Acupressure: The Timeless Art of Self Healing

Oh, Lord, says I to myself upon seeing this video box, not another cheesy "self-help" video filmed in a blue-backgrounded, empty room, with a score provided by "Music R Us" and a painfully scripted instructor. I needn't have fretted, though: in a pleasant change of pace, this particular self-help tape is not only extremely informative, but also "classy," relaxing, and beautifully scored. Beginning with a discussion of the relationship between Chinese philosophy and medicine, and including sections on yin/yang, the five elements, and chi, instructor Theresa Girolami shows us the methods and techniques of this "noninvasive derivation of acupuncture." Using a male and female assistant, she demonstrates areas on the body that can be manipulated to relieve pain and stimulate healing of a variety of conditions, including headache, sinus problems, back pain, toothache, PMS, and stress, as well as affect sexual enjoyment, control appetite and even regulate body temperature. She explains how to measure individual body parts via the Chinese inch, and talks about the primary meridians, or 14 channels in the body through which chi runs. A timer charting when each medical condition is discussed on the tape would have been nice; nonetheless, this is very highly recommended for its clear instructions, wonderful production values, and philosophical perspective. Aud: C, P. (K. Glaser)