Bodyworkers

Here are some books (and a video) I recommend to anyone considering a professional bodywork practice.

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The Educated Heart, Professional guidelines for massage therapists, bodyworkers and movement teachers
by Nina McIntosh

When first starting a bodywork practice, it's very helpful to have someone share their stories, so you don't have to discover all the practical nuts and bolts on your own. This book is especially strong in its discussion of boundaries. The author, a long-time Rolfer, is also a Rosen Method Intern. She writes a regular column for the ABMP magazine Massage & Bodywork.

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Hand Maintenance Guide for Massage Therapists, The art of an injury free career
by Shogo Mochizuki

Shogo Mochizuki, an Asian bodywork teacher, is from a family that's been practicing Asian bodywork for over 240 years. The book includes 25 techniques for warming up your hands, wrists, forearms, and shoulders before you work, plus 13 things you should never do. Ask yourself: Would an athlete get out of bed, drive to the playing field, and immediately engage in her sport? Of course not. Common sense tells us to warm up before working. This book provides a sensible warm-up routine. The author has also written a large, beautiful book on Anma (Anma: The Art of Japanese Massage).

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Hand Maintenance Guide for Massage Therapists (video)
by Shogo Mochizuki

This video supplements the book. It guides you through each of the 25 easy-to-learn hand maintenance techniques found in the book, points out common movements that are contraindicated for massage therapists, and demonstrates alternatives you can use.

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Save Your Hands! Injury Prevention for Massage Therapists
by Lauriann Greene, Robert A. Greene

If you're a massage therapist and you work when you have an injury, read this book. It will motivate you to change your habits. The value of this book is that it highlights a serious problem among massage therapists and bodyworkers, one that's often not addressed in their training program: Many people injure their hands and are unable to work. I'm sure the recommended exercises are good, but I didn't find them easy to understand. I much prefer the Mochizuki book above.

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Business Mastery (third edition), A guide for creating a fulfilling, thriving business and keeping it successful
by Cherie M. Sohnen-Moe

This book is written specifically for "wellness professionals." The author was a massage practitioner herself, though her main strength these days is as a business coach. This book will stimulate your thinking, and motivate you. The author comes across as someone who understands the issues unique to succeeding as a "wellness professional."

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