Born to Walk: Myofascial Efficiency and the Body in Movement

The ability to walk upright on two legs is one of the major traits that define us as humans; yet, scientists still aren't sure why we evolved to walk as we do. In Born to Walk, author James Earls explores the mystery of our evolution by describing in depth the mechanisms that allow us to be efficient in bipedal gait. Viewing the whole body as an interconnected unit, Earls explains how we can regain a flowing efficiency within our gait--an efficiency which, he argues, is part of our natural design. This book is designed for movement therapy practitioners, physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, massage therapists, and any bodyworker wishing to help clients by incorporating an understanding of gait and its mechanics. It will also appeal to anyone with an interest in evolution and movement. Drawing on recent research from paleoanthropology, sports science, and anatomy, Earls proposes a complete model of how the whole body cooperates in this three... For Bowen technique therapists and any bodywork practitioners interested in using a gentle, nonintrusive pain-relief therapy, this book draws on myofascia and connective tissue dissection to explain how the Bowen technique initiates a body-wide signaling mechanism to start the process of healing and restore normal function. With more than 100 full-color images, this useful guide helps manual therapists understand how the Bowen technique can help people with back pain, neck pain, headaches, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, respiratory problems, hay fever, high blood pressure, kidney problems, arthritis, and knee pain. The Bowen technique, named after its originator Tom Bowen, has been growing in popularity since it was first taught in the 1980s. Known for its gentle rolling motions and intentional pauses between moves, the technique has been shown to bring extraordinary pain management results with very little pressure on the part of the therapist. Yet until now, little has been known of the actual workings of this technique. Tom Bowen himself called it simply a "gift from God" and treated thousands of people without trying to understand the processes that drove his results. This book fills in the gap in scientific understanding by explaining in anatomical terms what happens during a Bowen technique treatment. Author Julian Baker shows how traditional anatomy fails to fully explain the complex biomechanical relationships that make up human movement. Each move of the technique is analyzed in depth, with an emphasis on the role of fascia and connective tissue. Fascia, the soft tissue surrounding muscles, bones, and organs, plays a crucial role in supporting the body. By learning to intelligently manipulate it, a bodyworker or therapist can help clients with many chronic conditions, providing immediate pain relief as well as reducing ongoing aches and pains. In Fascial Release for Structural Balance , authors James Earls and Thomas Meyersboth respected bodywork professionalsargue that approaching the fascia requires a different eye, a different touch, and tissue-specific techniques. Designed for any bodywork practitioner using manual therapy, including physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, myofascial and trigger point therapists, and massage therapists, this book offers a detailed introduction to structural anatomy and fascial release therapy, including postural analysis, complete technique descriptions, and the art of proper assessment of a patient through bodyreading. Featuring 150 black-and-white photographs, Fascial Release for Structural Balance provides the information therapists need to give effective treatments and create long-lasting, systemic change in clients shape and structure. The ability to walk upright on two legs is one of the major traits that define us as humans; yet, scientists still aren't sure why we evolved to walk as we do. In __Born to Walk,__ author James Earls explores the mystery of our evolution by describing in depth the mechanisms that allow us to be efficient in bipedal gait. Viewing the whole body as an interconnected unit, Earls explains how we can regain a flowing efficiency within our gait--an efficiency which, he argues, is part of our natural design.This book is designed for movement therapy practitioners, physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, massage therapists, and any bodyworker wishing to help clients by incorporating an understanding of gait and its mechanics. It will also appeal to anyone with an interest in evolution and movement.Drawing on recent research from paleoanthropology, sports science, and anatomy, Earls proposes a complete model of how the whole body cooperates in this three... This book breaks down the concepts of The Bowen Technique and develops an understanding of what is going on during a treatment, including explanations of why things happen the way that they do "Fascial release for structural balance is a fully illustrated introductory guide to structural anatomy and fascial release therapy"--Provided by publisher.