body is natural to the point of being distracting. But really there was no reason to not have more tee-shirts or undies. It wouldn't matter to me personally but I went through and permanent-markered underpants on the drawings, etc., just because I have children around and all I really wanted was a manual on massage techniques.

Good as publicised

Great book. Be aware that many techniques described are done on the floor/mat, not on a massage bed. There are some aura/chakra voodoo mentioned, but kept short, fortunately. This book is from the mid-80s, so a 2nd hand one you may obtain can be in pretty worn shape. And the illustrations may be faded somewhat. There are newer prints, some photos made a bit less revealing, as the world is getting more conservative in the 21st century. The human body itself did not change, so the book is still probably the best.

Good Book. Very informative

I bought this book to learn something about the nuts and bolts of massage, and found it excellent. Richly illustrated, and focused on the practical side of things. Strongly recommend.

Quality item, good basic instruction book.