The Acupressure Atlas Book Review
A Reference Guide to Acupressure Techniques and Activation Points
Acupressure has been a form of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years and this comprehensive, easy-to-follow atlas allows for modern day use.
The Acupressure Atlas by Bernard C. Kolster, M.D. and Astrid Waskowiak, M.D. is published by Healing Arts Press and provides an easy way to understand how to implement acupressure techniques.
The Basics of Acupressure
The first chapter of Acupressure Atlas is a basic introduction to the fundamental principles of acupressure techniques and briefly discusses other complementary techniques such acupuncture, moxibustion, herbalism, the history of traditional Chinese medicines, Yin and Yang principles and more. Photos and pictures complement the text but it is by nature a very basic introduction to some of the theories. The introduction better covers the basics of each of the meridians and what to look for if one of the body's energy pathways is out of balance.
Step-By-Step Help for Applying Acupressure Techniques
This section will be very helpful for beginners who want to utilize a basic acupressure series for general health. Other sections cover acupressure for specific conditions but this section goes through each meridian and demonstrates working each acupressure point both with and without a partner. The photos are excellent for demonstrating each point and The Acupressure Atlas book itself has a large size which makes it easy to lie on the ground beside where you are working and still clearly see it. From head to toe, the entire body is carefully showed and demonstrated through many, full color photographs.
Targeting Ailments with Acupressure
This next section is more of a trouble-shooting guide that covers several common ailments in a general way. Acupressure is about restoring balance and proper flow of energy so it's not like common medication situations many are used to.
The Acupressure Atlas discusses how acupressure can help with several conditions and shows clearly demonstrated, easy acupressure routines for:
- Sleep Problems
- Headaches and Migraines
- Fatigue
- Bronchitis and Bronchial Asthma
- Sinus Ailments
- Colds and Flus
- Menstrual Problems and PMS
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Digestive Problems
- Gastrointestinal Problems
- Motion Sickness and Nausea
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain/Lumbago
- Tennis Elbow
Wellness Acupressure Massages
Three additional acupressure routines are shown step-by-step for general wellness massages and include:
- The Head and Neck Massage
- Relaxation Exercises
- Whole-Body Acupressure Massage
The Appendix of The Acupressure Atlas is a fully-illustrated, pictorial overview of acupressure points. Designed to be a quick reference guide to the acupressure points, massage therapists and laypersons alike will appreciate the full-color pictures and brief descriptions about where to find each point and the meridian that the acupressure point is part of. Basic anatomical illustrations and a glossary round out the text making it a good reference book for beginners, and an encyclopedia that will be easy to refer back to for more experienced practitioners.
Organization and Shelf Value
The Acupressure Atlas is an attractive text with useful photographs throughout and makes a lovely addition to the office bookshelf for massage therapists, acupressure specialists, or every day people who want to begin exploring more natural techniques. The book is well-organized, easy-to-follow and will lie open flat making the oversized text valuable as a reference tool that could be used to refresh the memory on a new routine, or create a specific bodywork course.
Anyone interested in learning more about the ancient Chinese techniques of acupressure will find benefit from Healing Arts Press' The Acupressure Book.
