Valerie Voner - The Everything Massage Book: Practical, simple techniques you can use at home to relieve stress, promote healing, and feel great

THE

MASSAGE
BOOK

Practical, simple techniques you can use at home to relieve stress, promote healing, and feel great

Valerie Voner L.M.T., C.R.T., R.M.T.

Recommended by:

To my entire familyyou make my reality complete.

Copyright 2004, F+W Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.

This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher; exceptions are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews.

An Everything Series Book.

Everything and everything.com are registered trademarks of F+W Publications, Inc.

Published by Adams Media, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

57 Littlefield Street, Avon, MA 02322 U.S.A.

www.adamsmedia.com

ISBN: 1-59337-071-7

Printed in the United States of America.

J I H G F E D C B

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Voner, Valerie.

The everything massage book / Valerie Voner.

p. cm.

(An everything series book.)

ISBN 1-59337-071-7

1. Massage. I. Title. II. Series: Everything series.

RA780.5.V66 2004

615.8'22dc22 2004002187

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.

From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations

The Everything Massage Book is intended as a reference volume only, not as a medical or fitness manual. The ideas, procedures, and suggestions in this book are intended to supplement, not replace, the advice of a trained medical professional. Consult your physician about any condition that may require medical attention before adopting the suggestions and programs in this book. The author and publisher disclaim any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of this book.

This book is available at quantity discounts for bulk purchases. For information, call 1-800-872-5627.

The

Massage Book

Dear Reader:

I am honored to be involved with your journey into the evolving wonders of touch through massage. The experience of giving and receiving massage is one that you will cherish and grow with. Once you have begun the exploration into massage, the possibilities are endless. Imagine entire families sharing in the gift of giving through loving and compassionate touch. We never outgrow the need to love and be lovedcaring touch satisfies this need completely.

The joy of massage for me has been in the seeing and knowing that we can help someone to feel better, emotionally and physically. To touch is to heal; how blessed is that! My intention here is to share my years of experience and knowledge with you by creating an easy guide that encourages you to try massage on yourself and others.

Namaste,

Editorial

Production

Visit the entire Everything Series at www.everything.com

Thank you to every teacher I have encountered during my journey into the healing work of compassionate touch. I thank God for the many blessings I receive and for the opportunity to work in service. Thank you, Taylor, my son, for the support from you and your family, Jen, Ashley, and baby Taylor. Amber, thank you for allowing me to finish the book on your birthday; you are a great daughter. To all my siblings and my parents, much love. My agent Barb Doyen and my editor Eric Hall, to you I give thanks for always pushing and supporting through the tough times. Many blessings to my friends; your love and support sustained me. Thank you reader for choosing this book. May you enjoy massage as much as I do. In peace, namaste.

1. Massage is kind and compassionate touch.

2. Massage allows for communication without words.

3. Massage helps to soothe heartburn, abdominal pain, and other stress-related digestive problems.

4. Chronic pain is lessened through regular massage.

5. Receiving massage during pregnancy helps ease back pain and supports muscle health.

6. A five-minute massage can ease and energize.

7. Regular massage encourages all the body systems to function properly.

8. Massage helps alleviate stress and sinus headaches while reducing tension in the neck.

9. Babies who receive massage cry less and are healthier.

10. Massage creates and promotes a strong feeling of connection between giver and receiver.

FROM THE DAWN OF HUMANKIND, humans have recognized the importance and comfort of touch. Massage is the natural inclination to touch, to soothe, to rub, or to take away or ease whatever ails you. You are part of this rich history, contributing with your touch. Massage opens the door to discovery as your hands and fingers begin to see the aches and pains before you rub them away! A loving back rub becomes an experiment in touch as you travel through the variety of massage strokes to the joy of your partner. Massage is a tender gift you give as you gently stroke your babys belly, watching as she kicks back in laughter.