The Modern Book of Massage.

The Modern Book of Message by Anne Kent Rush Photography by Patrick Harbron Dell Publishing, 1994. $14.95

The Modern Book of Massage, subtitled Five-Minute Vacations and Sensuous Escapes is a wonderful book in many ways. Not only is it visually appealing -- the photographs are fabulous and the quality of the black and gold paperback superlative -- the information contained throughout is brief and to the point. If you need pictures to figure out what to do, this book is for you. If you need text for an explanation of the exercises, this book is also for you.

The book contains simplified massage exercises for both pairs and individuals in need of reducing stress. An expert in the field of massage for 25 years, Anne Kent Rush explains that in today's society people are dominated by stress, with too little time to alleviate it the way we used to, with long and relaxing massages. "The only wonderful aspects of this condition [stress] are that the best cures demand you take breaks and enjoy yourself. ... This book offers a road map to exercise that can be done anytime, almost anywhere, and with or without a partner.... If you are too busy for lengthy exercise or too tightly booked to take a Mediterranean cruise, relax." This book has the answers.

Ms. Rush points out that research indicates that it is not merely the absence of stress that makes us healthy but the inclusion of pleasure in our lives. Her exercises are "five minute vacations (designed) to keep your compass pointing back to pleasure."

While not written with pregnancy in mind, most all of the exercises can be performed while pregnant. Energizing foot massages, tension-relieving scalp and shoulder massages, relaxation and breathing exercises are all excellent and in keeping with Positive Pregnancy and Parenting Fitness' approach. Based on yogic principles, some of the exercises are similar to those we teach in PPPF which have been modified for the pregnant woman. Of the exceptions, the Back Bridge - Cow stands out. The Back Bridge - Cat is a common pregnancy exercise where one arches her back by tucking in the pelvis in an all-fours position. The release in this book is the Back Bridge - Cow where the back assumes a U-shaped position. Pregnant women are advised to assume a flat-back position since lowering the waist can produce or exacerbate lower back pain.

The exercises are all so appealing that it is difficult to choose a few to highlight here. An exercise for "sleepy backs," known as Twist and Rub is perfect for the expectant, as well as laboring, mother and is one that she can do herself. Eye Palming is another wonderful surprise, so simple to perform, yet incredibly revitalizing. Cup both palms over closed eyes. Relax the neck and arms and remain this way for as long as is comfortable. Visualize "sending your breath on each exhalation down your arms and into your palms to revive your tired eyes."

The partner exercises make wonderful additions to the childbirth and postpartum classes (including an interesting one called Receiving: Third Eye Contact, and The Rocking Horse exercises, one of which helps to stretch the back and the other of which aids in releasing tension). But it's a toss-up whether this book is of more benefit to my clients or to me.

Treat yourself to this one; it's a gem.