Focusing on its therapeutic properties and capacity to enhance health and intimacy in all relationships, this book demystifies the medium of massage and makes it accessible for everyone in the family. Designed for the nonprofessional with simple step-by-step instructions, it teaches the three principles that make learning massage easy and fun. Also included are ideas for bringing home massage into daily life and how to use these principles to share massage with infants, children, adolescents, spouses, and the elderly. By emphasizing the innate healing power of touch to reduce stress and improve the immune system, this practical manual provides the tools for achieving health, relaxation, and connection with loved ones.

Canine massage creates and ambient environment within the dog¿s body and mind by combining skilled touch and compassionate active presence. An ambient environment is necessary for balance and restorative healing. The form of canine massage in this book is PetMassage. PetMassage is the intentional touch of an animal¿s physical body. PetMassage enhances awareness, harmony and balance in every part of the body where it is touched. Through the stimulation of myofascial referral zones the areas of the animal's body not touched, are affected as well. If you are an individual who is happiest when you are with dogs and your heart sings when you help them discover their optimal level of wellness and balance, you are already a member of a very unique "tribe" of like-minded, like intentioned, like destined people. This book welcomes you; encourages you to expand on your natural talents and values. In this work, Jonathan Rudinger, the founder and director of the PetMassage Training and Research Institute, shares his experience and knowledge of the skills and perspectives of the ¿Art and Essence of Canine Massage, PetMassageTM for Dogs.¿ Use this book to begin or enhance your canine massage practice. This book reveals: the benefits and applications for dogs and the canine massage practitioner, massage theory, vocabulary for this vocation, hand and body skills, body and breath mechanics, canine behavior, and observing the canine reflexive responses to your movements. This book is one of the core training materials for the PetMassage for Dogs Foundation Hands-on Workshop.

The Wrestler's Body tells the story of a way of life organized in terms of physical self-development. While Indian wrestlers are competitive athletes, they are also moral reformers whose conception of self and society is fundamentally somatic. Using the insights of anthropology, Joseph Alter writes an ethnography of the wrestler's physique that elucidates the somatic structure of the wrestler's identity and ideology. Young men in North India may choose to join an akhara, or gymnasium, where they subject themselves to a complex program of physical and moral fitness. Alter's first-hand description of each detail of the wrestler's regimen offers a unique perspective on South Asian culture and society. Wrestlers feel that moral reform of Indian national character is essential and advocate their way of life as an ideology of national health. Everyone is called on to become a wrestler and build collective strength through self-discipline.

When Your Rabbit Needs Special Care is an illustrated guide to the care and behavior of rabbits with special needs. The book provides information on topics as diverse as how to administer subcutaneous fluids to a rabbit and how sounds and color help promote healing. Quotes from top rabbit veterinarians and alternative healing practitioners from across the country are included, as are useful tips from rabbit owners who have had experience in dealing with particular medical conditions. The text is illustrated with both photographs and drawings, making it easy for readers to follow. Authors Lucile C. Moore and Kathy Smith provide pet owners with special-needs rabbits with information on basic care, pain control, digestive system problems, chronic illnesses, physically challenged rabbits, progressive disabilities causing mobility problems, dental care, elderbuns, and emotional issues.

Nothing turns a baby's head more quickly than the sight or sound of an animal. This fascination is driven by the ancient chemical forces that first drew humans and animals together. It is also the same biology that transformed wolves into dogs and skittish horses into valiant comrades that would carry us into battle. Made for Each Other is the first book to explain how this chemistry of attraction and attachment flows through--and between--all mammals to create the profound emotional bonds humans and animals still feel today. Drawing on recent discoveries from neuroscience, evolutionary biology, behavioral psychology, archeology, as well as her own investigations, Meg Daley Olmert explains why the brain chemistry humans and animals trigger in each other also has a profound effect on our mental and physical well being. This lively and original investigation asks what happens when the bond is severed. If thousands of years of caring for animals infused us with a biology that shaped our hearts and minds, do we dare turn our back on it? Daley Olmert makes a compelling and scientific case for what our hearts have always known, that we were, and always will be, made for each other.

"Since pets communicate nonverbally, this book will help you recognize if your pet is suffering from [fear, anxiety, and stress]. By knowing your dog's body language, vocalizations, and changes in normal habits, you can make an accurate diagnosis and take action to prevent triggers or treat the fallout if they do happen"--Amazon.com.

A natural health, holistic medicine guide for your pet written by an innovative veterinarian with a background in zoo and wildlife medicine.

Stretch your dog to a longer and healthier life Research on human athletes is changing what we know about stretching. For example, it is now recognized that aggressive stretching should only take place after muscles are warmed up and shortened from exertion. Authors Sasha and Ashley Foster have applied this latest research to dogs-many of whom compete in vigorous canine sporting events-so that you can learn how to safely and effectively stretch your dog to prevent injuries, maintain joint integrity, and improve you dog's fitness whether he is an elite canine athlete or a lap dog. Over 300 photos and diagrams demonstrate how to safely and effectively stretch each major muscle group. Teaches correct hand placement for joint stabilization and how to maintain good form. Stretching routines are presented for both large and small dogs, older dogs, and those that are involved in a variety of dog sports. Learn more about: -How to read your dog's body language and behavior while stretching him. -Techniques that keep you from injuring yourself while stretching your dog. -20 minute daily maintenance stretching routines. -Do's and don'ts when stretching, and when you need to consult with a vet. -Special considerations when stretching older dogs and small or toy dogs. What experts say about The Healthy Way to Stretch Your Dog: There are a lot of stretching books, videos and DVDs out there. This is the first one I've seen that definitively explains why stretching needs to be done in a relaxed, prone position with correct stabilization in order for the stretch to be effective. The descriptions of the various stretches are clearly written and anatomically correct. The photographs accurately depict what is to be done. The photographs of the incredibly handsome dogs luxuriating while being stretched are alone worth the price of the book and should be an inspiration to anyone who wants to do canine body work. All praise to the authors for a great book! Sue Ann Lesser, DVM, ACAC, CVSMT The Healthy Way to Stretch Your Dog is a comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide to improving your dog's physical health through proper stretching techniques. The book provides a wealth of information and photos to get you working with your dog right away, whether it's for strengthening your dog's performance in a variety of dog sports, or helping to properly maintain your senior dog's physical health. Mychelle Blake, editor of The APDT Chronicle of the Dog The Healthy Way to Stretch Your Dog contains a tremendous amount of information. Knowing the science behind successful stretching will be a valuable resource for all dog owners. Understanding dog behavior as is relates to therapeutic interventions and directing the reader to engage in proper body posture will allow users of this book to continue to stretch many dogs for many years to come! Laurie M Edge-Hughes, BScPT, MAnimSt (Animal Physiotherapy), CAFCI, CCRT

This comprehensive approach to functional musicianship at the keyboard includes varied repertoire, theory, technique, sight-reading, harmonization from lead sheets, ear training and ensembles. Great for college non-music majors, continuing education classes, music dealer in-store programs and group piano classes at the middle and high school levels. Book 1 contains 15 units each with a variety of repertoire, exercises, unit review worksheets and an assignment page.