Oriental Bodywork

Oriental Bodywork

Originated in Asia, has the aim to restore the flow of Energy (or Chi or Prana) in the body. See also our tips on Cupping

Clinical Shiatsu

Learn to use Shiatsu to treat back and neck pain, with advanced assessment tools and meridian pairing techniques. This comprehensive DVD covers the majority of the primary meridians, and includes multiple sequences that you can use to vary your work on each client. It also includes Back-shu Points, Ashi points, evaluation in terms of excessive or deficient, chi or blood stagnation, a meridian review and much more. The most advanced Shiatsu DVD available!

Produced by Real Bodywork with instructor John Hickey, Running Time:120 mins

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$64

Thai Yoga Massage

Thai massage is an energetic bodywork, with the aim to restore the energy moving through the body in lines or meridians called "sen". Discover Thai Yoga massage from master massage therapist, teacher and author, Kam Thye Chow. Massage therapists, physical therapists, yoga practitioners and anybody interested in expanding their knowledge in the somatic arts will find this book and DVD a great addition to their instructional video library. Kam Thye Chow leads readers through every aspect of this ancient bodywork therapy using more than 125 detailed, step-by-step photographs. In the accompanying DVD, Kam Thye presents all the fundamental techniques for performing a 1-hour massage, demonstrates effective body mechanics and methods for moving with a gentle steady flow. Information on contraindications and anatomy and physiology integrates Western medical knowledge and theory with this ancient, temple-based healing tradition. This invaluable tool will provide you with a foundation in Thai Yoga Massage and teach you the following techniques: Sitting techniques, Foot & Single Leg, Back, Double Leg, Abdomen & Arms, Face, Thai Yoga Massage Stances, Rhythmic Rocking Dance, Transitional Flow, Palming and thumbing, Location of sen Kalathari (Thai energy line).

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$45

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The Art of Acupuncture (DVD)

Featuring the Art of Ikeda Masakazu commentary by Edward Obaidey

Designed specifically for training purposes, this DVD demonstrates the acupuncture and moxibustion techniques of Ikeda Masakazu, a master Japanese acupuncturist whose methods are grounded in the theories of classical Chinese medicine.

This is a best-selling acupuncture training DVD in Japan, and is now available in English. It was produced and directed by Masakazu Ikeda and Edward Obaidey.

In this DVD, Ikeda Sensei demonstrates the fundamentals of: Diagnosis, Point location, Needling techniques for yin and yang syndromes, Moxibustion techniques for yin and yang syndromes.

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$69

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Tai Chi: Stillness through Motion with Chao Pang

From Real Bodywork, Sean Riehl presents Tai Chi, the ancient art for rejuvenating your mind, body and spirit. This DVD presents the classical Short Yang Form with Master Chao Pang. This unique DVD combines the ancient art of Tai Chi with modern anatomical knowledge.

Captured in High definition, this beautifully filmed DVD contains detailed theory, posture correction and form practice for beginner and advanced practitioners. At 3 hours long, this comprehensive program reveals the 10 most important alignment principles plus 12 detailed lessons.

An invaluable resource for Bodyworkers!

Includes an insert of Practice Recommendations and list of the 39 Tai Chi Moves.

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$39

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Chen Taijiquan - Lao Jia Yi Lu & Straight Sword

Master Ren GuangYi has worked tirelessly to bring Chen style Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) to the West since 1991. In this DVD, he beautifully demonstrates two fundamental Chen-style Taiji forms: the 75-movement long form, Lao Jia Yi Lu (Old Frame 1st Road), and the 49-movement Straight Sword form.

Captured in high-definition (HD) in New York's Central Park, each form is presented in a multiple-angle format, and showing the name of each movement. Each form is also shown in FlipperVision™, a slideshow comprised of nearly 2,000 photos by famed photographer Martin von Haselberg, so you may carefully study each of Master Ren's postures in detail.

Chen Style Taijiquan is a comprehensive form of exercise that promotes fitness, coordination and relaxation which remains true to its ancient martial arts origins. Chen Taijiquan is noted for its fluid, coiled movements, punctuated with quick bursts of energy, known as ‘Fa Jing”. Regular practice promotes wellness through a series of continuous, flowing movements, while providing powerful tools for self-defense.

Sunrise Tai Chi - Awaken, Heal, and Strengthen Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

Let the sun shine in! Master-teacher Ramel Rones gently guides you through the morning with a series of powerful mind/body exercises that awaken the senses, stimulate the mind, and fill your body and Spirit with abundant energy.

Captured in high-definition in the beautiful Boston Arboretum, this simplified, short Tai Chi sequence is practiced to both the left and right for balance. Sunrise Tai Chi was created as a comprehensive introduction to authentic Tai Chi, which will allow you to fine-tune your practice before moving on to more complex Tai Chi. It includes suggestions for intermediate and advanced students, to help you grow and improve over time.

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$49

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Simplified Tai Chi

Grandmaster Liang, Shou-Yu teaches two of the most popular forms of Tai Chi Chuan, the ancient Chinese martial art which is often described as ‘moving meditation’. The popular ‘Simplified’ 24-posture form is demonstrated by Master Liang with martial fighting applications. The form is shown from several angles, with breathing instructions. The Standard 48-posture form is also demonstrated.

DVD-only Detail Sections for both forms instruct each movement, and offer ‘guidelines’ for refining your training. Chapter markers for each technique and extensive DVD navigation make it simple to find any posture on the DVD with just a couple clicks, so you can continue your study where you left off.

Healing With Whole Foods. Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition by Paul Pitchford

Used as a reference by students of acupuncture, this is a hefty, truly comprehensive guide to the theory and healing power of Chinese medicine. It's also a primer on nutrition--including facts about green foods, such as spirulina and blue-green algae, and the "regeneration diets" used by cancer patients and arthritics--along with an inspiring cookbook with more than 300 mostly vegetarian, nutrient-packed recipes.

The information on Chinese medicine is useful for helping to diagnose health imbalances, especially nascent illnesses. It's smartly paired with the whole-foods program because the Chinese have attributed various health-balancing properties to foods, so you can tailor your diet to help alleviate symptoms of illness. For example, Chinese medicine dictates that someone with low energy and a pale complexion (a yin deficiency) would benefit from avoiding bitter foods and increasing "sweet" foods such as soy, black sesame seeds, parsnips, rice, and oats. (Note that the Chinese definition of sweet foods is much different from the American one!)

Pitchford says in his dedication that he hopes the reader finds "healing, awareness, and peace" from following his program. The diet is certainly acetic by American standards (no alcohol, caffeine, white flour, fried foods, or sugar, and a minimum of eggs and dairy) but the reasons he gives for avoiding these "negative energy" foods are compelling. From the adrenal damage imparted by coffee to immune dysfunction brought on by excess refined sugar, Pitchford spurs you to rethink every dietary choice and its ultimate influence on your health. Without being alarmist, he adds dietary tips for protecting yourself against the dangers of modern life, including neutralizing damage from water fluoridation (thyroid and immune-system problems may result; fluoride is a carcinogen). There's further reading on food combining, female health, heart disease, pregnancy, fasting, and weight loss. Overall, this is a wonderful book for anyone who's serious about strengthening his or her body from the inside out.

Paul Pitchford is a teacher and nutrition researcher. In his healing work with individuals, he develops rejuvenative plans based on awareness and dietary practices. His early training, following ancient traditional practice, was primarily through apprenticeships and private instructions with masters of meditation and East Asian medicine. For more than three decades, he has applied the unifying wisdom of Far Eastern thought to the major dietary therapies available in the West to create a new vision of health and nutrition.

"Healing with Whole Foods contains a wealth of information on health, diet, alternative medicine, natural food presentation, and recipes, researched by an expert in the field. Readers will learn how to apply Chinese medicine and the five-element theory to a contemporary diet; treat illness and nervous disorders through diet; and make the transition to whole vegetable foods. The most detailed source book yet published on preparing food and eating consciously, Healing with Whole Foods includes complete sections on Ayurvedic principles of food-combining; the treatment of disease conditions through meals; transition from animal products to whole vegetable foods; micro-algae; selection of waters and salts; the extremely complex varieties of oils, sugars, and condiments; vitamins and minerals; fasting and purification; food for children, food presentation and proportions; vibrational cooking; the physiology of nourishment; color diagnosis and therapy; consciousness in diet changes; plus descriptions of the nature and uses of various grains, legumes, miso, tempeh, tofu, seaweeds, nuts and seeds, sprouts, and fruits. Also featured are sections on chutneys, relishes, pickles, different milks, rejuvelac, yogurt, salads, and desserts."
-Midwest Book Review

$79

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Cupping Therapy by Ilkay Chirali - New Edition (Sept 2007)

This unique reference explores all aspects of cupping-- an ancient, predominantly Eastern technique in which heated cups are applied to the body for beneficial healing effects.

This new edition explores and describes techniques of cupping in the context of TCM theory. It provides a clear and detailed set of practical guidelines to applying this technique for various common conditions, and looks closely at issues of safety, expectation and theoretical principles of action.

Cupping therapy treatments described for common disorders ranging from abdominal pain, stroke, and asthma, diarrhea, and back pain. Each method is well illustrated, with differentiations between cupping practice on adults and children.

This new edition includes new scientific research on cupping therapy and the effect on the immune system as well as new material on muscular pain, stress management and cupping therapy and sports medicine.

A DVD complements the text with video clips showing the eleven methods of cupping therapy.

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$120

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310 pages

Encyclopedia of Ayurvedic Massage by Dr. John Douillard

Five thousand years old, Ayurvedic massage has been shown to still the mind and body by lowering metabolic rates and inspiring feelings of peace and calm. Often administered as a part of a three-, five-, or seven-day program, these treatments are an integral part of deep cleansing, rejuvenation, and life-extension Ayurvedic programs called panchakarma or kya kalpa. This book by a noted practitioner features more than 15 of these treatments, each described in step-by-step detail and some synchronized with two therapists for up to two hours in length. It provides the reader with all the tools necessary to begin Ayurvedic treatments as a part of a spa menu or massage therapy program.

Dr. John Douillard received his Ayurvedic training in India and holds a Ph.D. in Ayurvedic medicine from the Open International University. He is the former Director of Player Development for the New Jersey Nets in the NBA. He co-directed Deepak Chopra's Ayurvedic center for eight years and has trained over 2000 Western doctors in Ayurvedic medicine. He launched a preservative-free Ayurvedic skin care line in 1998, and an Ayurvedic herbal line for health professionals in 2003. He has been teaching Ayurvedic medicine, natural health, fitness, and nutrition internationally for seventeen years. Currently he directs the LifeSpa School of Ayurveda and practices Ayurvedic and chiropractic medicine at LifeSpa in Boulder, Colorado, where he lives with his wife and six children.

"With great clarity and precision, Dr. John Douillard has provided a detailed guidebook to the profound system of Ayurvedic massage, bringing this ancient method of yogic healing into practical focus for everyone to use in its many different forms." - Dr. David Frawley

"It is with open arms that I welcome such a detailed yet comprehensive guide for massage and spa therapists." - Tara Grodjesk

$49

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QiGong Massage Book

This comprehensive text by world renowned Qigong scholar, Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, presents the fundamental techniques and theory of Qigong massage that therapists can use to enhance their skills, and deepen their knowledge and application of Qi (energetic) healing.

Not only for therapists! Novices will find the instruction and techniques in this book practical and useful for recovering from fatigue, aches & pains, tension and more. A special section on Self-Massage is presented to help those in need of massage treatment benefits, but who lack a partner or therapist.

With 406 pages of information and over five hundred photographs and illustrations in this book, Dr. Yang will be your guide into the art and science of Chinese Qigong Massage.

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$45

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140 pages, 117 illustrations

Dr. Wu's Head Massage

"By massaging acupoints on the scalp and face one can treat the entire body. The head is the capital of the human body and is the confluence of all the Yin and Yang Meridians"- from The Yellow Emperor's Canon of Internal Medicine (Huang Di Nei Jing)

HEALTH AND LONGEVITY BEGIN WITH A SINGLE TOUCH
Did you know that, the internal health of the human body can be influenced and balanced by massaging acupoints, meridians, and trigger zones of the head, neck, and face? In fact, this not only helps to balance the entire body, it also has a significant cosmetic and anti-aging effect!

In this definitive book, Dr. Bin Jiang Wu presents an easy-to-follow head massage program that was developed as a response to computer syndrome and other stress related illnesses that are rapidly increasing in our modern society. In less than thirty minutes, you can relieve stress and tension from your spouse, friend or patient, while promoting smooth skin, healthy organs, and overall peace and tranquility.

This sixty-step sequence is based upon Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and its theory is rooted in the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine (Huang Di Nei Jing). Wu's Head Massage can be performed in its entirety, or you can choose your favorite techniques for quick relief.

Great for reducing headaches
Works for shoulder and neck tension
Reduces facial wrinkles
Stimulates the 'energy channels' in the entire body
Improves facial skin complexion
Provides an instant mental boost, naturally
And more!

Dr. Bin Jiang Wu has been studying TCM since childhood under the tutelage of TCM Doctors in his family. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine from Heilongjian University (1983), a Master of Medicine and Qigong from the China Academy of TCM, Beijing (1988). He is currently the President of the Ontario College of TCM, Toronto Ont. Canada. Dr. Wu resides in Toronto.

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$33

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160 pages, 150 colour photographs and 20 color illustrations

Seated Acupressure Bodywork, A Practical Handbook for Therapists by Andrew Parfitt

On-site massage has exploded in popularity since the 1980s, with therapists performing massages in shopping centers, airports, and workplaces. This comprehensive manual details a 20-minute sequence, developed from traditional Anma and Shiatsu techniques, that enables the practitioner to move around the client’s body in a flowing and highly effective way. With 150 colour photographs and 20 color illustrations, the guide explains meridians and acupressure points, and offers advice on ethical considerations and tips for preparing the client for massage.

Andrew Parfitt qualified in acupuncture from the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine and in shiatsu from The European Shiatsu School. He now teaches shiatsu and seated bodywork courses within the European Shiatsu School.

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$46

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192 pages, colour photographs & illustrations

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The Foundations of Shiatsu by Chris Jarmey

Shiatsu works by stimulating the body's vital energy flow in order to promote good health. The practitioner uses palms, thumbs and fingers, elbows, and even knees and feet to apply pressure and stretching to the energy lines or "meridians." This text written by a renowned practitioner, has been designed as a comprehensive guide to the basic principles and methods of this practical healing art. The book provides a description of how and why shiatsu works and the ways in which to apply it. A straightforward explanation of the basics underlying shiatsu forms the starting point, followed by detailed advice on how the practitioner or student can prepare both body and mind for giving shiatsu. A discussion of the principles of applying techniques leads into practical, step-by-step instruction on a wide range of technique sequences, all accompanied by clear, explanatory line drawings and color photographs. These help beginners maximize their understanding of how to relieve stress and promote well-being through shiatsu.

Chris Jarmey, M.C.S.P., D.S., M.R.S.S., is the Course Director, Principal of the European Shiatsu School. He has served several terms as the Education Officer, Medical Liaison Office, and Assessment Panel member for the Shiatsu Society. Chris has specialist skills in therapeutic Eastern and Western exercise, and has been practicing and teaching Yoga and Qigong for over 25 years. He is the author of several best-selling books, including The Concise Book of Muscles.

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$49

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260 pages
320 color plates
Hard Cover

Atlas of Chinese Tongue Diagnosis by Barbara Kirschbaum

Tongue diagnosis is a vital instrument used in Chinese medicine both for assessing the current health of a patient and providing a basis for prognosis. It also informs the practitioner about the underlying strength or weakness of the patient’s constitution.

This atlas contains over 320 color photographs of tongues seen in a Western clinic. The photographs provide a graphic representation of a wide variety of common disorders. Each photograph is accompanied by a description of the significant features of the tongue, the corresponding Chinese diagnosis for each such feature, accompanying symptoms, Western diagnosis, and pertinent background information. The presentation of the tongues is organized according to the nature of the underlying disharmony: Lung, Spleen-Stomach, Kidney, Heart, Liver. Other chapters focus on particular aspects of the tongue, such as pale tongues, cracked tongues, special coating, as well as those associated with heat disorders and blood stasis. The text is interspersed with many full case histories that describe aspects that are not visible on the tongue alone.

A final chapter surveys several cases which reflect how the tongue changed over the course of treatment, with before and after photographs. This systematic presentation provides the student and practitioner of Chinese medicine with a much deeper appreciation for the methodology of tongue diagnosis in Chinese medicine. An extensive and detailed index provides access to virtually every aspect of the hundreds of tongues presented in this atlas, and their interrelationships.

REVIEWS

"An excellent clinical manual for this important aspect of diagnosis, enriched by many case histories and photos."
—Giovanni Maciocia, Author Tongue Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine

"An excellent example of the new generation of textbooks which are based on experience treating Western patients. Reading this book has rekindled my interest in looking closely at tongues."
—Julian Scott, Author Acupuncture in the Treatment of Children

"A gold mine of high quality photographs presented in a way that maximizes clinically relevant learning. Look at each picture, describe it yourself, then read the author’s description and the significance of each finding. I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn or refine their tongue diagnosis skills."
—Michael Arnold, M.D.

"The quality of the photographs and color reproduction here are quite exceptional . . . the best I have seen in any book on tongue diagnosis. To see tongues of real patients described and analyzed by an expert in the field is invaluable."
—The Journal of Chinese Medicine

# The Foundation of Tongue Diagnosis # Pale Tongue Signs # Tongue Signs Associated with Kidney Disharmonies # Tongue Signs Associated with Stomach & Spleen Disharmonies # Tongue Signs Associated with Lung Disharmonies# Tongue Signs Associated with Heart Disharmonies # Tongue Signs Associated with Liver Disharmonies # Tongue Signs Associated with Blood Stasis # Tongue Signs Associated with Heat Disorders # Tongue Coatings # Special Tongue Sign: The Completely Cracked Tongue # Changes in the Tongue Following Treatment

$139

812 pages, 111 tables & illustrations

Hard Cover

Chinese Pulse Diagnosis: A Contemporary Approach (Revised Edition) by Leon I. Hammer

Pulse diagnosis, one of the jewels of traditional Chinese medicine, is a profoundly subtle instrument for the early diagnosis and prevention of disease. Yet far too often, in the haste of modern education and practice, it has become a neglected art. Chinese Pulse Diagnosis: A Contemporary Approach offers a clear and practical path toward a much deeper understanding of this traditional diagnostic method, while recasting its interpretation in the context of our own times.

The book is organized in seventeen chapters, which are presented in an advancing hierarchy of complexity. The early chapters consider such general issues as terminology, classification of pulse qualities, historical comparisons of positions and depths, the effects of age and gender, and a methodology for taking the pulse. The middle chapters provide an in-depth look at each of the individual pulse qualities, identified by felt sensation based on such characteristics as rate and rhythm, stability, volume, depth, size, and shape. The types of pathology associated with each of the qualities are also discussed. Later chapters examine the significance of the qualities when found across the entire pulse, or large segments of the pulse (left or right side, across the burners), and at different depths. The relationship of the various pulse qualities to psychology and prognosis are addressed in separate chapters. A final summary chapter on interpretation, supported with case histories, draws everything together to show how this information can be formulated into a rational diagnosis. Key information in the book is organized and richly illustrated in over one hundred tables and graphic drawings. Individual chapter tables of contents and extensive indexes provide convenient access to every aspect of this important subject.

REVIEWS "Dr. Hammer has spent the last 28 years studying, demystifying, and teaching pulse diagnosis. What makes his work and this book so unique is the fact that he has taken the time to truly reveal and explain the subtleties found within the pulse. His work is based upon the lineage of Dr. John H.F. Shen and the apprenticeship that ensured. Dr. Hammer brought to this relationship the mind and spirit of a skeptical researcher, demanding that sensation, meaning, and interpretation of every pulse be both proven and repeatable.

Dr. Hammer has taken pulse diagnosis out from underneath the weight of historical antiquity and brought it into the 21st century; never before has any book on pulse diagnosis attempted such a feat. This book is certain to have a major impact on the evolution of Oriental medicine and how pulse diagnosis is practised in the future.

With over 800 pages, this book was a massive undertaking and an incredible gift to all of us who practise Oriental medicine. The only thing I can say is thank you Dr. Hammer, your work has not only saved one of our most exquisite art forms from neglect, but you have catapulted it into the future. We are indebted to you." —Robbee Fian, The Journal of Chinese Medicine

"[An] incredible compendium . . . This book is so detailed that one may have an easier time developing an understanding of these pulses than one can get from reading such books as the available translations of Li Shi Zhen's book on the pulses . . . The descriptions of pulses given in this book include many that are applicable not only to traditional Chinese medical patterns, but also to diseases defined by biomedicine, and to a view which encompasses both." —The Meridian Times

CONTENTS # Preliminary Reflections # Pulse Positions Through History # Basic Axioms and Other Considerations # Taking the Pulse: Methodology # Classification and Nomenclature of Pulse Qualities # Rhythm and Stability # Rate # Volume # Depth # Size: Width and Length # Shape # Individual Positions # The Three Depths and Common Qualities Found Uniformly over the Entire Pulse # Uniform Qualities in Other Large Segments of the Pulse # Qualities as Signs of Psychological Disharmony # Prognosis and Prevention # Interpretation (Appendix: Case Illust9ations) # Epilogue # Endnotes # Appendix 1 Pulse Qualities: Sensation and Interpretation # Appendix 2 Glossary # Appendix 3 Bibliography # Pulse Index # General Index

$145

Retail $195

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Also Available Tools to enhance your massage

Thumbsavers .. Protect your most valuable assets: your thumbs and hands! Thumbsavers provide support and reduce the stress on your finger & thumb joints and wrists from shiatsu, Thai massage, and acupressure.

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