Anatomy Trains, 2d ed.

Myers TW. Anatomy Trains. 2nd Edition. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2009. ISBN 978-0-4431-0283-7. $63.00. Available from Elsevier Australia, telephone [phone] or shop.elsevier.com.au.

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In his introduction, the author of this book gives its basis: 'Whatever else they may be doing individually, muscles also influence functionally integrated body-wide continuities within the fascial webbing.' Tracking that webbing around the body's anatomical structures to explain its patterns and effects, is what Anatomy Trains is about.

The text has been arranged into 11 chapters. The first chapter introduces fascia and discusses its composition, role and characteristics as connective tissue. Chapter 2 follows by explaining the concept of myofascial meridians and how these meridians are always consistent in terms of their directions and depth.

Chapters 3 to 9 detail the 12 myofascial meridians. Each of these chapters begins with an overview of the meridian/s and then moves on to discuss their postural and movement functions. The meridians are also depicted in full colour showing different views--each contributing to a fuller picture of how they work in action and in relation to other structures.

In Chapter 10 the author expands on which meridians are engaged in various movements and includes examples of athletes, musicians and yoga practitioners to illustrate the concepts. Chapter 11 ensues with a discussion about assessing postural compensation patterns. It stresses the importance of asking the question, 'Compared to what?' when seeking to evaluate a person's posture. Colour photographs and line drawings help to illustrate the points in the text.

The book includes three appendices: Appendix 1 explains Dr Louis Shultz's work on meridians of latitude, Appendix 2 looks at structural integration, and Appendix 3 compares myofascial meridians with those found in oriental medicine. All the chapters are colour-coded for quick access. There is also a glossary of terms, a biography and an index.