The Complete Guide to Massage: A Step-by-Step Approach to Total Body Relaxation (Paperback)

by Susan Mumford (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Who hasn't responded to the blissful touch of massage as stress, fatigue, aches and pains melt away under practiced hands? This lavishly illustrated guide helps readers learn to create the delightful benefits of massage at home, providing a user-friendly text that takes them along on a carefully graduated program from simple basics to total massage. 320 color photos.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Plume (January 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452275180
• ISBN-13: 978-0452275188
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #517,650 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learn how to combat stress with this book, March 7, 2001

By	John Moore (St. Michael, BARBADOS, Caribbean) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

At some point, we have all experienced physical tensions due to stressful situations, not realizing that relief can be obtained through massage, one of the most successful ways to loosen up those knotted muscles and revitalize the system. We instinctively rub tensed, aching areas to get some relief, so why not learn the proper techniques that provide the best results, as outlined in this photographic tutorial. It illustrates the most effective massage sequences for alleviating stress and soothing those tensed muscles.

Even beginners can easily access the techniques because of the easy to follow expert instructions that introduce simple massage strokes, before gradually going into more intricate procedures. This profusely illustrated training manual is structured to allow you to practice and complete one section before moving on to the next. Each section is built on the previous one, making it easy for you to develop your own style and special combination of strokes, adapted to suit your particular taste. Included are sections on sensual massage, self-massage, and how to eliminate headache and sinus tensions brought on by stress.

In addition to performing the warm up exercises that should be done before beginning a session, - or learning how to mix essential oils to enhance the massage, - a brief anatomy guide is presented so you can become familiar with the muscles and where to place the hands to obtain maximum results.

This step-by-step pictorial guide therefore teaches how to combat stress and its associated effects, and it doesn't matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, as the knowledge gained will elevate your skills to a much higher degree.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful resource book for massage, May 18, 2001

By	Amy (Breckenridge, CO USA) - See all my reviews

I greatly enjoy this book. It has proven to be a wonderful addition to my book collection. The many pictures make this a very clear to understand and educational book. It has a section that covers anatomy, which is very helpful when giving a massage. Also it talks about how to prepare yourself to give a massage. The section on oils is very informative and usefull. I would recomend this book to anyone who is interested in giving a better massage.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The one massage book you'll ever need!, August 17, 1998

By A Customer

At a glance this book is easy to follow and understand. It has at least three color pictures per page, illustrating the techniques to lessen pain, or merely bring a peace of mind. A very good value for your money!