The Massage Book (The Original Holistic Health Series) [Paperback]

George Downing (Author), Anne Kent Rush (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 12, 1972

Complete book of massage techniques for friends and lovers. Explains in step-by-step detail the most satisfying massage methods and their meaning and purpose. (Ooh, ahh..hey, that tickles!)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This fine book is a classic.  No collection of books on bodywork, relaxation or health would be complete without The Massage Book."  --Bon Anderson, author of Stretching

"The Massage Book is the best single book on massage ever printed."  --Mac Fry, H.H.P., Clinical Director , Mueller College of Holistic Studies, San Diego --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Inside Flap

Complete book of massage techniques for friends and lovers. Explains in step-by-step detail the most satisfying massage methods and their meaning and purpose. (Ooh, ahh..hey, that tickles!)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Random House; 3rd edition (February 12, 1972)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0394707702
• ISBN-13: 978-0394707709
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,623,722 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better Than A Massage Class, March 31, 2000

By 

Tash'ana an Lasca (Rain City, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Massage Book: 25th Anniversary Edition (Paperback)

"The Massage Book" is a classic for good reason. Everything you need to know in order to give a truly outstanding, tension-releasing full-body massage is covered in the book. It begins with concise information on practicalities such as what type (and how much) oil to use, and how to work at a massage table without becoming sore or tired. Don't have a table? No problem. This book shows how to use the floor, or build a basic portable table if you're so inclined. The author does not cover specialized techniques such as deep tissue work or shiatsu, which require professional training (to avoid injuring). The style presented in "The Massage Book" is one which is used by a large percentage of professional massage therapists to produce a deeply satisfying, relaxing massage. The main body of the book is a well-written and illustrated set of instructions covering approximately eighty massage strokes. The instructions are exceptionally clear and easy to follow. Important: you'll learn how to hold your friend's body so their limbs do not flap about as you lift them to move through the strokes. You can apply the strokes in the exact order they are presented, or mix them differently. The techniques presented have served me well for the past fifteen years. My massage therapist friends beg me to work on them. Learn from this book, and you too can have the power to make otherwise rational humans beg and drool for your attentions.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable companion, June 16, 2005

By 

X. lynn Ng "book lover & world wanderer" (Mexico City) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Massage Book: 25th Anniversary Edition (Paperback)

* Reviewing the 1978 British Penguin edition *
Short version -
This is a book you can take anywhere and use on just about anyone with ease and effectiveness.

Long version -
I bought this book years ago in a second-hand bookstore and it has since followed me and my partner around the world. I have filled bookshelves in 3 continents and this book has accompanied me on every move, along with my $5 traveller's health book that is indispensable.

This is a book I constantly dip into, and I've used the techniques described on various people very successfully. It is written simply and well, with tips like "use your weight rather than your muscles to apply pressure" which have been very useful for a small person like me. It also shows you how to prepare yourself and the person you are massaging, which I find paramount to giving/ getting a good massage wherever you are.

One of my favourite things about this book is the design and layout - the book falls open easily without threatening to close on you, and with its large font and simple illustrations, you can easily read and then follow the instructions on the pages. As such, our book is smeared with massage oil from flipping the pages as we go along.

I have not managed to find another book that is this compact, useful and practical. There is no weight/ space lost on large glossy photos or describing redundant strokes that you will never use. If you are interested in massage, there are sections on making up new strokes, easing tension, foot reflexology and further study as well.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a classic for good reasons!, June 27, 2006

By 

Patrick D. Goonan "see profile for URL" (Livermore, CA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Massage Book: 25th Anniversary Edition (Paperback)

I have a read a lot of books on massage and in my opinion this is the best general book on the subject, despite the lack of glossy photos and other special extras that often don't add much value when push comes to shove.

This book emphasizes techniques, how to connect different sequences to each other and important general principles. In a short space, it gives you what you really need to know to give a great massage.

The specific techniques presented are the most important ones and they are explained clearly. After reading this enjoyable book, you will be able to give an excellent massage with confidence in what you're doing.