The Reflexology Atlas [Paperback]

Bernard C. Kolster M.D. (Author), Astrid Waskowiak M.D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 9, 2006

A fully illustrated and comprehensive reference guide to the many different kinds of reflexology

• Provides reflexology treatments tailored for a wide variety of common health disorders

• Contains step-by-step instructions illustrated in full color

Of all the ancient practices that have been revived by the growth of alternative healing, reflexology is one of the most popular. It is easy to learn, can be applied anywhere, and is especially well-suited to self-treatment or the treatment of a partner. It is also excellent for the treatment of children. The Reflexology Atlas is the first comprehensive reference guide to provide an overview of and instructions for the many forms of reflexology--foot reflexology, hand reflexology, ear reflexology, head reflexology, and the total massage known as Shiatsu.

Reflexology provides a quick and effective treatment for many of the health disorders experienced by people in today’s world. Among the treatments included by Drs. Kolster and Waskowiak are reflexology techniques for allergies, joint problems, headaches, back pain, sleep disorders, and heart and circulatory problems. The Reflexology Atlas puts these techniques at your fingertips with its step-by-step instructions illustrated in full color.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In a grand gesture to the notion that everything old is new again comes this how-to guide on reflexology, a form of healing dating back to 2300 B.C. Translated from the German in a concise, fluid format, medical doctors Kolster and Waskowiak map out a system for therapeutic massage of the feet, hands, ears or head to implement healing effects bodywide. Working much like acupuncture, reflexology divides these areas into meridians that correspond to specific organs, muscles and tissues. Making correlation easy, the book provides succinct charts of the areas to be massaged. The accompanying photographs, though not exactly works of art, are clear and precise. Each major section ends with a helpful roundup of the most important points to remember. Refreshingly, the book offers no outlandish promises of healing or even rejuvenation; instead, it plainly spells out the potential benefits while reminding readers throughout that the best results can often be seen when the techniques are used as an adjunct to conventional medical care. Still, those seeking to remedy headaches, back pain, insomnia or weak knees might do well with the solutions featured here alone. (Dec.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

". . . those seeking to remedy headaches, back pain, insomnia or weak knees might do well with the solutions featured here alone."
(Publishers Weekly, Oct 17, 2005 )

"This would be excellent for a classroom teaching guide, or for anyone who wants to learn these methods of healing. I cannot overstress how beautifully illustrated, clear and concise the diagrams and photographs are. You will not be disappointed with this book in any fashion."
(Qetesh, TCM Reviews, Feb 2006 )

"[The Reflexology Atlas] provides reflexology treatments tailored to a wide variety of common health disorders, and it contains concise and easy-to-understand, step-by-step instructions illustrated in full color. The book is an easy way to get started, yet it is quite comprehensive."
(SirReadaLot.org, Feb 2006 )

"THE REFLEXOLOGY ATLAS provides a fine oversized, beautifully illustrated atlas of reflexology forms covering every part of the body from toes to head, including shiatsu massage. A symptom section applies reflexology treatments to common disorders, while step-by-step instructions for the massage techniques provides clear discussions of bones, massage zones, and much more."
(Diane Donovan, Bookwatch, April 2006 )

"Although this oversized book is intended for the general public, its large color photos and clear technique descriptions will appeal to any bodyworker interested in reflex points and meridians, and how to manipulate them to help clients."
(Massage Magazine, June 2006 )

"The Reflexology Atlas may not easily fit in your bookshelf, but you will never notice because it will always be open on your desk."
(Spirit of Change, Fall 2006 )

"A very easy to comprehend book with simple step-by-step information. Recommended for your health library."
(Making Scents, Creations Magazine, Summer/Fall 2006 )

"The Reflexology Atlas is an excellent and well-organized reference manual, comprehensive in scope, yet nontechnical in style, for laypersons wishing to learn reflexology for personal use."
(Kathy Heckler, The Mellow Muse, New Age Retailer, Oct 2006 )

"I highly recommend this book to all reflexologists."
(Virginia Herring, LMT, Massage Today, Nov 2006 )

“. . . highly informative, clearly written, easy to understand, and well designed. . . .This is an excellent book. If you are interested in Reflexology, this is a book to add to your library.”
(Mike Gleason, Witchgrove, March 2007 )

"Especially impressive and valuable to the reader or practitioner are the illustrations. Drawings of the bones of the feet as well as the reflex points are superimposed over photographs of the feet and/or hands. The photographs in the book are extraordinarily helpful. These are probably the most helpful reflexology maps that I have seen or used." (
Jessica Teel, reviewer, Nov 2008 )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Healing Arts Press (January 9, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594770913
• ISBN-13: 978-1594770913
• Product Dimensions: 12.8 x 9.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #93,703 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

72 of 73 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow, What a Book!, May 16, 2006

By 

Boudica (Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Reflexology Atlas (Paperback)

First, the presentation. Large format - 13x10 on glossy paper, card cover. Nice. Flipping through the pages, there are numerous illustrations or photos on just about every page. Closer examination reveals how-to photos and detailed diagrams of the material that is being discussed on each page.

So, the book has lots of pictures, but once you get into the material covered, you will understand why this becomes critical. The book is a good "how-to" book on the practice of Reflexology.

The book is written by two German doctors, once of whom is a physical therapist and specializes in reflexology and the other is not just a doctor but also a medical scientific editor specializing in natural healing methods as well as other general medicines. So the book is written by not just practitioners but medical doctors using these techniques in their everyday practices.

As you go through the book, there is much information here. This is where the illustrations and photos come into play. It is sooo clear, so easy to identify and very well laid out. The whole book is put together this way, making it easy even for the beginner to understand not only the concepts, but also how it works. There are figures that are "zoned" with overlays so you can see how this system works.

But there is much more information in here. The book also shows how to work on hands, ears and head. Again, great pictures, very good instructions and well thought out and presented. The book also discusses Shiatsu. Shiatsu is a massage therapy that uses "finger pressure". It also includes stretching and movement.

If you are familiar with Reflexology and want to know more, this book will provide all you need to know. It is also a good study book for those who want to learn this healing modality. So back to my original impression of the book... Wow, what a book! boudica

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book, July 16, 2006

By 

Monica Poling "OnceWritten.com" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Reflexology Atlas (Paperback)

Broken down into the most basic principles, reflexology is the practice of dividing the body into zones, which can then be mapped onto hands, feet, head, or ears. So for example if your head is giving you trouble, proper attention to the corresponding point of your big toe will help to restore the area's natural energies, promoting a return to normal health.

Now that I've completely oversimplified this ancient practice, if the idea of self-healing has appeal, THE REFLEXOLOGY ATLAS is a fabulous book to add to your collection.

This soft-cover, coffee-table-size book is delightfully easy to use. Not only is it chock full of great photos, it is filled with helpful text as well. Broken down into various chapters, including the reflexologies of the hands, feet, head and ears, the book gives lots of great maps as to exactly what zone of the body corresponds to the reflexology zones. A chapter is also included highlighting the most basic components of Shiatsu massage. The final chapter deals with specific ailments, and a treatment course that can help alleviate some of these symptoms.

The liberal use of photos in this book is really what makes it so incredible. The images not only show where the correct zones are, but also demonstrate specifics in how to apply pressure and massage, and include the necessary right and wrong photos.

In fact this book is so full of great images that it is tempting to skip the text, and just use each picture as the guide. However, lots of great information is imparted in the text as well, making the reading as interesting as the skimming.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Overview of Reflexology, January 21, 2008

By 

Kristen S. Anderson ""Readster"" (Windsor, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Reflexology Atlas (Hardcover)

Here is one of the best overviews I have seen explaining reflexology using the hands, feet, ear and head as well as a section on Shiatsu. The book is beautifully done and could be used as a gift, with large well-coloured pictures, artistic diagrams and easy to read and thorough text.
The techniques of reflexology are very well illustrated and explained. All illustrations are actual photographs of a person giving a treatment and are large and clearly shown. Each finger technique used in reflexology is photographed and the area on the foot or hand or ear is also diagramed next to it. This method would help a beginner to easily associate the area of the foot and the corresponding body area it represents.

The appendix has full page diagrams of feet, hand, ear and head reflex points in colour that one could easily glance at to find a point.

This book is readable, interesting and does a great job of showing the different reflexology points as well as giving a good description of shiatsu and an explanation of a shiatsu session. It could be used for a long time as a reference guide or initially as a self-taught course. The authors are both doctors living and working in Germany; Kolster is a physical therapist and doctor specializing in the various forms of reflexology.

I highly recommend this book to those looking for an easy and thorough guide to basic reflexology and or Shiatsu. I did not give the book five stars because of its size (10"x13"), a bit big for using around a massage table. However, it is easy to see points at a glance and if the size is not an issue, this is an excellent resource and guide to learning reflexology thoroughly. Also, it would be easy to copy the photos and shrink them for a small reference guide to use in therapy.

Highly recommended for estheticians, massage therapists, parents, care-givers and anyone else looking to add a healing touch to a relationship.