Acu-Yoga: Self-Help Techniques to Relieve Tension (Paperback)

by Michael Reed Gach Ph.D. (Author), Carolyn Marco Matzkin (Author) "Acu-Yoga is a system of exercises that integrates the knowledge of two ancient holistic methods of health maintenance, Acupressure and Yoga..." (more)
Key Phrases: twelve organ meridians, pelvic tension, overall body tension, Governing Vessel, Bladder Meridian, Triple Warmer (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Acu Yoga can be used as a practical handbook, and belongs on every familys shelf along with books like Benjamin Spocks Handbook of Baby Care. Mary Oliver Tasch, Ph.D., Certified Acupuncturist
I find Acu-Yoga to be comprehensive and highly instructive. There are few available texts covering the material offered in this book. I am sure Acu-Yoga will aid many to improve specific problems of the mind and body. James H. Tenzel, M.D.


Product Description
Originally published in 1981 and now in its 21st printing, Acu-Yoga is the only book to explain the relationship between two ancient health regimensyoga and acupressure and how they can be combined for maximum effectiveness in relieving stress and finding energy and vibrant health. This powerful, practical program offers self-help techniques to treat back problems, headaches, hypertension, colds, constipation, depression, menstrual discomfort and aches and tension throughout our bodies.
CONTAINS SELF HELP TECHNIQUES FOR:
BACK PROBLEMS
HEADACHES
BODY TENSIONS
HYPERTENSION
COLDS
NECK TENSION
CONSTIPATION
MENSTRUAL TENSION
DEPRESSION
SHOULDER TENSION


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Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Japan Publications; 1st edition (September 15, 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087040489X
• ISBN-13: 978-0870404894
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #102,756 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #25 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Personal Health > Stress > Exercise
  #71 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Alternative Medicine > Acupuncture & Acupressure

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent, informative introduction to acupressure., October 15, 1997

By	[e-mail] (ljm in Silver Spring, MD) - See all my reviews

Acu-Yoga is a well-written introduction to the use of basic yoga techniques to stimulate acupuncture points throughout the body, acupressure. 13 years ago, I cracked a vertebra and have had chronic low back pain ever since. The spinal flexibility series (among others) in Mr. Reed's book helped me control the pain caused by muscle spasm and return to normal function within a few weeks. Acu-Yoga also provides information about the chakras, the organ meridians and the eight regulatory channels, and how these energetic systems work to restore and preserve internal balance. For someone who is interested in using gentle, self-paced exercise to relieve pain and improve in overall health and vitality, this is an excellent resource.

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful Yoga Series + Variety of Postures to Heal Ailments, January 18, 2004

By	Katharina Woodworth "aquafemina" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is by far my favorite Yoga book. I have been practicing Hatha Yoga for years (Hatha Yoga is the physical Yoga that is the most common form in the Western world), but have discovered that many of the techniques and sets of asanas (exercises) described in Yoga books were not very tuned in to Westerners. Acu-Yoga combines Acupressure and Hatha Yoga into a very palatable form for the common Westerner. It is the best book I've seen as of yet for anyone suffering an acute or chronic disease or symptom. There are symptomatic exercises for such discomforts as the common cold, sinus problems, menstrual tension to exercises for more serious problems such as hypertension and spinal disorders. I have often warded off an oncoming flu or cold by following some of the advice in Acu-Yoga. There is additional supplemental advice from Michael Gach, in terms of lifestyle and nutritional imbalances - and very effective solutions to bring our bodies back into a state of harmony.

For instance, on our natural resistance to illness, Gach writes: "An ancient Indian method for maintaining resistance against illness is to swing a thick branch or club back and forth. The Yogis would do this when they felt any illness about to come on, since it was common knowledge that the tensions which accumulate between the shoulder blades contribute to illness. The swinging motion helped break down this tension. Swinging a baseball bat around moves and stretches the shoulder blades to release the tensions that collect there."

He goes on to describe the exact acupressure points around the tips of the shoulder blades, and then delves into a Yoga asana to help alleviate the oncoming flu or cold. Every exercise is complete with both a photo and an illustration, which details precisely his written directions. I have a terrible time learning physical things from books, even when they have illustrations and photos, but I have never had difficulty from Acu-Yoga.

Even if you aren't prone to illness or a symptomatic approach isn't for you, Acu-Yoga is split into 5 parts: a general introduction to the philosophies and practices of yoga and acupressure, a series of exercises based on the meridians (channels) of acupressure, a whole-body self-treatment emphasizing flexibility of the spine, a series of exercises that balance the chakras, and then the Acu-Yoga postures that benefit specific conditions.

This is a perfect book for the Westerner just beginning to practice Yoga, and for anyone who has an interest in expanding their current horizons of Hatha Yoga and Acupressure.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Acu-Yoga, September 23, 2001

By	Brandon Daniels - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'd agree that Gach writes a very straight forward and simple book. If you are a beginner to the acupressure/kinesiology world, you will easily understand the basics [with the aid of this book]. The book gives many useful points, but for general problems most of the time. His knowledge in some promblematic areas goes into more depth than others. So, if you are looking for help with a specific problem, little information might be given or non at all. For example, the book gives great explanations and cures for colds, indegestion, depression and headache, however, it explains very little about allergies and sinuses. Gach backs his explanations with a strong facts and basic common sense.

I think that the book could give a better explanation on how to stimulate points. The diagrams of the locations of points are very useful and understandable. Overall, the book is well organized and convienent. If done correctly, the Yoga exercises are very powerful. With just a couple of exercises you can be healed instantly. This book left me curious buy more books on acupressure and is great reference to find quick cures.