The Thompson method of bodywork : structural alignment, core strength, and emotional release / Cathy Thompson and Tara Thompson Lewis ; illustrated by Mike Saijo.
Cathy Thompson's philosophy of bodywork. Kyo and jitsu -- Structural health: symmetry, space, and flow -- Mind / body -- What is tension? -- Injury and trauma -- Pain -- About the exercises in this book -- The head and neck -- Breathing -- The voice -- The shoulders -- The spine and deep core muscles -- Psoas, hips, and pelvis -- The abdomen and vital organs -- The knees -- The feet -- Ball exercises -- Ergonomics -- For bodyworkers: how to do this work -- Afterword: Bodywork is about the mother / Tara Thompson Lewis.
Summary:
"An illustrated manual for using physical movement and alignment to resolve chronic pain and tension and work with the emotions Includes 62 exercises to work with emotions through the body and support the neck, shoulders, lower back, feet, and overall posture as well as breathing and voice Explains how to listen to the body's signals to discover our physical and emotional blindspots--the weaknesses and misalignments at the root of our discomfort Draws on Zen shiatsu, Rolfing, yoga, and Gestalt psychotherapy to explain how transformation of physical structure corrects imbalances in the unconscious mind Developed by Cathy Thompson through her many years as a bodywork therapist, the Thompson Method incorporates Zen shiatsu, Rolfing, yoga, and Gestalt psychotherapy to heal pain in the physical body both through bodywork and by recognizing the emotional blockages that often underlie chronic pain, tension, and poor alignment. In this practical manual, Thompson and her protege-daughter Tara Thompson Lewis provide a deep understanding of body mechanics and how to work with emotions through the body. They explore how to listen to the body's signals to discover our physical and emotional blindspots--the weaknesses and misalignments at the root of our discomfort--and explain how transformation of your physical structure can correct imbalances in the unconscious mind caused by repressed memories and emotional traumas. Offering illustrated instructions for 62 corrective alignment exercises, the authors show how to release body tensions, realign the body's dynamic structure, work with the deep postural muscles, and support the neck, shoulders, lower back, and feet to strengthen the emotional and physical body as well as improve singing, dancing, yoga, and posture while sitting at the computer. They also explore breathing and bodywork practices to release the vocal mechanism and free the voice for more fluid and powerful self-expression. By recognizing and releasing the deeper emotional triggers beneath our physical complaints, the Thompson Method allows you to resolve chronic pains, increase body awareness and free movement, and create the foundation for good health and well-being"---Provided by publisher. "An illustrated manual for using physical movement and alignment to resolve chronic pain and tension and work with the emotions"---Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.