Good easy to use book, 20 Feb 2007
This book provides lots of easy to perform massage techniques. The book describes the techniques with photos and text which makes it very easy to follow and can easily be read when performing a massage. It comes with a cdrom which contains audio tracks to relax the person as they are being massaged. Every part of the body from feet to fingertips are covered and even recommends different massages for health problems like sinus problems.
Overall I would definately recommend this book as it represents excellent value for money.

Good easy to use book, 20 Feb 2007
This book provides lots of easy to perform massage techniques. The book describes the techniques with photos and text which makes it very easy to follow and can easily be read when performing a massage. It comes with a cdrom which contains audio tracks to relax the person as they are being massaged. Every part of the body from feet to fingertips are covered and even recommends different massages for health problems like sinus problems.
Overall I would definately recommend this book as it represents excellent value for money.

The face lift massage, 04 Aug 2007
This is an excellent book.I can recommend this to any one who wants to look young without botox. This realy works.I saw the difference in my face within about 2 weeks.I don't do all the massages only ones I think are relevent to me.This takes about 15 min a day which is not bad.Try it and you'll love it.

Good easy to use book, 20 Feb 2007
This book provides lots of easy to perform massage techniques. The book describes the techniques with photos and text which makes it very easy to follow and can easily be read when performing a massage. It comes with a cdrom which contains audio tracks to relax the person as they are being massaged. Every part of the body from feet to fingertips are covered and even recommends different massages for health problems like sinus problems.
Overall I would definately recommend this book as it represents excellent value for money.

The face lift massage, 04 Aug 2007
This is an excellent book.I can recommend this to any one who wants to look young without botox. This realy works.I saw the difference in my face within about 2 weeks.I don't do all the massages only ones I think are relevent to me.This takes about 15 min a day which is not bad.Try it and you'll love it.

Excellent practical guide on massage and development, 10 Oct 2001
I found this book extremely helpful. Explanations are clear and concise. Sketches really help visualise how to do it. Really helpful if you are wanting to give it a go but you are not sure where to start or whether you are doing things correctly. The chapters on development are very good too. You can go through each stage of your baby's development and check very simply whether the baby is ready to move on to the next stage. There is good advice on what you can do to help promote good posture while sitting and walking. Really helpful if you do not know where to start!

Good easy to use book, 20 Feb 2007
This book provides lots of easy to perform massage techniques. The book describes the techniques with photos and text which makes it very easy to follow and can easily be read when performing a massage. It comes with a cdrom which contains audio tracks to relax the person as they are being massaged. Every part of the body from feet to fingertips are covered and even recommends different massages for health problems like sinus problems.
Overall I would definately recommend this book as it represents excellent value for money.

The face lift massage, 04 Aug 2007
This is an excellent book.I can recommend this to any one who wants to look young without botox. This realy works.I saw the difference in my face within about 2 weeks.I don't do all the massages only ones I think are relevent to me.This takes about 15 min a day which is not bad.Try it and you'll love it.

Excellent practical guide on massage and development, 10 Oct 2001
I found this book extremely helpful. Explanations are clear and concise. Sketches really help visualise how to do it. Really helpful if you are wanting to give it a go but you are not sure where to start or whether you are doing things correctly. The chapters on development are very good too. You can go through each stage of your baby's development and check very simply whether the baby is ready to move on to the next stage. There is good advice on what you can do to help promote good posture while sitting and walking. Really helpful if you do not know where to start!

A Trigger Point Book That's on Target!, 04 Feb 2008
What a great book. Know first of all that it's written more for clinicians, such as massage therapists. If you have no medical background, you may get confused with some of the medical terms such as abduction.

Having said that, for practitioners who treat musculoskeletal pain, this book is the best trigger point therapy book I've come across. After spending a few chapters covering some of the basics on topics such as the nature of trigger points, Qi, informed touch, etc, the book gets right to the reason why you probably bought the book- the trigger points.

The book does an excellent job of covering all the muscles of the body and their associated trigger points. But that's not where it ends. Besides having some of the best muscle pictures you could ask for, each section on a particular muscle ALSO covers pain patterns a specific trigger point could produce, as well as stretching and strengthening exercises- nice!! While the stretches are clearly depicted, the strengthening exercises are only described- but they are certainly clear enough to follow.

A couple of appendices on meridian pathways, cutaneous zones, and acupoints are also included.

Lastly, the book ends with two indexes. The first is a pain pattern index, which is really a picture reference guide on trigger point referral patterns for the various muscles. The second is a symptoms index. Using this index is as easy as looking up a particular area of the body (such as the shoulder) where you'll then find various symptoms and their potential cause (trouble with reaching up....problem with latissimus dorsi).

All-in-all, it's a great resource for anyone who deals with clients that might have muscular pain and the book could also double as a patient education tool with its great pictures of all the muscles and their trigger points. Also recommend "Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff" for practitioners who deal with a lot of shoulder patients.

Good easy to use book, 20 Feb 2007
This book provides lots of easy to perform massage techniques. The book describes the techniques with photos and text which makes it very easy to follow and can easily be read when performing a massage. It comes with a cdrom which contains audio tracks to relax the person as they are being massaged. Every part of the body from feet to fingertips are covered and even recommends different massages for health problems like sinus problems.
Overall I would definately recommend this book as it represents excellent value for money.

The face lift massage, 04 Aug 2007
This is an excellent book.I can recommend this to any one who wants to look young without botox. This realy works.I saw the difference in my face within about 2 weeks.I don't do all the massages only ones I think are relevent to me.This takes about 15 min a day which is not bad.Try it and you'll love it.

Excellent practical guide on massage and development, 10 Oct 2001
I found this book extremely helpful. Explanations are clear and concise. Sketches really help visualise how to do it. Really helpful if you are wanting to give it a go but you are not sure where to start or whether you are doing things correctly. The chapters on development are very good too. You can go through each stage of your baby's development and check very simply whether the baby is ready to move on to the next stage. There is good advice on what you can do to help promote good posture while sitting and walking. Really helpful if you do not know where to start!

A Trigger Point Book That's on Target!, 04 Feb 2008
What a great book. Know first of all that it's written more for clinicians, such as massage therapists. If you have no medical background, you may get confused with some of the medical terms such as abduction.

Having said that, for practitioners who treat musculoskeletal pain, this book is the best trigger point therapy book I've come across. After spending a few chapters covering some of the basics on topics such as the nature of trigger points, Qi, informed touch, etc, the book gets right to the reason why you probably bought the book- the trigger points.

The book does an excellent job of covering all the muscles of the body and their associated trigger points. But that's not where it ends. Besides having some of the best muscle pictures you could ask for, each section on a particular muscle ALSO covers pain patterns a specific trigger point could produce, as well as stretching and strengthening exercises- nice!! While the stretches are clearly depicted, the strengthening exercises are only described- but they are certainly clear enough to follow.

A couple of appendices on meridian pathways, cutaneous zones, and acupoints are also included.

Lastly, the book ends with two indexes. The first is a pain pattern index, which is really a picture reference guide on trigger point referral patterns for the various muscles. The second is a symptoms index. Using this index is as easy as looking up a particular area of the body (such as the shoulder) where you'll then find various symptoms and their potential cause (trouble with reaching up....problem with latissimus dorsi).

All-in-all, it's a great resource for anyone who deals with clients that might have muscular pain and the book could also double as a patient education tool with its great pictures of all the muscles and their trigger points. Also recommend "Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff" for practitioners who deal with a lot of shoulder patients.


Don't need to be an expert, 13 Jun 2006
Many books on this subject are either fluffy or too technical. This book is an exception. It is written in a friendly and accessible style. You don't need to be an expert or aim to be one, to use this book. It is well produced; the colour photos are functional and crisp.

Our modern tempo of life abuses our muscles and mind and they need tending. The chapter on Self-Massage can be used daily while on a train, bus, office or at home while watching television. You can get a friend or partner to join in and use the instructions in the book. It may help you to become an expert in time.

I have seen Nicola work and she brings her love and care for the health and healing of people. Just the chapter of Self- Massage will recover the cost of the book. Time to get healthy and relax by using this handy book. Recommend it.


The Complete Body Massage Course, 11 May 2006
A wonderful book for anybody who wants to know how massage can help them and what techniques might suit best. It is an excellent introductory guide, clear, concise and very well illustrated.

Good easy to use book, 20 Feb 2007
This book provides lots of easy to perform massage techniques. The book describes the techniques with photos and text which makes it very easy to follow and can easily be read when performing a massage. It comes with a cdrom which contains audio tracks to relax the person as they are being massaged. Every part of the body from feet to fingertips are covered and even recommends different massages for health problems like sinus problems.
Overall I would definately recommend this book as it represents excellent value for money.

The face lift massage, 04 Aug 2007
This is an excellent book.I can recommend this to any one who wants to look young without botox. This realy works.I saw the difference in my face within about 2 weeks.I don't do all the massages only ones I think are relevent to me.This takes about 15 min a day which is not bad.Try it and you'll love it.

Excellent practical guide on massage and development, 10 Oct 2001
I found this book extremely helpful. Explanations are clear and concise. Sketches really help visualise how to do it. Really helpful if you are wanting to give it a go but you are not sure where to start or whether you are doing things correctly. The chapters on development are very good too. You can go through each stage of your baby's development and check very simply whether the baby is ready to move on to the next stage. There is good advice on what you can do to help promote good posture while sitting and walking. Really helpful if you do not know where to start!

A Trigger Point Book That's on Target!, 04 Feb 2008
What a great book. Know first of all that it's written more for clinicians, such as massage therapists. If you have no medical background, you may get confused with some of the medical terms such as abduction.

Having said that, for practitioners who treat musculoskeletal pain, this book is the best trigger point therapy book I've come across. After spending a few chapters covering some of the basics on topics such as the nature of trigger points, Qi, informed touch, etc, the book gets right to the reason why you probably bought the book- the trigger points.

The book does an excellent job of covering all the muscles of the body and their associated trigger points. But that's not where it ends. Besides having some of the best muscle pictures you could ask for, each section on a particular muscle ALSO covers pain patterns a specific trigger point could produce, as well as stretching and strengthening exercises- nice!! While the stretches are clearly depicted, the strengthening exercises are only described- but they are certainly clear enough to follow.

A couple of appendices on meridian pathways, cutaneous zones, and acupoints are also included.

Lastly, the book ends with two indexes. The first is a pain pattern index, which is really a picture reference guide on trigger point referral patterns for the various muscles. The second is a symptoms index. Using this index is as easy as looking up a particular area of the body (such as the shoulder) where you'll then find various symptoms and their potential cause (trouble with reaching up....problem with latissimus dorsi).

All-in-all, it's a great resource for anyone who deals with clients that might have muscular pain and the book could also double as a patient education tool with its great pictures of all the muscles and their trigger points. Also recommend "Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff" for practitioners who deal with a lot of shoulder patients.


Don't need to be an expert, 13 Jun 2006
Many books on this subject are either fluffy or too technical. This book is an exception. It is written in a friendly and accessible style. You don't need to be an expert or aim to be one, to use this book. It is well produced; the colour photos are functional and crisp.

Our modern tempo of life abuses our muscles and mind and they need tending. The chapter on Self-Massage can be used daily while on a train, bus, office or at home while watching television. You can get a friend or partner to join in and use the instructions in the book. It may help you to become an expert in time.

I have seen Nicola work and she brings her love and care for the health and healing of people. Just the chapter of Self- Massage will recover the cost of the book. Time to get healthy and relax by using this handy book. Recommend it.


The Complete Body Massage Course, 11 May 2006
A wonderful book for anybody who wants to know how massage can help them and what techniques might suit best. It is an excellent introductory guide, clear, concise and very well illustrated.

A solid foundation of holistic massage for beauty therapy students!, 08 Nov 2008
Francesca Gould writes in her own very informative style. As with many other books written by her; such as her book: Aromatherapy for Holistic Therapists; this book is again written with great expertise and sound knowledge of the subject area she is writing about. As with all her books they provide the foundation for the subject and are useful for tutors to plan lessons and also for students taking courses of beauty therapy and holistic therapies. First class instruction!

Good easy to use book, 20 Feb 2007
This book provides lots of easy to perform massage techniques. The book describes the techniques with photos and text which makes it very easy to follow and can easily be read when performing a massage. It comes with a cdrom which contains audio tracks to relax the person as they are being massaged. Every part of the body from feet to fingertips are covered and even recommends different massages for health problems like sinus problems.
Overall I would definately recommend this book as it represents excellent value for money.

The face lift massage, 04 Aug 2007
This is an excellent book.I can recommend this to any one who wants to look young without botox. This realy works.I saw the difference in my face within about 2 weeks.I don't do all the massages only ones I think are relevent to me.This takes about 15 min a day which is not bad.Try it and you'll love it.

Excellent practical guide on massage and development, 10 Oct 2001
I found this book extremely helpful. Explanations are clear and concise. Sketches really help visualise how to do it. Really helpful if you are wanting to give it a go but you are not sure where to start or whether you are doing things correctly. The chapters on development are very good too. You can go through each stage of your baby's development and check very simply whether the baby is ready to move on to the next stage. There is good advice on what you can do to help promote good posture while sitting and walking. Really helpful if you do not know where to start!

A Trigger Point Book That's on Target!, 04 Feb 2008
What a great book. Know first of all that it's written more for clinicians, such as massage therapists. If you have no medical background, you may get confused with some of the medical terms such as abduction.

Having said that, for practitioners who treat musculoskeletal pain, this book is the best trigger point therapy book I've come across. After spending a few chapters covering some of the basics on topics such as the nature of trigger points, Qi, informed touch, etc, the book gets right to the reason why you probably bought the book- the trigger points.

The book does an excellent job of covering all the muscles of the body and their associated trigger points. But that's not where it ends. Besides having some of the best muscle pictures you could ask for, each section on a particular muscle ALSO covers pain patterns a specific trigger point could produce, as well as stretching and strengthening exercises- nice!! While the stretches are clearly depicted, the strengthening exercises are only described- but they are certainly clear enough to follow.

A couple of appendices on meridian pathways, cutaneous zones, and acupoints are also included.

Lastly, the book ends with two indexes. The first is a pain pattern index, which is really a picture reference guide on trigger point referral patterns for the various muscles. The second is a symptoms index. Using this index is as easy as looking up a particular area of the body (such as the shoulder) where you'll then find various symptoms and their potential cause (trouble with reaching up....problem with latissimus dorsi).

All-in-all, it's a great resource for anyone who deals with clients that might have muscular pain and the book could also double as a patient education tool with its great pictures of all the muscles and their trigger points. Also recommend "Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff" for practitioners who deal with a lot of shoulder patients.


Don't need to be an expert, 13 Jun 2006
Many books on this subject are either fluffy or too technical. This book is an exception. It is written in a friendly and accessible style. You don't need to be an expert or aim to be one, to use this book. It is well produced; the colour photos are functional and crisp.

Our modern tempo of life abuses our muscles and mind and they need tending. The chapter on Self-Massage can be used daily while on a train, bus, office or at home while watching television. You can get a friend or partner to join in and use the instructions in the book. It may help you to become an expert in time.

I have seen Nicola work and she brings her love and care for the health and healing of people. Just the chapter of Self- Massage will recover the cost of the book. Time to get healthy and relax by using this handy book. Recommend it.


The Complete Body Massage Course, 11 May 2006
A wonderful book for anybody who wants to know how massage can help them and what techniques might suit best. It is an excellent introductory guide, clear, concise and very well illustrated.

A solid foundation of holistic massage for beauty therapy students!, 08 Nov 2008
Francesca Gould writes in her own very informative style. As with many other books written by her; such as her book: Aromatherapy for Holistic Therapists; this book is again written with great expertise and sound knowledge of the subject area she is writing about. As with all her books they provide the foundation for the subject and are useful for tutors to plan lessons and also for students taking courses of beauty therapy and holistic therapies. First class instruction!

How not to write a textbook, 17 Jul 2006
There's so much wrong with this book I don't know where to begin. Its tone is patronising, it contains factual errors, opinion is paraded as fact and descriptions of massage techniques are thin and inadequate.

I've just finished my ITEC holistic massage, reflexology and aromatherapy exams. It's frustrating, but you will need these LT books to pass the exams. ITEC like to put obsure bits of Louise Tucker misinformation into theory exams.

Get it as cheap as possible because you won't learn much from from it and you won't to use it once your qualified.

By the way, I don't belive that the rave reviews of this book are real. They can't be. They cannot POSSIBLY be talking about the same book!

More poor information from a poor "professional" body, 07 Feb 2006
The fact that this book is required reading for any course shows just how endemic poor standards of teaching are in this country. Any teacher using this text as their reference and not refusing to pass it on to students should be ashamed of themselves. If you are thinking of joining a massage course and this is the main source of information then PLEASE find yourself another college with some dignity.

Quite poor for most purposes, 01 Sep 2005
This is the coursebook for the ITEC holistic massage course. It is written by people who run ITEC so you need it. But it isn't all that good.

I definately would NOT recommend it to anyone not doing that course. It spends far too much time talking about physiology and anatomy that you don't really need to know in order to do a massage. You would be spending your money on about 10 pages worth on info. Other books either go into more detail on swedish massage or cover other forms.

Even for the course taker it's pretty empty of specific info on how to actually do a massage. Also the physiology and anatomy are a bit low level and not consistent. You will find a description of a muscle on a chart yet it doesn't appear on the picture! How hard would have that been to get right? If you are doing that course then you are going to buy this anyway because it teaches you the terms that will be used in the exam, even if they are not correct!

conflicting information, 26 Nov 2002
I have purchased this book and the anatomy & physiology by the same author as they are the study books for the ITEC course this year. You definatley need both books as not all of the information on the muscles is in both, they do seem to conflict slightly yet written by the same author.
I do feel concerned that this is the recommended book of study and this author also sits on the ITEC board. As a registered nurse I am glad that I have my medical text books to cross reference with as I think you would struggle if you did not use a validated medical text book.
A good started book, but you would need to spend more money buying a more indepth book, so you could save the money that this has cost.

Comprehensive easy to follow text book for massage students, 04 Jan 2002
As a College Principal it has been very difficult to find a book that was pitched correctly for my ITEC students. This book contains all the relevant course material for serious students without burying it too much in unecessarily complicated pseudo-medical terms. Excellent section on the Muscular system which is challenging for most students especially origin,insertion and action. I would urge Lecturers as well as students to buy this book, but not those who simply want a touchy-feely guide to better relationships!

Good easy to use book, 20 Feb 2007
This book provides lots of easy to perform massage techniques. The book describes the techniques with photos and text which makes it very easy to follow and can easily be read when performing a massage. It comes with a cdrom which contains audio tracks to relax the person as they are being massaged. Every part of the body from feet to fingertips are covered and even recommends different massages for health problems like sinus problems.
Overall I would definately recommend this book as it represents excellent value for money.

The face lift massage, 04 Aug 2007
This is an excellent book.I can recommend this to any one who wants to look young without botox. This realy works.I saw the difference in my face within about 2 weeks.I don't do all the massages only ones I think are relevent to me.This takes about 15 min a day which is not bad.Try it and you'll love it.

Excellent practical guide on massage and development, 10 Oct 2001
I found this book extremely helpful. Explanations are clear and concise. Sketches really help visualise how to do it. Really helpful if you are wanting to give it a go but you are not sure where to start or whether you are doing things correctly. The chapters on development are very good too. You can go through each stage of your baby's development and check very simply whether the baby is ready to move on to the next stage. There is good advice on what you can do to help promote good posture while sitting and walking. Really helpful if you do not know where to start!

A Trigger Point Book That's on Target!, 04 Feb 2008
What a great book. Know first of all that it's written more for clinicians, such as massage therapists. If you have no medical background, you may get confused with some of the medical terms such as abduction.

Having said that, for practitioners who treat musculoskeletal pain, this book is the best trigger point therapy book I've come across. After spending a few chapters covering some of the basics on topics such as the nature of trigger points, Qi, informed touch, etc, the book gets right to the reason why you probably bought the book- the trigger points.

The book does an excellent job of covering all the muscles of the body and their associated trigger points. But that's not where it ends. Besides having some of the best muscle pictures you could ask for, each section on a particular muscle ALSO covers pain patterns a specific trigger point could produce, as well as stretching and strengthening exercises- nice!! While the stretches are clearly depicted, the strengthening exercises are only described- but they are certainly clear enough to follow.

A couple of appendices on meridian pathways, cutaneous zones, and acupoints are also included.

Lastly, the book ends with two indexes. The first is a pain pattern index, which is really a picture reference guide on trigger point referral patterns for the various muscles. The second is a symptoms index. Using this index is as easy as looking up a particular area of the body (such as the shoulder) where you'll then find various symptoms and their potential cause (trouble with reaching up....problem with latissimus dorsi).

All-in-all, it's a great resource for anyone who deals with clients that might have muscular pain and the book could also double as a patient education tool with its great pictures of all the muscles and their trigger points. Also recommend "Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff" for practitioners who deal with a lot of shoulder patients.


Don't need to be an expert, 13 Jun 2006
Many books on this subject are either fluffy or too technical. This book is an exception. It is written in a friendly and accessible style. You don't need to be an expert or aim to be one, to use this book. It is well produced; the colour photos are functional and crisp.

Our modern tempo of life abuses our muscles and mind and they need tending. The chapter on Self-Massage can be used daily while on a train, bus, office or at home while watching television. You can get a friend or partner to join in and use the instructions in the book. It may help you to become an expert in time.

I have seen Nicola work and she brings her love and care for the health and healing of people. Just the chapter of Self- Massage will recover the cost of the book. Time to get healthy and relax by using this handy book. Recommend it.


The Complete Body Massage Course, 11 May 2006
A wonderful book for anybody who wants to know how massage can help them and what techniques might suit best. It is an excellent introductory guide, clear, concise and very well illustrated.

A solid foundation of holistic massage for beauty therapy students!, 08 Nov 2008
Francesca Gould writes in her own very informative style. As with many other books written by her; such as her book: Aromatherapy for Holistic Therapists; this book is again written with great expertise and sound knowledge of the subject area she is writing about. As with all her books they provide the foundation for the subject and are useful for tutors to plan lessons and also for students taking courses of beauty therapy and holistic therapies. First class instruction!

How not to write a textbook, 17 Jul 2006
There's so much wrong with this book I don't know where to begin. Its tone is patronising, it contains factual errors, opinion is paraded as fact and descriptions of massage techniques are thin and inadequate.

I've just finished my ITEC holistic massage, reflexology and aromatherapy exams. It's frustrating, but you will need these LT books to pass the exams. ITEC like to put obsure bits of Louise Tucker misinformation into theory exams.

Get it as cheap as possible because you won't learn much from from it and you won't to use it once your qualified.

By the way, I don't belive that the rave reviews of this book are real. They can't be. They cannot POSSIBLY be talking about the same book!

More poor information from a poor "professional" body, 07 Feb 2006
The fact that this book is required reading for any course shows just how endemic poor standards of teaching are in this country. Any teacher using this text as their reference and not refusing to pass it on to students should be ashamed of themselves. If you are thinking of joining a massage course and this is the main source of information then PLEASE find yourself another college with some dignity.

Quite poor for most purposes, 01 Sep 2005
This is the coursebook for the ITEC holistic massage course. It is written by people who run ITEC so you need it. But it isn't all that good.

I definately would NOT recommend it to anyone not doing that course. It spends far too much time talking about physiology and anatomy that you don't really need to know in order to do a massage. You would be spending your money on about 10 pages worth on info. Other books either go into more detail on swedish massage or cover other forms.

Even for the course taker it's pretty empty of specific info on how to actually do a massage. Also the physiology and anatomy are a bit low level and not consistent. You will find a description of a muscle on a chart yet it doesn't appear on the picture! How hard would have that been to get right? If you are doing that course then you are going to buy this anyway because it teaches you the terms that will be used in the exam, even if they are not correct!

conflicting information, 26 Nov 2002
I have purchased this book and the anatomy & physiology by the same author as they are the study books for the ITEC course this year. You definatley need both books as not all of the information on the muscles is in both, they do seem to conflict slightly yet written by the same author.
I do feel concerned that this is the recommended book of study and this author also sits on the ITEC board. As a registered nurse I am glad that I have my medical text books to cross reference with as I think you would struggle if you did not use a validated medical text book.
A good started book, but you would need to spend more money buying a more indepth book, so you could save the money that this has cost.

Comprehensive easy to follow text book for massage students, 04 Jan 2002
As a College Principal it has been very difficult to find a book that was pitched correctly for my ITEC students. This book contains all the relevant course material for serious students without burying it too much in unecessarily complicated pseudo-medical terms. Excellent section on the Muscular system which is challenging for most students especially origin,insertion and action. I would urge Lecturers as well as students to buy this book, but not those who simply want a touchy-feely guide to better relationships!

Infant Massage, 25 Sep 2005
An excellent book that explains the benefits of infant massage for baby and parent. Easy and interesting to read. Would highly recommend to any parent wishing to massage their baby.

Good easy to use book, 20 Feb 2007
This book provides lots of easy to perform massage techniques. The book describes the techniques with photos and text which makes it very easy to follow and can easily be read when performing a massage. It comes with a cdrom which contains audio tracks to relax the person as they are being massaged. Every part of the body from feet to fingertips are covered and even recommends different massages for health problems like sinus problems.
Overall I would definately recommend this book as it represents excellent value for money.

The face lift massage, 04 Aug 2007
This is an excellent book.I can recommend this to any one who wants to look young without botox. This realy works.I saw the difference in my face within about 2 weeks.I don't do all the massages only ones I think are relevent to me.This takes about 15 min a day which is not bad.Try it and you'll love it.

Excellent practical guide on massage and development, 10 Oct 2001
I found this book extremely helpful. Explanations are clear and concise. Sketches really help visualise how to do it. Really helpful if you are wanting to give it a go but you are not sure where to start or whether you are doing things correctly. The chapters on development are very good too. You can go through each stage of your baby's development and check very simply whether the baby is ready to move on to the next stage. There is good advice on what you can do to help promote good posture while sitting and walking. Really helpful if you do not know where to start!

A Trigger Point Book That's on Target!, 04 Feb 2008
What a great book. Know first of all that it's written more for clinicians, such as massage therapists. If you have no medical background, you may get confused with some of the medical terms such as abduction.

Having said that, for practitioners who treat musculoskeletal pain, this book is the best trigger point therapy book I've come across. After spending a few chapters covering some of the basics on topics such as the nature of trigger points, Qi, informed touch, etc, the book gets right to the reason why you probably bought the book- the trigger points.

The book does an excellent job of covering all the muscles of the body and their associated trigger points. But that's not where it ends. Besides having some of the best muscle pictures you could ask for, each section on a particular muscle ALSO covers pain patterns a specific trigger point could produce, as well as stretching and strengthening exercises- nice!! While the stretches are clearly depicted, the strengthening exercises are only described- but they are certainly clear enough to follow.

A couple of appendices on meridian pathways, cutaneous zones, and acupoints are also included.

Lastly, the book ends with two indexes. The first is a pain pattern index, which is really a picture reference guide on trigger point referral patterns for the various muscles. The second is a symptoms index. Using this index is as easy as looking up a particular area of the body (such as the shoulder) where you'll then find various symptoms and their potential cause (trouble with reaching up....problem with latissimus dorsi).

All-in-all, it's a great resource for anyone who deals with clients that might have muscular pain and the book could also double as a patient education tool with its great pictures of all the muscles and their trigger points. Also recommend "Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff" for practitioners who deal with a lot of shoulder patients.


Don't need to be an expert, 13 Jun 2006
Many books on this subject are either fluffy or too technical. This book is an exception. It is written in a friendly and accessible style. You don't need to be an expert or aim to be one, to use this book. It is well produced; the colour photos are functional and crisp.

Our modern tempo of life abuses our muscles and mind and they need tending. The chapter on Self-Massage can be used daily while on a train, bus, office or at home while watching television. You can get a friend or partner to join in and use the instructions in the book. It may help you to become an expert in time.

I have seen Nicola work and she brings her love and care for the health and healing of people. Just the chapter of Self- Massage will recover the cost of the book. Time to get healthy and relax by using this handy book. Recommend it.


The Complete Body Massage Course, 11 May 2006
A wonderful book for anybody who wants to know how massage can help them and what techniques might suit best. It is an excellent introductory guide, clear, concise and very well illustrated.

A solid foundation of holistic massage for beauty therapy students!, 08 Nov 2008
Francesca Gould writes in her own very informative style. As with many other books written by her; such as her book: Aromatherapy for Holistic Therapists; this book is again written with great expertise and sound knowledge of the subject area she is writing about. As with all her books they provide the foundation for the subject and are useful for tutors to plan lessons and also for students taking courses of beauty therapy and holistic therapies. First class instruction!

How not to write a textbook, 17 Jul 2006
There's so much wrong with this book I don't know where to begin. Its tone is patronising, it contains factual errors, opinion is paraded as fact and descriptions of massage techniques are thin and inadequate.

I've just finished my ITEC holistic massage, reflexology and aromatherapy exams. It's frustrating, but you will need these LT books to pass the exams. ITEC like to put obsure bits of Louise Tucker misinformation into theory exams.

Get it as cheap as possible because you won't learn much from from it and you won't to use it once your qualified.

By the way, I don't belive that the rave reviews of this book are real. They can't be. They cannot POSSIBLY be talking about the same book!

More poor information from a poor "professional" body, 07 Feb 2006
The fact that this book is required reading for any course shows just how endemic poor standards of teaching are in this country. Any teacher using this text as their reference and not refusing to pass it on to students should be ashamed of themselves. If you are thinking of joining a massage course and this is the main source of information then PLEASE find yourself another college with some dignity.

Quite poor for most purposes, 01 Sep 2005
This is the coursebook for the ITEC holistic massage course. It is written by people who run ITEC so you need it. But it isn't all that good.

I definately would NOT recommend it to anyone not doing that course. It spends far too much time talking about physiology and anatomy that you don't really need to know in order to do a massage. You would be spending your money on about 10 pages worth on info. Other books either go into more detail on swedish massage or cover other forms.

Even for the course taker it's pretty empty of specific info on how to actually do a massage. Also the physiology and anatomy are a bit low level and not consistent. You will find a description of a muscle on a chart yet it doesn't appear on the picture! How hard would have that been to get right? If you are doing that course then you are going to buy this anyway because it teaches you the terms that will be used in the exam, even if they are not correct!

conflicting information, 26 Nov 2002
I have purchased this book and the anatomy & physiology by the same author as they are the study books for the ITEC course this year. You definatley need both books as not all of the information on the muscles is in both, they do seem to conflict slightly yet written by the same author.
I do feel concerned that this is the recommended book of study and this author also sits on the ITEC board. As a registered nurse I am glad that I have my medical text books to cross reference with as I think you would struggle if you did not use a validated medical text book.
A good started book, but you would need to spend more money buying a more indepth book, so you could save the money that this has cost.

Comprehensive easy to follow text book for massage students, 04 Jan 2002
As a College Principal it has been very difficult to find a book that was pitched correctly for my ITEC students. This book contains all the relevant course material for serious students without burying it too much in unecessarily complicated pseudo-medical terms. Excellent section on the Muscular system which is challenging for most students especially origin,insertion and action. I would urge Lecturers as well as students to buy this book, but not those who simply want a touchy-feely guide to better relationships!

Infant Massage, 25 Sep 2005
An excellent book that explains the benefits of infant massage for baby and parent. Easy and interesting to read. Would highly recommend to any parent wishing to massage their baby.

Very useful for the student, 12 Mar 2001
This quite basic, book of massage therapy is excellent for anybody embarking on a massage course. It has clear photographs of the most used massage strokes, as well as helpful information on client consultation and some basic a & p. For the student who already has a good knowledge of anatomy and physiology (or a good book for that subject) then this is worth getting for the beginning of your course.

Good easy to use book, 20 Feb 2007
This book provides lots of easy to perform massage techniques. The book describes the techniques with photos and text which makes it very easy to follow and can easily be read when performing a massage. It comes with a cdrom which contains audio tracks to relax the person as they are being massaged. Every part of the body from feet to fingertips are covered and even recommends different massages for health problems like sinus problems.
Overall I would definately recommend this book as it represents excellent value for money.

The face lift massage, 04 Aug 2007
This is an excellent book.I can recommend this to any one who wants to look young without botox. This realy works.I saw the difference in my face within about 2 weeks.I don't do all the massages only ones I think are relevent to me.This takes about 15 min a day which is not bad.Try it and you'll love it.

Excellent practical guide on massage and development, 10 Oct 2001
I found this book extremely helpful. Explanations are clear and concise. Sketches really help visualise how to do it. Really helpful if you are wanting to give it a go but you are not sure where to start or whether you are doing things correctly. The chapters on development are very good too. You can go through each stage of your baby's development and check very simply whether the baby is ready to move on to the next stage. There is good advice on what you can do to help promote good posture while sitting and walking. Really helpful if you do not know where to start!

A Trigger Point Book That's on Target!, 04 Feb 2008
What a great book. Know first of all that it's written more for clinicians, such as massage therapists. If you have no medical background, you may get confused with some of the medical terms such as abduction.

Having said that, for practitioners who treat musculoskeletal pain, this book is the best trigger point therapy book I've come across. After spending a few chapters covering some of the basics on topics such as the nature of trigger points, Qi, informed touch, etc, the book gets right to the reason why you probably bought the book- the trigger points.

The book does an excellent job of covering all the muscles of the body and their associated trigger points. But that's not where it ends. Besides having some of the best muscle pictures you could ask for, each section on a particular muscle ALSO covers pain patterns a specific trigger point could produce, as well as stretching and strengthening exercises- nice!! While the stretches are clearly depicted, the strengthening exercises are only described- but they are certainly clear enough to follow.

A couple of appendices on meridian pathways, cutaneous zones, and acupoints are also included.

Lastly, the book ends with two indexes. The first is a pain pattern index, which is really a picture reference guide on trigger point referral patterns for the various muscles. The second is a symptoms index. Using this index is as easy as looking up a particular area of the body (such as the shoulder) where you'll then find various symptoms and their potential cause (trouble with reaching up....problem with latissimus dorsi).

All-in-all, it's a great resource for anyone who deals with clients that might have muscular pain and the book could also double as a patient education tool with its great pictures of all the muscles and their trigger points. Also recommend "Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff" for practitioners who deal with a lot of shoulder patients.


Don't need to be an expert, 13 Jun 2006
Many books on this subject are either fluffy or too technical. This book is an exception. It is written in a friendly and accessible style. You don't need to be an expert or aim to be one, to use this book. It is well produced; the colour photos are functional and crisp.

Our modern tempo of life abuses our muscles and mind and they need tending. The chapter on Self-Massage can be used daily while on a train, bus, office or at home while watching television. You can get a friend or partner to join in and use the instructions in the book. It may help you to become an expert in time.

I have seen Nicola work and she brings her love and care for the health and healing of people. Just the chapter of Self- Massage will recover the cost of the book. Time to get healthy and relax by using this handy book. Recommend it.


The Complete Body Massage Course, 11 May 2006
A wonderful book for anybody who wants to know how massage can help them and what techniques might suit best. It is an excellent introductory guide, clear, concise and very well illustrated.

A solid foundation of holistic massage for beauty therapy students!, 08 Nov 2008
Francesca Gould writes in her own very informative style. As with many other books written by her; such as her book: Aromatherapy for Holistic Therapists; this book is again written with great expertise and sound knowledge of the subject area she is writing about. As with all her books they provide the foundation for the subject and are useful for tutors to plan lessons and also for students taking courses of beauty therapy and holistic therapies. First class instruction!

How not to write a textbook, 17 Jul 2006
There's so much wrong with this book I don't know where to begin. Its tone is patronising, it contains factual errors, opinion is paraded as fact and descriptions of massage techniques are thin and inadequate.

I've just finished my ITEC holistic massage, reflexology and aromatherapy exams. It's frustrating, but you will need these LT books to pass the exams. ITEC like to put obsure bits of Louise Tucker misinformation into theory exams.

Get it as cheap as possible because you won't learn much from from it and you won't to use it once your qualified.

By the way, I don't belive that the rave reviews of this book are real. They can't be. They cannot POSSIBLY be talking about the same book!

More poor information from a poor "professional" body, 07 Feb 2006
The fact that this book is required reading for any course shows just how endemic poor standards of teaching are in this country. Any teacher using this text as their reference and not refusing to pass it on to students should be ashamed of themselves. If you are thinking of joining a massage course and this is the main source of information then PLEASE find yourself another college with some dignity.

Quite poor for most purposes, 01 Sep 2005
This is the coursebook for the ITEC holistic massage course. It is written by people who run ITEC so you need it. But it isn't all that good.

I definately would NOT recommend it to anyone not doing that course. It spends far too much time talking about physiology and anatomy that you don't really need to know in order to do a massage. You would be spending your money on about 10 pages worth on info. Other books either go into more detail on swedish massage or cover other forms.

Even for the course taker it's pretty empty of specific info on how to actually do a massage. Also the physiology and anatomy are a bit low level and not consistent. You will find a description of a muscle on a chart yet it doesn't appear on the picture! How hard would have that been to get right? If you are doing that course then you are going to buy this anyway because it teaches you the terms that will be used in the exam, even if they are not correct!

conflicting information, 26 Nov 2002
I have purchased this book and the anatomy & physiology by the same author as they are the study books for the ITEC course this year. You definatley need both books as not all of the information on the muscles is in both, they do seem to conflict slightly yet written by the same author.
I do feel concerned that this is the recommended book of study and this author also sits on the ITEC board. As a registered nurse I am glad that I have my medical text books to cross reference with as I think you would struggle if you did not use a validated medical text book.
A good started book, but you would need to spend more money buying a more indepth book, so you could save the money that this has cost.

Comprehensive easy to follow text book for massage students, 04 Jan 2002
As a College Principal it has been very difficult to find a book that was pitched correctly for my ITEC students. This book contains all the relevant course material for serious students without burying it too much in unecessarily complicated pseudo-medical terms. Excellent section on the Muscular system which is challenging for most students especially origin,insertion and action. I would urge Lecturers as well as students to buy this book, but not those who simply want a touchy-feely guide to better relationships!

Infant Massage, 25 Sep 2005
An excellent book that explains the benefits of infant massage for baby and parent. Easy and interesting to read. Would highly recommend to any parent wishing to massage their baby.

Very useful for the student, 12 Mar 2001
This quite basic, book of massage therapy is excellent for anybody embarking on a massage course. It has clear photographs of the most used massage strokes, as well as helpful information on client consultation and some basic a & p. For the student who already has a good knowledge of anatomy and physiology (or a good book for that subject) then this is worth getting for the beginning of your course.

Wonderful little treatment, 09 Aug 2005
I bought this because I am thinking of doing the full body hot stone course and want to get an idea of what to expect.

This little set is brillant it gives full details as to how to care for the stones (included), how to prepare the stones and how to give a full hot stone foot massage. The massage instructions are clear and easy to follow although there are no pictures (you will have to have a little practice before hand)

I forced my boyfriend into being my guinea pig and he is impossible now, constantly wanting foot massages!!!

Good easy to use book, 20 Feb 2007
This book provides lots of easy to perform massage techniques. The book describes the techniques with photos and text which makes it very easy to follow and can easily be read when performing a massage. It comes with a cdrom which contains audio tracks to relax the person as they are being massaged. Every part of the body from feet to fingertips are covered and even recommends different massages for health problems like sinus problems.
Overall I would definately recommend this book as it represents excellent value for money.

The face lift massage, 04 Aug 2007
This is an excellent book.I can recommend this to any one who wants to look young without botox. This realy works.I saw the difference in my face within about 2 weeks.I don't do all the massages only ones I think are relevent to me.This takes about 15 min a day which is not bad.Try it and you'll love it.

Excellent practical guide on massage and development, 10 Oct 2001
I found this book extremely helpful. Explanations are clear and concise. Sketches really help visualise how to do it. Really helpful if you are wanting to give it a go but you are not sure where to start or whether you are doing things correctly. The chapters on development are very good too. You can go through each stage of your baby's development and check very simply whether the baby is ready to move on to the next stage. There is good advice on what you can do to help promote good posture while sitting and walking. Really helpful if you do not know where to start!

A Trigger Point Book That's on Target!, 04 Feb 2008
What a great book. Know first of all that it's written more for clinicians, such as massage therapists. If you have no medical background, you may get confused with some of the medical terms such as abduction.

Having said that, for practitioners who treat musculoskeletal pain, this book is the best trigger point therapy book I've come across. After spending a few chapters covering some of the basics on topics such as the nature of trigger points, Qi, informed touch, etc, the book gets right to the reason why you probably bought the book- the trigger points.

The book does an excellent job of covering all the muscles of the body and their associated trigger points. But that's not where it ends. Besides having some of the best muscle pictures you could ask for, each section on a particular muscle ALSO covers pain patterns a specific trigger point could produce, as well as stretching and strengthening exercises- nice!! While the stretches are clearly depicted, the strengthening exercises are only described- but they are certainly clear enough to follow.

A couple of appendices on meridian pathways, cutaneous zones, and acupoints are also included.

Lastly, the book ends with two indexes. The first is a pain pattern index, which is really a picture reference guide on trigger point referral patterns for the various muscles. The second is a symptoms index. Using this index is as easy as looking up a particular area of the body (such as the shoulder) where you'll then find various symptoms and their potential cause (trouble with reaching up....problem with latissimus dorsi).

All-in-all, it's a great resource for anyone who deals with clients that might have muscular pain and the book could also double as a patient education tool with its great pictures of all the muscles and their trigger points. Also recommend "Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff" for practitioners who deal with a lot of shoulder patients.


Don't need to be an expert, 13 Jun 2006
Many books on this subject are either fluffy or too technical. This book is an exception. It is written in a friendly and accessible style. You don't need to be an expert or aim to be one, to use this book. It is well produced; the colour photos are functional and crisp.

Our modern tempo of life abuses our muscles and mind and they need tending. The chapter on Self-Massage can be used daily while on a train, bus, office or at home while watching television. You can get a friend or partner to join in and use the instructions in the book. It may help you to become an expert in time.

I have seen Nicola work and she brings her love and care for the health and healing of people. Just the chapter of Self- Massage will recover the cost of the book. Time to get healthy and relax by using this handy book. Recommend it.


The Complete Body Massage Course, 11 May 2006
A wonderful book for anybody who wants to know how massage can help them and what techniques might suit best. It is an excellent introductory guide, clear, concise and very well illustrated.

A solid foundation of holistic massage for beauty therapy students!, 08 Nov 2008
Francesca Gould writes in her own very informative style. As with many other books written by her; such as her book: Aromatherapy for Holistic Therapists; this book is again written with great expertise and sound knowledge of the subject area she is writing about. As with all her books they provide the foundation for the subject and are useful for tutors to plan lessons and also for students taking courses of beauty therapy and holistic therapies. First class instruction!

How not to write a textbook, 17 Jul 2006
There's so much wrong with this book I don't know where to begin. Its tone is patronising, it contains factual errors, opinion is paraded as fact and descriptions of massage techniques are thin and inadequate.

I've just finished my ITEC holistic massage, reflexology and aromatherapy exams. It's frustrating, but you will need these LT books to pass the exams. ITEC like to put obsure bits of Louise Tucker misinformation into theory exams.

Get it as cheap as possible because you won't learn much from from it and you won't to use it once your qualified.

By the way, I don't belive that the rave reviews of this book are real. They can't be. They cannot POSSIBLY be talking about the same book!

More poor information from a poor "professional" body, 07 Feb 2006
The fact that this book is required reading for any course shows just how endemic poor standards of teaching are in this country. Any teacher using this text as their reference and not refusing to pass it on to students should be ashamed of themselves. If you are thinking of joining a massage course and this is the main source of information then PLEASE find yourself another college with some dignity.

Quite poor for most purposes, 01 Sep 2005
This is the coursebook for the ITEC holistic massage course. It is written by people who run ITEC so you need it. But it isn't all that good.

I definately would NOT recommend it to anyone not doing that course. It spends far too much time talking about physiology and anatomy that you don't really need to know in order to do a massage. You would be spending your money on about 10 pages worth on info. Other books either go into more detail on swedish massage or cover other forms.

Even for the course taker it's pretty empty of specific info on how to actually do a massage. Also the physiology and anatomy are a bit low level and not consistent. You will find a description of a muscle on a chart yet it doesn't appear on the picture! How hard would have that been to get right? If you are doing that course then you are going to buy this anyway because it teaches you the terms that will be used in the exam, even if they are not correct!

conflicting information, 26 Nov 2002
I have purchased this book and the anatomy & physiology by the same author as they are the study books for the ITEC course this year. You definatley need both books as not all of the information on the muscles is in both, they do seem to conflict slightly yet written by the same author.
I do feel concerned that this is the recommended book of study and this author also sits on the ITEC board. As a registered nurse I am glad that I have my medical text books to cross reference with as I think you would struggle if you did not use a validated medical text book.
A good started book, but you would need to spend more money buying a more indepth book, so you could save the money that this has cost.

Comprehensive easy to follow text book for massage students, 04 Jan 2002
As a College Principal it has been very difficult to find a book that was pitched correctly for my ITEC students. This book contains all the relevant course material for serious students without burying it too much in unecessarily complicated pseudo-medical terms. Excellent section on the Muscular system which is challenging for most students especially origin,insertion and action. I would urge Lecturers as well as students to buy this book, but not those who simply want a touchy-feely guide to better relationships!

Infant Massage, 25 Sep 2005
An excellent book that explains the benefits of infant massage for baby and parent. Easy and interesting to read. Would highly recommend to any parent wishing to massage their baby.

Very useful for the student, 12 Mar 2001
This quite basic, book of massage therapy is excellent for anybody embarking on a massage course. It has clear photographs of the most used massage strokes, as well as helpful information on client consultation and some basic a & p. For the student who already has a good knowledge of anatomy and physiology (or a good book for that subject) then this is worth getting for the beginning of your course.

Wonderful little treatment, 09 Aug 2005
I bought this because I am thinking of doing the full body hot stone course and want to get an idea of what to expect.

This little set is brillant it gives full details as to how to care for the stones (included), how to prepare the stones and how to give a full hot stone foot massage. The massage instructions are clear and easy to follow although there are no pictures (you will have to have a little practice before hand)

I forced my boyfriend into being my guinea pig and he is impossible now, constantly wanting foot massages!!!

very interesting read, 01 Apr 2006
i read this book while i was studying equine shiatsu (we also covered human shiatsu) so, as this book is based on human acupuncture it wasnt all totally relevant, but i still found it an excellent book with regards to comprehending the five elements. it is a very easy book to read and i would recommend it to anyone studying acupuncture/acupressure/shiatsu,those struggling to get to grips with five element theory, or those who just have an interest in oriental medicine. the sort of book you could read several times over, and good to keep as a reference.

A wonderful introduction to the Spirit of 5 Element Acupunct, 16 Mar 2000
I really enjoyed this book. It captured a different view medicine and acupuncture, taking it from the purely physical treatment of symptoms, to a truly holistic picture of humans as an integral part of nature. The way the book is layed out makes it ideal for both students or patients of this form of acupuncture. Starting from what is seen in nature, it relates all aspects of the organs and the meridians to the way we think, the way we feel and our deepest yearnings. A great book!

Good easy to use book, 20 Feb 2007
This book provides lots of easy to perform massage techniques. The book describes the techniques with photos and text which makes it very easy to follow and can easily be read when performing a massage. It comes with a cdrom which contains audio tracks to relax the person as they are being massaged. Every part of the body from feet to fingertips are covered and even recommends different massages for health problems like sinus problems.
Overall I would definately recommend this book as it represents excellent value for money.

The face lift massage, 04 Aug 2007
This is an excellent book.I can recommend this to any one who wants to look young without botox. This realy works.I saw the difference in my face within about 2 weeks.I don't do all the massages only ones I think are relevent to me.This takes about 15 min a day which is not bad.Try it and you'll love it.

Excellent practical guide on massage and development, 10 Oct 2001
I found this book extremely helpful. Explanations are clear and concise. Sketches really help visualise how to do it. Really helpful if you are wanting to give it a go but you are not sure where to start or whether you are doing things correctly. The chapters on development are very good too. You can go through each stage of your baby's development and check very simply whether the baby is ready to move on to the next stage. There is good advice on what you can do to help promote good posture while sitting and walking. Really helpful if you do not know where to start!

A Trigger Point Book That's on Target!, 04 Feb 2008
What a great book. Know first of all that it's written more for clinicians, such as massage therapists. If you have no medical background, you may get confused with some of the medical terms such as abduction.

Having said that, for practitioners who treat musculoskeletal pain, this book is the best trigger point therapy book I've come across. After spending a few chapters covering some of the basics on topics such as the nature of trigger points, Qi, informed touch, etc, the book gets right to the reason why you probably bought the book- the trigger points.

The book does an excellent job of covering all the muscles of the body and their associated trigger points. But that's not where it ends. Besides having some of the best muscle pictures you could ask for, each section on a particular muscle ALSO covers pain patterns a specific trigger point could produce, as well as stretching and strengthening exercises- nice!! While the stretches are clearly depicted, the strengthening exercises are only described- but they are certainly clear enough to follow.

A couple of appendices on meridian pathways, cutaneous zones, and acupoints are also included.

Lastly, the book ends with two indexes. The first is a pain pattern index, which is really a picture reference guide on trigger point referral patterns for the various muscles. The second is a symptoms index. Using this index is as easy as looking up a particular area of the body (such as the shoulder) where you'll then find various symptoms and their potential cause (trouble with reaching up....problem with latissimus dorsi).

All-in-all, it's a great resource for anyone who deals with clients that might have muscular pain and the book could also double as a patient education tool with its great pictures of all the muscles and their trigger points. Also recommend "Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff" for practitioners who deal with a lot of shoulder patients.


Don't need to be an expert, 13 Jun 2006
Many books on this subject are either fluffy or too technical. This book is an exception. It is written in a friendly and accessible style. You don't need to be an expert or aim to be one, to use this book. It is well produced; the colour photos are functional and crisp.

Our modern tempo of life abuses our muscles and mind and they need tending. The chapter on Self-Massage can be used daily while on a train, bus, office or at home while watching television. You can get a friend or partner to join in and use the instructions in the book. It may help you to become an expert in time.

I have seen Nicola work and she brings her love and care for the health and healing of people. Just the chapter of Self- Massage will recover the cost of the book. Time to get healthy and relax by using this handy book. Recommend it.


The Complete Body Massage Course, 11 May 2006
A wonderful book for anybody who wants to know how massage can help them and what techniques might suit best. It is an excellent introductory guide, clear, concise and very well illustrated.

A solid foundation of holistic massage for beauty therapy students!, 08 Nov 2008
Francesca Gould writes in her own very informative style. As with many other books written by her; such as her book: Aromatherapy for Holistic Therapists; this book is again written with great expertise and sound knowledge of the subject area she is writing about. As with all her books they provide the foundation for the subject and are useful for tutors to plan lessons and also for students taking courses of beauty therapy and holistic therapies. First class instruction!

How not to write a textbook, 17 Jul 2006
There's so much wrong with this book I don't know where to begin. Its tone is patronising, it contains factual errors, opinion is paraded as fact and descriptions of massage techniques are thin and inadequate.

I've just finished my ITEC holistic massage, reflexology and aromatherapy exams. It's frustrating, but you will need these LT books to pass the exams. ITEC like to put obsure bits of Louise Tucker misinformation into theory exams.

Get it as cheap as possible because you won't learn much from from it and you won't to use it once your qualified.

By the way, I don't belive that the rave reviews of this book are real. They can't be. They cannot POSSIBLY be talking about the same book!

More poor information from a poor "professional" body, 07 Feb 2006
The fact that this book is required reading for any course shows just how endemic poor standards of teaching are in this country. Any teacher using this text as their reference and not refusing to pass it on to students should be ashamed of themselves. If you are thinking of joining a massage course and this is the main source of information then PLEASE find yourself another college with some dignity.

Quite poor for most purposes, 01 Sep 2005
This is the coursebook for the ITEC holistic massage course. It is written by people who run ITEC so you need it. But it isn't all that good.

I definately would NOT recommend it to anyone not doing that course. It spends far too much time talking about physiology and anatomy that you don't really need to know in order to do a massage. You would be spending your money on about 10 pages worth on info. Other books either go into more detail on swedish massage or cover other forms.

Even for the course taker it's pretty empty of specific info on how to actually do a massage. Also the physiology and anatomy are a bit low level and not consistent. You will find a description of a muscle on a chart yet it doesn't appear on the picture! How hard would have that been to get right? If you are doing that course then you are going to buy this anyway because it teaches you the terms that will be used in the exam, even if they are not correct!

conflicting information, 26 Nov 2002
I have purchased this book and the anatomy & physiology by the same author as they are the study books for the ITEC course this year. You definatley need both books as not all of the information on the muscles is in both, they do seem to conflict slightly yet written by the same author.
I do feel concerned that this is the recommended book of study and this author also sits on the ITEC board. As a registered nurse I am glad that I have my medical text books to cross reference with as I think you would struggle if you did not use a validated medical text book.
A good started book, but you would need to spend more money buying a more indepth book, so you could save the money that this has cost.

Comprehensive easy to follow text book for massage students, 04 Jan 2002
As a College Principal it has been very difficult to find a book that was pitched correctly for my ITEC students. This book contains all the relevant course material for serious students without burying it too much in unecessarily complicated pseudo-medical terms. Excellent section on the Muscular system which is challenging for most students especially origin,insertion and action. I would urge Lecturers as well as students to buy this book, but not those who simply want a touchy-feely guide to better relationships!

Infant Massage, 25 Sep 2005
An excellent book that explains the benefits of infant massage for baby and parent. Easy and interesting to read. Would highly recommend to any parent wishing to massage their baby.