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101 Essential Tips
Massage: 101 Essential Tips
Illustrates basic massage techniques and specific strokes for the head, face, neck, chest, arms, hands, legs, and feet
Paperback
First published March 15, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 30, 2012
Well-organized and useful
This guide book, while not the most stimulating read, is clear, comprehensive, and easy to use. If you and your partner are planning a massage, it would be a good idea to refer to this book to brush up on the basics and find a few moves to try out.
The best feature of this book is the clarity of the instructions. Each move is clearly described and has paired bare-bones text with well-chosen photographs in order to be as instructive as possible. There is little discussion of abstract ideas (energy flow, chi, etc.) and a focus on the physical. The book is not entirely devoid of whys-and-wherefores, however, and has a few well-placed paragraphs focusing on the reasoning and theory of massage. These paragraphs are not jarring because they are outcome-focused and relate directly to the menu of massages in a given chapter. Although not as useful as a video or, best of all, hands-on instruction, I finished this book with a good understanding of what each massage was meant to look like and achieve.
Another great feature is the comprehensive organization of the book. By breaking down the chapters by the physical area being massaged, Lacroix has successfully grouped related massages together as well as created an overall program that could be followed right out of the book or mixed-and-matched to suit your taste and comfort level. When it comes to guides, I certainly favor this organizational strategy. It is clearly easiest for the beginner: the target market for this kind of book.
Everything about this book is designed for ease of use. The volume is small, perfect for a night-table, and easy to navigate. It is not inconceivable that it could be referred to mid-massage (not ideal, but better than nothing...). The photos are not step by step instructions but they capture the critical moves and/or confusing areas, allowing a user to flip to the massage or hold they want easily.
Although certainly not a complete course, Lacroix's tiny volume achieves much in terms of educating non-professionals in safe, satisfying massage. I'm sure there must be better instructionals available, especially online and incorporating video, and there is no argument to support this book in place of classes and/or experience; however, if you and your partner are looking for an easy entry into massage that is low risk, this book is a good way to go.
This guide book, while not the most stimulating read, is clear, comprehensive, and easy to use. If you and your partner are planning a massage, it would be a good idea to refer to this book to brush up on the basics and find a few moves to try out.
The best feature of this book is the clarity of the instructions. Each move is clearly described and has paired bare-bones text with well-chosen photographs in order to be as instructive as possible. There is little discussion of abstract ideas (energy flow, chi, etc.) and a focus on the physical. The book is not entirely devoid of whys-and-wherefores, however, and has a few well-placed paragraphs focusing on the reasoning and theory of massage. These paragraphs are not jarring because they are outcome-focused and relate directly to the menu of massages in a given chapter. Although not as useful as a video or, best of all, hands-on instruction, I finished this book with a good understanding of what each massage was meant to look like and achieve.
Another great feature is the comprehensive organization of the book. By breaking down the chapters by the physical area being massaged, Lacroix has successfully grouped related massages together as well as created an overall program that could be followed right out of the book or mixed-and-matched to suit your taste and comfort level. When it comes to guides, I certainly favor this organizational strategy. It is clearly easiest for the beginner: the target market for this kind of book.
Everything about this book is designed for ease of use. The volume is small, perfect for a night-table, and easy to navigate. It is not inconceivable that it could be referred to mid-massage (not ideal, but better than nothing...). The photos are not step by step instructions but they capture the critical moves and/or confusing areas, allowing a user to flip to the massage or hold they want easily.
Although certainly not a complete course, Lacroix's tiny volume achieves much in terms of educating non-professionals in safe, satisfying massage. I'm sure there must be better instructionals available, especially online and incorporating video, and there is no argument to support this book in place of classes and/or experience; however, if you and your partner are looking for an easy entry into massage that is low risk, this book is a good way to go.
July 20, 2012
Best massage book to own, it's got so much information and even covers aromatherapy and self-massage!
March 26, 2010
This is like the massage pocket book, it contains essentially the same information as the larger book (granted with less detail) and with great images to guide you through a massage. To top it off the book is so small you can take it anywhere and the price is significantly less then other books. Overall a great value book.
September 3, 2007
Good for those who don't think they have a clue as to how to give a massage or just want a small reference close by so they don't forget anything. Pretty basic. Has sections for all parts of the body.
July 23, 2014
Pretty much told me everything I already knew about how to give a massage. Didn't know that emotional stress is held near the shoulders and collarbone. There are 27 bones in the human hand. Petrissage means gentle massage. Effleurage means light touch.
November 20, 2017
This book provides an overview of massage.
July 24, 2016
Book title is very sort, but its okay
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews