Books on the library shelves
Anatomy Trains by Thomas W. Myers
The latest edition of this highly successful volume presents a unique understanding of the role of fascia in healthy movement and postural distortion which is of vital importance to bodyworkers and movement therapists worldwide. Fully updated with the latest scientific research, the book presents a unique ''whole systems'' view of myofascial/locomotor anatomy in which the body-wide connections among the muscles within the fascial net are described in detail. Using the metaphor of railway or train lines, the book explains how patterns of strain communicate through the myofascial ''webbing'', contributing to movement stability and postural compensation. Written in the clear and accessible style that characterised the success of previous editions, the book guides the reader in the effective application of the Anatomy Trains theory via the use of abundant diagrams, photographs and educational film sequences on an associated website (www.myersmyofascialmeridians.com). Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists will be ideal for all those professionals who have an interest in human movement: massage therapists, structural integration practitioners, craniosacral therapists, yoga teachers, osteopaths, manual therapists, physiotherapists, athletic trainers, personal trainers, dance and movement teachers, chiropractors and acupuncturists. ""Anatomy Trains" is certainly not devoid of personality. It is this personality combined with a non-scientific writing style, yet supported clearly with scientific references, that makes or breaks the book as a reader. If approached with an open mind then there is a clear working theory that flows throughout the text and even now in its 3rd edition, the book appears novel and rogue. [...] There is a clinical relevance to this book that could change the thinking of most physiotherapists and encourage a more "whole body" approach to therapy." Sam Blanchard, Head of Academy Physiotherapy, Brighton & Hove Albion Football club. Provides a revolutionary approach to the study of human anatomy which has been shown to improve the outcomes of physical therapies traditionally used to manage pain and other musculoskeletal disorders Describes a theory which is applicable to all common types of movement, posture analysis and physical treatment modalities Layout designed to allow the reader to gather the concept quickly or gain a more detailed understanding of any given area according to need Design icons direct readers to their own specialist areas of interest, e.g. manual therapy, movement therapy, visual assessment, kinaesthetic education or supplementary video material Appendices discuss the relevance of the Anatomy Trains concept to the work of Dr Louis Schultz (Meridians of Latitude), Ada Rolf (Structural Integration) and the practice of Oriental Medicine Accompanying website (www.myersmyofascialmeridians.com) presents multi-media exploration of the concepts described in the book - film clips from Kinesis DVDs, computer graphic representations of the Anatomy Trains, supplementary dissection photographs and video clips, webinars, and some extra client photos for visual assessment practice Text updated in relation to the most up-to-date research originally published at the International Fascia Research Congress, Vancouver, 2012 Includes the latest evidence for the scientific basis of common clinical findings, including preliminary evidence from human fascial dissections Explores the role of fascia as our largest sensory organ Contains updates arising out of continual teaching and practice - for example, the role of the fascia and its interconnectivity in the generation of pain and/or force transmission New chapter discusses the role of Anatomy Trains theory in the analysis of gait Video clips on an associated website (www.myersmyofascialmeridians.com) present examples of the concepts explored in the book Podcasts on the website explore the therapeutic techniques involved Website addresses and references fully updated throughout
Natural Posture for Pain-Free Living by Kathleen Porter
Restoring healthy posture from childhood for relief from chronic pain, easy flexibility, and enduring strength and vitality well into old age * Offers 12 physical exercises to become mindful of your posture and discover pain-free alignment of your pelvis, rib cage, shoulders, neck, and back * Provides simple yet detailed instructions on how to sit, stand, walk, bend, get up from a chair, sit to meditate, sleep, and practice yoga with proper alignment * Includes full-color diagrams and posture photographs from around the world Our bones are the framework of support for our bodies, much like the wall studs and beams of a house. Yet the alignment of the skeleton along the vertical axis of gravity is largely overlooked today, even by fitness experts and yoga teachers. In a culture of cocked hips, sauntering models, and slouching TV watchers, where "chin up, shoulders back, stomach in" is believed to be good posture, we have forgotten what healthy alignment looks and feels like--leading to chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain for millions. Sharing photographs from around the world of "gurus" of natural posture and authentic strength, such as women in their 80s who easily carry heavy loads on their heads and toddlers learning to walk, Kathleen Porter shows what natural skeletal alignment truly looks like. With insights based on the fundamental laws of physics and detailed full-color diagrams, she guides you through an understanding of the body's naturally pain-free design. She explains that when the body is aligned as nature intended, your weight is supported by your bones rather than your muscles, allowing a blissful release from chronic muscular tension--which you may not even be aware you had. She offers 12 physical exercises to become mindful of your posture and discover healthy alignment of your pelvis, rib cage, shoulders, neck, and your body as a whole. Providing easy-to-follow instructions for mindful alignment during the most ordinary daily activities, even sleeping, as well as a chapter on practicing yoga safely, Porter shows how returning to our forgotten alignment from childhood can offer relief from chronic pain and tension and can provide easy flexibility, enduring strength, and vitality well into old age.
