This book takes the new and experienced bodyworker through a visual guide of effective, efficient, and safe body mechanic techniques. In addition, it also explores a revolutionary thought: There are psychological and physiological components of proper body mechanics. Why do we do the things we do? With respect to bodywork, our psychological need to perform has a definite physiological effect on our muscle actions and can take us down the path of improper body mechanics. This 2nd edition includes over 130 photographs showing many deep tissue and Swedish techniques along with detailed descriptions. New for the 2nd edition is a study of chair massage body mechanics.
5.0 out of 5 stars - You will be amazed at all the information packed into this book
August 6, 2015. Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
Mastering Body Mechanics - 2nd Edition: Incorporating the Mind Body Connection is about developing good body mechanics for massage but includes so much more than just that. It offers ways to learn (or change your style to) good ways to work to prevent common injuries. I had several “aha moments” when reading this book. Most photos have descriptions of exactly what is happening to create the stroke safely such as using which hand, and what to do with the other hand and which leg should be forward and why.
The book offers so many suggestions: how to use “being off balance” as a tool for greater pressure; instruction in how to lean from the ankles to lean into the tissues as well as how to lean on the table to enhance your bodywork; how to determine the appropriate pressure for whatever method you are using, and how to tell if the pressure is too much and multiple ways to get results with various sizes of bodyworkers and clients.
In addition to the above, it also includes: body mechanics for side lying, and even chair massage; how to actually work safely with various tools, i.e., fist, forearm, knuckles, & elbow; how to finalize coming out of the strokes; working in a small room or cramped spaces; grounding practices are suggested including breathwork and meditation; addresses hyperflexion on the part of the therapist; actual ways to work certain muscles or muscle groups; and methods that will “set you apart from the crowd” and teach you how to “work smarter, not harder”.
I am fortunate enough to have been able to take every class Marty Morales offers in Davis, CA. This book offers methods that I didn’t learn in class or don’t recall, but here it is in print and pictures to remind me and for me to refer to time after time. This book is the next best thing to actually taking a class with Marty. You would have to take many classes with him to learn this much information. The price of the book is a bargain when you consider all the information contained in it.
5.0 out of 5 stars - A Must in Your Bodyworker's Library - The Foundation of Self-Care
February 20, 2015. Format: Paperback
The foundation of bodyworkers is their body mechanics. We are our own tools and instruments and we have to keep them healthy and moving properly, otherwise we end up unable to work - and that could mean the end of our bodywork career - and possibly dealing with what could have been avoidable injury to our self. This book ' Mastering Body Mechanics - 2nd Ed" is what every student in massage workshops or courses need - right next to their Anatomy book. It will provide you with the needed foundation of the needed body mechanics to take care of yourself - as you provide healing to another. Even if you are a seasoned practitioner, it is never too late to unlearn incorrect body mechanics - by being aware of how you use your body and how you need to use your body to get the job done to protect yourself and your health. In my view, body mechanics is the first book that needs to be in a body worker's library. If you are as blessed as I have been to be in the San Francisco Bay area and take a class with Marty, do. You cannot learn too much about protecting and caring for your own body - we all need to give to our self what we give to others - healing.
February 28, 2015. Format: Paperback
I absolutely loved it! I actually own both copies of the book. They are definitely worth the money!
