The Book of Massage: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide To Eastern And Western Techniques (Paperback)

by Lucinda Lidell (Author) "Care and sensitivity, a little time and energy, and a good pair of hands-this all that's needed to begin practising massage..." (more)
Key Phrases: palm pressure, waist line, heart protector, Bladder Meridian, Spinal Reflexes, Great Eliminator (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
With more than 650,000 copies sold, massage therapist Lucinda Lidell's Book of Massage has been updated with new photos and instructional drawings. Not for the prudish, as the subjects in most of the photos are completely in the buff, the book presents an intense, information-packed, step-by-step guide to traditional massage, shiatsu, and reflexology.

No matter which method you choose to focus on (you're advised to choose one at a time), Lidell is thorough in her explanations of the strokes and techniques necessary to give relaxing, therapeutic massage in the privacy of your own home. Detailed drawings, diagrams, and photographs help to further demonstrate how to address each individual body part.

Divided into distinct chapters for each of the three methods, The Book of Massage also includes several sections that Lidell stresses are fundamental to all types of massage. The first is "Beginning," with information such as creating the right atmosphere (a warm room and soft lighting), applying oil, and finding a comfortable position. Additionally, Lidell suggests that everyone should review sections on the human touch and anatomy, both of which oddly come at the end of the book.

As thorough as The Book of Massage may be, do not expect to walk away from it an expert. As with any skill worth learning, giving good massage takes time, study, and practice, practice, practice. --Bree Altman --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description

The classic guide to the relaxing and healing skills of the hands, from massage to shiatsu and reflexology. Beautifully illustrated, with dear step-by-step instructions and authoritative advice on all aspects, The Book of Massage will teach you the power of the human touch -- this ancient and expressive language without words.

Soothe away stress and tension
Relax and forget your cares
Develop your healing powers
Understand your body signals
Banish headaches and back pain
Experience health and vitality
Learn the pleasure of caring
Feelloved and valued
Develop your sensitivity
Cope with the pressure of life
Share the language of touch

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster; 1 edition (December 28, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671541390
• ISBN-13: 978-0671541392
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #643,428 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A good start in massage, but lacking a medical perspective, October 18, 2002

By	Rachel Watkins "Rachel Watkins" (Joshua, Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Book Of Massage: The Complete Stepbystep Guide To Eastern And Western Technique (Paperback)

As someone who is about to graduate to be a Massage Therapist, I find the techniques in this book to be good, and the massage sequences outlined in the Sweedish Massage quite similar to the sequences I learned in school. The pictures and diagrams are thorough, and the instruction on Shiatsu is good as well.

From a professional perspective, I had some problems with this book though. One big probelm is the book discounts knowledge of anatomy as unnessicary for massage, and I strongly disagree with that. Massage is applied anatomy, and the study of anatomy is essential for anyone who wishes to be a massage therapist, or even a good ameture. Without understanding what it is you are pressing, kneading, rubbing, and tapping you're not going to be able to be very theraputic.

I was dissapointed that the book hardly touched on contraindications(cautions, conditions in which massage can be harmfull) such as cancer, diabeties, AIDS, alcohol consumption and others. Where it does mention contraindications, it's more of a short sidenote than anything.

The book has full nudity in most of the books pictures. While this isn't a bad thing nessicarily, I didn't see any information about draping procedures and protecting client modesty. Also, most of the massage is done on the floor, rather than a massage table and there was little discussion of body mechanics of the therapist. I get the feeling the book was actually meant for 'sensual' couples massage, rather than a guide for someone who is out to become a good massage therapist. In that light, it is a decent book for couples sensual massage.

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for learning at home, July 2, 2004

By	U. Stutsman-hubbel (Pascoag, RI United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Book Of Massage: The Complete Stepbystep Guide To Eastern And Western Technique (Paperback)

I'm not interested in massage professionaly, just for my boyfriend and I to have a way to treat each other. And this was the perfect book for us to learn. It goes over the three main types of massage in a clear precise manner, describes each kind of stroke, the positions the massuesse should be in for each stage of massage, everything! This is a great book for trying at home. It would be a cool if they did it with a spiral bound though so that you could leave it open to a certain page....

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource for the beginner, August 12, 2004

By	S. J McCartin (Florida) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Book Of Massage: The Complete Stepbystep Guide To Eastern And Western Technique (Paperback)

I wanted a basic book of massage techniques, this is it. I also bought another book with photos that I don't find nearly as good. This one has drawings with helpful diagrams as to direction etc. This book also covers the basics of shiatsu and reflexology but by far the most extensive section is on massage. I learned a lot just from scanning the text and studying the diagrams/drawings. This is a great book and worth the money.