In the Western world there is only one top name in bodywork and shiatsu--Wataru Ohashi, founder of the Ohashi Institute and the Ohashiatsu method. This is the first book to detail the Ohashiatsu method--a unique body-massage program that facilitates the exchange of energy between giver and receiver. Over 600 photos, 115 in color.
In this comprehensive guide to the unique methods that have made the Ohashi Institute famous, the author details an approach to acupressure that is holistic rather than symptomatic, and energizing rather than exhausting. 300 photos.
An illustrated manual for using physical movement and alignment to resolve chronic pain and tension and work with the emotions • Includes 90 exercises to work with emotions through the body and support the neck, shoulders, lower back, feet, and overall posture as well as breathing and voice • Explains how to listen to the body’s signals to discover our physical and emotional blindspots--the weaknesses and misalignments at the root of our discomfort • Draws on Zen shiatsu, Rolfing, yoga, and Gestalt psychotherapy to explain how transformation of physical structure corrects imbalances in the unconscious mind Developed by Cathy Thompson through her many years as a bodywork therapist, the Thompson Method incorporates Zen shiatsu, Rolfing, yoga, and Gestalt psychotherapy to heal pain in the physical body both through bodywork and by recognizing the emotional blockages that often underlie chronic pain, tension, and poor alignment. In this practical manual, Thompson and her protégé-daughter Tara Thompson Lewis provide a deep understanding of body mechanics and how to work with emotions through the body. They explore how to listen to the body’s signals to discover our physical and emotional blindspots--the weaknesses and misalignments at the root of our discomfort--and explain how transformation of your physical structure can correct imbalances in the unconscious mind caused by repressed memories and emotional traumas. Offering illustrated instructions for 90 corrective alignment exercises, the authors show how to release body tensions, realign the body’s dynamic structure, work with the deep postural muscles, and support the neck, shoulders, lower back, and feet to strengthen the emotional and physical body as well as improve singing, dancing, yoga, and posture while sitting at the computer. They also explore breathing and bodywork practices to release the vocal mechanism and free the voice for more fluid and powerful self-expression. By recognizing and releasing the deeper emotional triggers beneath our physical complaints, the Thompson Method allows you to resolve chronic pains, increase body awareness and free movement, and create the foundation for good health and well-being.
Thai Massage, Sacred Bodywork is a complete guide to an ancient practice that benefits body, mind, and spirit. Interest in Thai massage has been growing rapidly. This is no surprise given its unique multifaceted approach to the body. Thai massage combines acupressure, stretching, reflexology, assisted yoga postures, herbal compresses, prayer and meditation. It benefits everyone. Sometimes called the "lazy person's yoga", Thai massage stretches and relaxes the muscles, increases the joints' range of motion, and balances energy flow throughout the body. Thai Massage, Sacred Bodywork provides fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions which enable the reader to use this integrative and interactive therapy with a partner at home or with a client. The book explains the historical and philosophical background of Thai massage as well as its religious origins. Throughout the book, Ananda always reminds us of the deeper meaning of this sacred modality—compassion in action. A must for all those interested in the healing arts.
This is a book about water, about our bodies in water and how, floating and stretching one another to our shared breathing pattern, we achieve new levels of peace and oneness. Many consider Watsu the most significant advance in bodywork in our times. While other forms are based on touch, Watsu creates a more profound connection through the holding and the deep connection with the breath that being in water facilitates. The trust established combines with the relaxing effects of warm water and Watsu's moves and stretches to create a modality of extraordinary depth that has both specific therapeutic results and healing on many levels. Besides having countless applications in therapy, it brings new depths of 'connection' into the lives of the many sharing its simpler moves with family and friends. This third edition completes the first 25-year evolution of what came into being when Harold Dull started floating people at Harbin Hot Springs in Northern California, applying the stretches of the Zen Shiatsu he had studied in Japan. It illustrates, step by step, the major positions and forms of Watsu. It introduces Watsuchanics (the body mechanics of Watsu) and other developments that help students learn Watsu. More than sixteen therapists and practitioners have added contributions detailing the use of Watsu with all ages and the growing number of conditions that Watsu is proving to alleviate in clinics and spas around the world. New chapters feature Watsu with children and a form of Watsu that can be used in home spa/hot tubs. Also illustrated step by step is a complete form of Tantsu which brings Watsu's nurturing power back onto land. More than a thousand images have gone into this book to give as clear an illustration as possible of the movements and forms of Watsu and Tantsu.
Nurture the flow of Qi energy in your body for a life of vibrancy, balance, and wellness. In Pathways of Qi, Chinese Medicine expert Matthew Sweigart shows how to use touch therapy, meditations, and gentle Qigong exercises to clear away blockages and open up to energetic nourishment. Based on ancient wisdom traditions, these hands-on assessment and treatment techniques have been cultivated to heal the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Explore the channels of energy in the body—known in Chinese Medicine as the meridians—and for each one, discover the limb position, yin/yang properties, corresponding elements, functions, affirmations, and more. With illustrations to help you master the physical postures and gestures, Pathways of Qi will guide you through gentle practices for a life of improved awareness, connection, and health. Praise: "Pathways of Qi exemplifies the essence and beauty of the Ohashiatsu modality in every way. I highly recommend this book."—Ohashi, author of Do-It-Yourself Shiatsu and Reading the Body "Matthew Sweigart's new book provides a fresh look on a subject too often taught using only boring charts and lists. In Pathways of Qi, Matthew takes the reader along on his own personal journey. Although it reads a lot like a novel the text includes an in-depth presentation of the subject. Matthew explains both the scope and the details he has discovered and become familiar with inside the body's electromagnetic field. A very worthwhile read for students, professionals, and even potential clients of Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT) and acupuncture."—Cindy Banker, Founding President of the American Shiatsu Association and Director of the A.O.B.T.A.'s Council of Schools and Programs "Pathways of Qi is an empowering manual on Meridian Therapy providing practical ways to heal yourself and others. If you're interested in healing, this book is vital for tapping the source of your life force."—Michael Reed Gach, author of Acupressure's Potent Points "A gifted Shiatsu and Qi Gong teacher, Matthew Sweigart harmoniously combines his passion for the healing arts with his lifetime experience with the theories of ancient Chinese philosophy. Written in an easy to understand, refreshing way, Pathways of Qi is a valuable compendium for practitioners and instructors of different traditions."—Nilsa Eberhart Diaz, owner of Zen Shiatsu Caribbean Institute, San Juan, Puerto Rico "Matthew Sweigart's clear illustrations and instructions are enhanced by his wisdom stories that bring these teachings to life. The stories and teachings open your eyes to the Qi that is the source of Life, energy and healing. Pathways of Qi is a reference tool, a collection of wisdom, and a gift to humanity. Thank you for taking the time to record your wisdom for current and future generations. A masterpiece!"—Bonnie Jean Miller, MDI, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern Universit
“People are always asking me, how can I be happy? Or, how can I find the thing I really want to do in life? I tell them: you are standing on your answer. The secrets of your life are written on your body” —Ohashi Ohashi helps you learn these secrets by showing you how to “read your body” to determine both your physical and spiritual condition as revealed in the physical self. Because, as Ohashi notes, “the body is the physical manifestation of the soul,” your posture, your features, and the texture of your skin can tell you who you are. This is not just a book about health and shiatsu; it is a guide to living well. The goal is to find unity of body, mind, and spirit, emphasizing that everyone has strengths and weaknesses and that accommodating one’s weaknesses is as important as utilizing one’s strengths. Filled with diagrams, drawings, and sample diagnoses, this is not only a practical guidebook—by “reading the body” one can tell what shiatsu techniques apply to the various energy meridians of the body—but also a fascinating meditation on how to live.