The Complete Idiot's Guide to Massage

So you want to bone up on knowledge and become a top-notch masseuse, eh? ...Oh, don't get me wrong: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Massage is a great volume for people looking to learn massage... basics. It's definitely an "introductory" book, since it tries to hit all the bases of every massage technique before the back cover arrives. The result is that you feel more "educated" about what you're getting into than "enabled" to do massage.Of course, the book has a lot of helpful techniques and teachings in it! You can certainly become a great amateur masseuse with this book's lessons and little natural skill. The muscle diagrams, in particular, are very helpful (you gotta know WHERE to massage, eh?), as well as the many warnings peppered around the book that explain why you should not paralyze your massage partner (they get upset with you) and the like. But in the end, I certainly felt like "That's it?" and will be buying a more detailed book soon.Starting with this Guide, though, is a great idea. It eases you into massage smoothly and easily, and perfectly prepares you to start practicing on the nearest sore person or dive into more complex educational resources.

This is an instructive and, dare I say it, entertaining map to the world of touch therapy. The authors take us through a wide range of massage topics, including techniques, history, philosophy and more, in easy to understand terms. The format of chapters, sidebars and summaries gives us the details while reminding us not to forget the essentials. Finally, in the text and graphics, the authors remember that a little levity makes the trip that much more enjoyable. I would recommend this book both to health care professionals and those just looking for a way to relax at the end of a day that has seemed like a week. Fine, fun work.

Idiots everywhere, rejoice! After finishing this excellent book, you too can give a massage! In this down-to-earth tome the reader is treated to the history, terminology and easy to follow techniques of massage. If you've ever had a desire to learn about, or give a massage, you owe it to yourself to check out this book. 2 thumbs (and all the other digits) UP for this great book.

This book covers it all. It explains massage from the beginning in simple terms anyone can follow. But it doesn't stop there. It goes into vast detail, explaining why and how. I felt like an expert after I read it. It is truly accessible for those of us who might feel like an idiot at the beginning. I always felt silly when it came to giving a back rub. But now I realize the history behind the practice of massage and the value it can give to me and my partner. Because of this book, I'm quickly becoming an expert!

This book takes you from knowing very little to understanding how to give a really great massage! It goes through everything from history, techniques, choosing a massage therapist and anatomy. It is also explained in a readable way. If you're looking for a gift idea, this would be a good choice!