Customer Reviews

Thai Massage Manual: Natural Therapy for Flexibility, Relaxation, and Energy Balance

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a quality book that is a good introduction to the marvelous field of Thai Massage. The photos are clear and the descriptions of technique are competent. There are aspects that are lacking though that are extremely well covered in another book entitled, 'Thai Massage: A Traditional Medical Technique'by Dr. Richard Gold and published by Churchill Livingstone. This book presents Thai Massage as a primary component of an entire traditional medical system. The theories and history of Thai Medicine are covered and the development of the medicine in the context of Buddhist culture is very well presented.This book also has excellent photos and clear and easy to follow descriptions. Thai Massage is a unique style of bodywork that will see rapid growth in the West as it becomes better known.These books will certainly help that growth.

This is a really good book which shows each position clearly. The pictures clarifies and guides the reader along with insets which describes each muscle being affected. Easy for anyone to follow.

This new contribution to the list of recent books on Thai Massage is worthy of a look. It is profusely illustrated with nice photographs and graphics as well. It is seriously lacking in some important details however. For a book that promotes itself as comprehensive we wonder why there are no references to proper Thai names or to the traditional thai Ayurvedic medical theory upon which the massage is actually based. Like other books written by beginners or at least less than advanced practitioners, the assumption is proposed that this ancient massage form is based on TCM, or traditional Chinese medical theory, this is simply not true. The other mistake is in promoting purely western ideas as to the where and why of the postures which in fact are classic yoga.

Additionally there is very little information on the variations of traditional schools and forms available, such as the clear distinctions between Classic Southern and Northern method. There is also lacking any recognition of the acknowledged living masters and schools teaching today.

Maybe in her next effort Ms. Mercati will acknowledge the true heritage of one of the worls finest massage and bodywork systems.

4.5 Stars

Maria Mercati has done an excellent job of bringing Thai massage to neophytes such as myself. The text is very readable and it tends to put the reader into the proper, relaxed state of mind. The bodywork shown within really works and is not difficult to learn. I just wish for more: more history and more exercises. This is an excellent, inexpensive resource.

This is the first book I have found (including a search in Thailand) that tells all about Thai Traditional Massage. How, Where, Why and To What Extent (very, very important) This book will open the wonders of Thai Trad. to you.

This manual is very easy to comprehend and shows clearly all the techniques needed and how to properly perform them. I would recommend to everyone wanting to learn Thai Massage but not able to take a class.

Excellent book with great visual resources for Thai Massage. I highly recommend for Massage Therapists looking to improve their technique.

Wonderful graphics of which muscles are involved with each stretch. Very thorough explanation and visualization of stretches.

just like what i said this was what i wanted after watching so manny thai massage video i could get easily lost but with this book i can quickly go back and find confusing technics. you see i'm not really into thai massage however once in a blue moon, clients ask me to do thai massage just to see how it is, in this case this book is very handy.

Informative and practical. Everyone should learn Thai Massage. This manual shows you everything you need to know.