BodyWork Shiatsu: Bringing the Art of Finger Pressure to the Massage Table [Paperback]

Carl Dubitsky (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1997

For the first time, an expert in the Asian art of finger-pressure massage shifts the practice of shiatsu from the floor to the massage table--increasing the comfort of the patient, conserving the energy of the therapist, and augmenting the effects of the treatment. Skillfully integrating current Western scientific research with traditional energetic concepts and techniques of shiatsu, Carl Dubistsky provides a new perspective on this ancient healing art. His analysis of the muscular anatomy of the points and pathways is unique in Western literature, making shiatsu techniques more accessible and comprehensible to health professionals and bodyworkers of all schools.

BodyWork Shiatsu grounds its discussion of shiatsu in a thorough review of traditional Asian medical theory, explaining the concepts of yin and yang, the five elements, and the flow of life energy, qi, along with the meridians of the body. These concepts form the basis of the health professional's approach to examination and treatment. The heart of the book contains detailed instructions in applying shiatsu to the massage table--from basic finger technique to choosing equipment--with specific recommendations for treating each part of the body. The fruit of the author's many years of immersion in both Eastern and Western systems of massage, BodyWork Shiatsu is an invaluable aid to all those interested in advanced applications of shiatsu as well as those wishing to incorporate basic principles of finger-pressure massage into their health-care practice.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A well-reseached and thoughtful bridge between bodywork and modern medicine. . . its thoroughness and precision provide the depth of concrete information that is missing from virtually all other works."
(Dean Juhan, author of Job's Body )

"Carl Dubitsky brings compassion and expertise to his therapeutic and educational endeavors. His work is powerful and effective."
(Robert K. King, Past President, American Massage Therapy Assoc. )

"A monumental effort and a 'must read' text for professional practitioners of Oriental bodywork therapy or massage therapists interested in Oriental bodywork therapy. The book is meticulously researched, and very well-written in fabulous detail with cited sources."
(Massage Magazine )

"Packed with valuable information presented in a clear, concise, and useful manner, Bodywork Shiatsu takes the mystery out of energy work. A well-researched and thoughtful bridge between body work and modern medicine and between the mutually supportive truths of ancient and modern sciences. It is a significant exploration into the concrete anatomical, physiological, and neurological reasons why shiatsu in particular--and bodywork in general--can be such effective therapeutic tools."
(Yolanda Ahser, Massage Therapy Journal )

About the Author

Director of the Healthsprings Clinic in Boulder, Colorado, Carl Dubitsky has studied and practiced shiatsu, Amma, and martial arts massage for more than 20 years under such widely known Asian masters as Koichi Nakamura, Eizo Ninomiya, DoAnn T. Kaneko, and Soo Se Cho, in addition to studies at the Swedish Institute for Medical Massage in New York City and advanced work with Owen James, an original student of Ida Rolf. He is certified by the American Oriental Bodywork Therapy Association.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Healing Arts Press (May 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892815264
• ISBN-13: 978-0892815265
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #262,863 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Instruction for any level, August 10, 2000

By 

"vbrasco" (Honolulu, HI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: BodyWork Shiatsu: Bringing the Art of Finger Pressure to the Massage Table (Paperback)

Hi, this book is wonderful! Written with the intent of combining the educational text book information but including pictures, diagrams and language that would enable one with no formal experience learn some shiatsu massage skills. I am working towards my massage therapy license and this book is a gem. I unfortunately bought this book from a store a and am kicking my-self for not going through Amazon.com, because I would have saved money. Oh well live and learn... ;-)

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for shiatsu practitioner, December 31, 2004

By 

Taoucaros (Miami, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: BodyWork Shiatsu: Bringing the Art of Finger Pressure to the Massage Table (Paperback)

This book is used by my massage school as a support in the teaching of shiatsu. I found it extremely useful and helpful for someone who started learning about shiatsu. The book really goes into details about the origins and objectives of shiatsu, as well as the TCM (traditionnal chinese medicine). Half of the book focuses on theory (yin/yang, five elements, the meridians, the organs, the body fluids, the acupoints, then TCM...)the other half focuses on a shiatsu routine design for a first degree shiatsu treatment. I read it three times already. There is a lot to assimilate. Hopefully Mr Dubitsky will write a volume two and a volume three soon...

4.0 out of 5 stars Bodywork Shiatsu, September 12, 2011

By 

Expert Eye "Deal Saver" (FL USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: BodyWork Shiatsu: Bringing the Art of Finger Pressure to the Massage Table (Paperback)

It's a fairly decent book. Need's some work however, could use a better listing and definitions in general when it comes to items that can be placed into a list as opposed to a huge paragraph that fumbles on. In the practical part of massaging, introducing a template of a massage would be helpful in understanding a routine one can do.