I have high praise for Sharon Burch's "Holistic Pathology for Body-Centered Therapists". It's overbrimming with textbook level information, offers the easy referencing organization of a handbook, and is written with the fluid, readable tone of a guidebook. Who could ask for more? How about case presentations with the bodyworker in mind? The latest mind-body paradigms? How about nursing and massage CEU's you can actually apply for? It's got all that too. Along with chapter reviews, glossaries, a hundred-page appendix, and artistic line drawings at the start of each chapter to boot. I'm impressed.

With more comprehensive anatomy and pathology information than anyone could fit on a bookshelf, Sharon rounds out her work with background material and guidelines to help cultivate a holistic mindset in the therapist. I especially like the tone and scope of chapter 1 on Health Professionalism and chapter 11 on Caring For People Who Are Ill or Injured.

I have only two minor recommendatons for the reprint. Change the title. I think "holistic pathology" is a misnomer. How can pathology be holistic? How about "Pathology for the Holistic, Body-Centered Therapist"? And even smaller a critique: why did genitourinary pathology get clumped together with genetic conditions? Doesn't make sense. But nevermind that: I give this book a well-deserved A+. And I give Sharon Burch my thanks.

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This video is as inviting and as esthetically pleasing as it is professional. It portrays several loving couples being genuinely sweet with each other as they share practical massage techniques for bringing hands-on relief to a pregnant woman--before and even during labor.

The camera embraces its subjects without getting too close or technical, or staying too distant and aloof. The massaging is sound and presented with an explanation in lay terms (for example: the occipital ridge is called the "moon-shaped dent" in the back of the head.)

Noteworthy are the techniques for use during actual labor, some of which have the birthing mother on hands and knees, gently rocking while her partner applies compression to parts of her hips and low back--very intriguing. There are also some "after" interviews, with couples and their new children that shed light on the ongoing healthy benefits of massage--for the children and the couple.

Noteworthy also is the fact that Medcom consulted with three NANMT members in the production of the video for which they received due mention in the credits. This is both an excellent teaching video and an ideal gift for an expectant couple.

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SPECIAL! The cost is only $25.00 for the
65 page manual, including shipping and handling.