Healing Exercises for Body, Mind & Spirit

With the smorgasbord of healing paths out there for the spiritually/mentally/physically depleted, how does one decide which is best? Tai Chi? Chakra Healing? Kickboxing? Macrobiotics? Serving up an overview of four holistic practices that have ancient roots, yet are considered cutting-edge, this tape begins with a teacher of Tai Chi, Chungliang Al Huang, who presents the Five Elements, talking constantly throughout the demonstration (without, unfortunately, imparting much information on exactly how to do the movements). Next is a body-mind exercise segment with Dr. Iliana Rubenfeld, who shows us the Rubenfeld method of relaxation: lots of visualization, with the head and shoulders "waving like a bamboo in the wind." My favorite was Chakra Healing with Alberto Villodo, who leads us through the exercise of making circles with your hands over your seven chakras (groin, stomach, mid-section, heart, throat, forehead, and the top of your head). The program concludes with a healing meditation by Shakti Gawain, who takes viewers through a stress relieving session that promises to balance spiritual, mental, emotional and physical energies. Overall, this video is a good choice for public libraries wishing to offer patrons a taste of some of the more exotic new wellness techniques. Recommended. Aud: P. (E. Druda)