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Shiatsu Theory and Practice
459
Shiatsu Theory and Practice by Carola Beresford-Cooke. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1996 (ISBN 0 443 04916).lllus. 292 pages. f39.50.
Shiatsu is an ancient Asian healing a r t t h a t includes therapeutic techniques based on the concepts of traditional Chinese medicine. The aim is t o harmonise the flow of ‘vital energy’ and promote a sense of universal awareness. This produces therapeutic effects for the mind, body and spirit. As a form of mutual therapy it has become popular with physiotherapists and i t can be used in many cases instead of acupuncture with similar results. There are various schools of thought but all have common elements. In this book Carola BeresfordCooke presents the theoretical basis and techniques of Zen Shiatsu a s well a s the more traditional approach. It has been divided into four sections, all very easy to read and understand, and supported with black and white photographs and drawings. The first section deals with basics of Shiatsu practice, indications and contra-indications. The techniques are very well described and clearly illustrated. Advice for practitioners regarding their own health in order to help others is included. In the second and third sections the author presents the theory of
Angling under the breastbone - from the Fire Element section of ‘Shiatsu Theory and Practrce’
both traditional Chinese medicine and Zen Shiatsu and manages to harmonise the two very well. Specific point combinations are also included for various syndromes. She has included some very good drawings and tables. The wealth of information in these two sections would usually be found in more than one book. The fourth section includes a comprehensive chapter on diagnosis and interpretation plus more information about treatment tech-
The Health of Change An introduction to the dynamic aspect of health by I M Ellis. Dhyan Publications, 33 Lipney, Menstrie, Scotland FK11 7HL (ISBN 0 9531122 1 7).lllus, 1997, 70 pages. Available only by post from the above address, €9.99.
This book is based on lessons given to pupils of the Scottish anatomy, physiology and health syllabus a t 0 and H grades and directed a t anyone with a genuine interest in health. ‘Dynamic’ - according to the author - relates to the constant changes occurring in body, mind and health of a n individual and he advocates t h a t we should be prepared t o accept these changes and ‘relax’ into them rather than
attempt to fight against them. The first 28 pages have an identifiable health focus with simple advice about posture, exercise, nutrition, rest and sleep. They contain a small number of graphs and diagrams which break up this section of text and are appropriately placed t o demonstrate particular points. There is explanation of circadian and hormonal rhythms and how these are responsible for some change. However, this is not referenced and there are some inaccuracies. After this the focus changes and the message becomes more spiritual under the heading of ‘Personal
niques and lifestyle changes and also patient reactions. Various case studies and patient examples are used t o demonstrate the clinical application of the theory. This book, although easy to follow and enjoyable, requires readers to have some prior knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine concepts. There are other books for absolute beginners, but for serious Shiatsu students this is an excellent manual in their quest.
Kyriakos Antonakos MCSP AACP
growth‘. In this the author makes reference t o Christianity and Buddhism but mostly to the teaching and life of Osho, an Indian who had an huge international following and developed an unique technique of dynamic meditation whereby the person is cleansed by a ten-minute period of dancing, singing, raging or the like. I suspect that this is the root of the book title. There is a four-book bibliography, three of which cite Osho literature. There are spelling discrepancies between the text and index. I consider this book to be expensive and not of use t o health practitioners, educators or health students.
Veronica Bastow MSc MCSP
Physiotherapy, September 1998, vol84, no 9
Shiatsu Theory and Practice by Carola Beresford-Cooke. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1996 (ISBN 0 443 04916).lllus. 292 pages. f39.50.
Shiatsu is an ancient Asian healing a r t t h a t includes therapeutic techniques based on the concepts of traditional Chinese medicine. The aim is t o harmonise the flow of ‘vital energy’ and promote a sense of universal awareness. This produces therapeutic effects for the mind, body and spirit. As a form of mutual therapy it has become popular with physiotherapists and i t can be used in many cases instead of acupuncture with similar results. There are various schools of thought but all have common elements. In this book Carola BeresfordCooke presents the theoretical basis and techniques of Zen Shiatsu a s well a s the more traditional approach. It has been divided into four sections, all very easy to read and understand, and supported with black and white photographs and drawings. The first section deals with basics of Shiatsu practice, indications and contra-indications. The techniques are very well described and clearly illustrated. Advice for practitioners regarding their own health in order to help others is included. In the second and third sections the author presents the theory of
Angling under the breastbone - from the Fire Element section of ‘Shiatsu Theory and Practrce’
both traditional Chinese medicine and Zen Shiatsu and manages to harmonise the two very well. Specific point combinations are also included for various syndromes. She has included some very good drawings and tables. The wealth of information in these two sections would usually be found in more than one book. The fourth section includes a comprehensive chapter on diagnosis and interpretation plus more information about treatment tech-
The Health of Change An introduction to the dynamic aspect of health by I M Ellis. Dhyan Publications, 33 Lipney, Menstrie, Scotland FK11 7HL (ISBN 0 9531122 1 7).lllus, 1997, 70 pages. Available only by post from the above address, €9.99.
This book is based on lessons given to pupils of the Scottish anatomy, physiology and health syllabus a t 0 and H grades and directed a t anyone with a genuine interest in health. ‘Dynamic’ - according to the author - relates to the constant changes occurring in body, mind and health of a n individual and he advocates t h a t we should be prepared t o accept these changes and ‘relax’ into them rather than
attempt to fight against them. The first 28 pages have an identifiable health focus with simple advice about posture, exercise, nutrition, rest and sleep. They contain a small number of graphs and diagrams which break up this section of text and are appropriately placed t o demonstrate particular points. There is explanation of circadian and hormonal rhythms and how these are responsible for some change. However, this is not referenced and there are some inaccuracies. After this the focus changes and the message becomes more spiritual under the heading of ‘Personal
niques and lifestyle changes and also patient reactions. Various case studies and patient examples are used t o demonstrate the clinical application of the theory. This book, although easy to follow and enjoyable, requires readers to have some prior knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine concepts. There are other books for absolute beginners, but for serious Shiatsu students this is an excellent manual in their quest.
Kyriakos Antonakos MCSP AACP
growth‘. In this the author makes reference t o Christianity and Buddhism but mostly to the teaching and life of Osho, an Indian who had an huge international following and developed an unique technique of dynamic meditation whereby the person is cleansed by a ten-minute period of dancing, singing, raging or the like. I suspect that this is the root of the book title. There is a four-book bibliography, three of which cite Osho literature. There are spelling discrepancies between the text and index. I consider this book to be expensive and not of use t o health practitioners, educators or health students.
Veronica Bastow MSc MCSP
Physiotherapy, September 1998, vol84, no 9