Customer Reviews

Rosen Method Bodywork: Accessing the Unconscious through Touch

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The Southwest, and Santa Fe in particular, has long been a mecca for the healing arts. The area seems to produce a kind of mentality and lifestyle for all types of alternative healers, from astrology to hypnosis to massage to Chinese medicine. Rosen Method Bodywork is one of many forms of bodywork to find a foothold in the region.

Marion Rosen, creator and founder of Rosen Method bodywork and movement, penned this in-depth explanation of her bodywork and movement therapy with her longtime collaborator, Sue Brenner. For anyone who has experienced the wonders of Rosen Method (and I count myself among the fortunate), this book is a godsend.

Rosen Method bodywork is distinguished by its gentle, direct touch. Based on Rosen's professional training as a physical therapist and developed experientially over many years, this jewel of discovery and creative expression has been a well-kept secret. Using hands that listen rather than manipulate or massage, the Rosen Method practitioner focuses on chronic muscle tension. When relaxation occurs and the breath deepens, unconscious feelings, attitudes and memories may come to the surface.

In his foreword to the book, Dr. Claudio Naranjo offers that he "considers Rosen a wise woman of the best kind: one who not only understands, but has humanity. She is a first-rate example of those I have over the years called"the new shamans"-those who heal by a combination of direct contagion and very simple facts that our academic world ignores."

Rosen's candid reflections on the surprises and healing that show up routinely in her work with clients and students alike is refreshing. The case studies in the book are a valuable demonstration of the principles behind the Rosen Method. What if enjoyment, satisfaction and full participation in life is actually a function of posture, breathing, digestion, movement and the ongoing regeneration of organs, bones and other body tissues? And, what if you have access to affecting all those living processes?

Whether you want to fully experience Rosen Method bodywork or not, this book offers refreshing, uncomplicated insights into what has made life the way it is for you. For those interested in living life to the fullest, this book offers an understanding of how Rosen creates that possibility through touch.

Rosen Method Bodywork: Accessing the Unconscious through Touch
by Marion Rosen with Susan Brenner; Reviewed by Jeanie C. Williams

Recently, I had become interested in tension spots and holding patterns within the body as a barrier to intimacy. I've dabbled in deep tissue massage, but found the technique to be too demanding and abrasive (both to give and receive), which was probably an indication that I was doing it right. Granted, I'm only at the beginning of my journey, but the Rosen Method really impressed me for what it had to offer.

I figured a book from the author of the Method should be all I need to get underway. However, all I found was a bunch of case studies and testimonials. She makes frequent reference to the diaphragm and breath, but offers no real technique on how to unlock them. I was sold on all the benefits, but I had no idea what to do with that enthusiasm.

When I checked with the corresponding websites, all I saw was a calendar talking about an upcoming workshop. Again, I have yet to find any concrete instructions on the the technique itself. It really seems like the thrust of the book is to get you into a class (and get you for your money).

All in all, I'm pleased for the clients who have had positive experiences, but I did not receive enough information to try this method on myself, let alone my spouse. It was really disappointing, b/c holistic medicine is slowly starting to interest me and I was hoping this book would help me get my feet wet. As I said, this is just the start of the journey for me, so I'm sure I'll find what I'm looking for shortly...

This is a very well written book if you are interested in practicing Rosen Method (requires authorized training) or are a Rosen Method patient. It is simple to read yet explains quite a bit about the method. This will not teach you to self-treat. She is still practicing at 97!