Originally published: Munich, Germany: K'osel-Verlag, c2011.

Understanding child development through the prism of the Five Elements adds an exciting new dimension to western thinking on the nurture of children. It can not only explain patterns of behaviour in a new and helpful way, but suggest approaches and methods to help children, and groups of children, become more balanced and therefore happier, more resilient, and more open to learning and new experience. The authors explain in detail the characteristics of each of the Five Elements of Chinese thought (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water) with their distinctive modes of expression and potential associated difficulties, and describe the problems that can occur if a child's elements are not in balance. In doing so, they provide a completely new and accessible way of understanding the emotional and behavioural state, and developmental stage of a child, in and out of the classroom. They introduce a wide range of easy-to-do and entertaining exercises and group activities to balance the elements, both individually and in groups. This exciting and practical book will help anyone working with or caring for children to deepen their understanding of childhood behaviour in general, and of individual children in particular, and to take active steps to nurture their potential, including teachers, therapists, occupational therapists, Chinese medicine and other alternative medicine practitioners, and Qigong and martial arts teachers, as well as parents.

Explains massage for preemies, newborns, and toddlers Soothe your baby and promote well-being the all-natural way Curious about baby massage? Featuring illustrations and step-by-step instructions, this friendly guide makes it easy to use techniques that can reduce your baby's stress; ease the discomfort of colic, constipation, and teething; and create a strong attachment between the two of you. You'll also find suggestions for making massage part of your everyday routine. Discover how to: * Ease common ailments * Enhance your bond with your baby * Stimulate growth and development * Comfort a fussy baby * Massage babies with special needs

Thomas Wernicke's authoritative book is one of the first resources in English on Shonishin, a non-invasive form of acupuncture developed specifically to respond to the needs of children. With its safe, quick and effective treatments, Shonishin is increasingly catching the attention of therapists world-wide. Covering the history, theory and clinical practice, Wernicke explores how Shonishin is used with young children, from babies and toddlers to school-age children, to treat a range of behavioural issues and physical conditions such as KISS syndrome, allergies and asthma. He also examines how the techniques can be adapted for use with adults and older people to provide an alternative, non-invasive treatment. With access to downloadable handouts that can be used with patients, and international case studies that demonstrate its effectiveness, his book provides a complete and practical handbook on Shonishin for existing practitioners. Written in an accessible style, it will also be of value to any therapist interested in learning more about the treatment, including practitioners of Chinese and Japanese medicine, traditional acupuncture and shiatsu, craniosacral and occupational therapists, and physiotherapists.

Want to really understand the health and wellness benefits of massage? Interested in practicing massage at home or considering taking a course? Let this be your guide on everything from effleurage to epineuria. Annotated anatomy and physiology illustrations show you how different levels of pressure work the muscles, and the profound effect massage can have on the nervous system and on cardio and lymphatic health. Learn how to prepare physically and mentally, and get the lowdown on oils and massage beds, diffusers and candles. And if you're receiving a massage, find out why drinking water before and after is important and how focusing on breathing enhances muscle relaxation. All the core strokes and massage techniques that form the foundation of massage practice are shown photographically with detailed annotations and integrated arrows showing the direction and application of pressure. Familiarize yourself with the key disciplines, from Swedish to shiatsu, reflexology and hot stone therapy. Access over 30 bespoke massage sequences, tailored to treat specific complaints and special client groups, such as pregnant women, babies, and those recovering from surgery. Become an expert in the simple but profoundly effective power of touch and share its miraculous health benefits.

Have a Happy Pregnancy is a comprehensive guide not only to what to expect and when to expect it, but also to developing a confident, assertive and empowered approach to your pregnancy and your life as a new parent. Divided into sections covering early days pre- and post-conception, the pregnancy and the birth, it will explain all the facts and outline all the choices available to mothers, fathers and birth partners at every stage. It will also offer practical advice and reassurance on the changes which will inevitably be taking place - not only physically, but also emotionally and socially. It offers support for both mother and father, and uniquely gives you all the information you need to know after the birth, including strategies for feeding and how to cope with the return to work. With plenty of supporting resources and a supportive tone throughout, it will help you to feel positive and confident about your pregnancy. NOT GOT MUCH TIME? One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started. AUTHOR INSIGHTS Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience. TEST YOURSELF Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress. EXTEND YOUR KNOWLEDGE Extra online articles at www.teachyourself.com to give you a richer understanding of how to achieve a happy pregnancy. FIVE THINGS TO REMEMBER Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts. TRY THIS Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.

A fun and creative way to increase general well-being, improve concentration and self-awareness, and encourage relaxation in children aged 3-11, this book offers a hands-on guide to story massage. Central to the book are step-by-step, illustrated instructions for ten easy-to-learn basic strokes which are given through clothes on the back, head, shoulders and arms. These basic strokes have then been used to create over 25 story massages which vary in length and complexity. The stories range from traditional tales such as 'Humpty Dumpty' to hands-on learning stories such as 'Deep in the Rainforest.' The massages can be carried out by adults in one-to-one or group sessions, or taught to children to practice on each other. An enjoyable and interactive way of sharing the benefits and safe and appropriate use of positive touch with all children, this book will be of interest to parents and carers, bodyworkers, teachers and other school staff, care workers and arts therapists.

This is a comprehensive and empowering guide to facilitating a positive pregnancy and birth experience, and ensuring lasting emotional and physical health for mother and baby. Countering increasingly medicalized attitudes towards pregnancy and birth among many healthcare providers, this research-based book discusses the benefits of a more natural approach. It reveals the often undisclosed effects on a child's long-term development of accepted medical practices, such as induction, C-section, surgical interventions and pain-relief medications. It offers advice on how these practices can be avoided, for example with techniques to encourage optimal fetal positioning, by optimising the birth environment, and through drug-free pain management methods. Ultimately, it enables practitioners to support parents in informed, confident decision-making by giving a balanced account of the complex array of options available throughout pregnancy and birth. With invaluable contributions from midwives, doulas, mothers, and doctors, and tried-and-tested advice on sleep, exercise, diet and therapies, this will a very useful reference for anyone working with women and babies. The information will also be relevant to prospective and new parents.

Mouse and Mole head to Squirrel's tree for tea, but as the weather turns stormy they have to find shelter. Will the rain and wind dampen their day? Join them as they find fun and laughter and have the best day ever! With delightfully engaging rhymes and illustrations, this book features easy-to-follow diagrams and instructions for giving basic reflexology to a child. The reflexology techniques included relax and soothe, and they offer a gentle remedy to the symptoms of constipation, colic and teething in babies and young children. Written by a specialist maternity reflexologist, this book can also be used to help strengthen the bonding process between parent (or carer) and child. No prior reflexology knowledge is required.