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8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back: Natural Posture Solutions for Pain in the Back, Neck, Shoulder, Hip, Knee, and Foot
Withexploring the current epidemic of back pain, many of the commonly cited reasons for the degeneration of spinal discs and the stress on muscles that leads to back pain are examined and debunked. The historical and anthropological roots of poor posture in Western cultures are studied as is the absence of back pain complaints in the cultures of Africa, Asia, South America...more
Paperback, 244 pages
Published
April 1st 2008
by Pendo Press
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If you have pain in the back, neck, shoulder, hips, knee or foot I highly recommend you get this book. It is well written, instructional, with lots of photographic examples.
If you are a health care practitioner dealing with clients with these kinds of problems you will learn a whole new way of treating them.
I'm very impressed with the simple steps that are presented and have already begun to implement some of these strategies into my own life. Some of them I already use...more
If you are a health care practitioner dealing with clients with these kinds of problems you will learn a whole new way of treating them.
I'm very impressed with the simple steps that are presented and have already begun to implement some of these strategies into my own life. Some of them I already use...more
I love this book! Gohale explains emulating the posture of young children and people from Africa and South America can eliminate back pain. She teaches you how to stand, sit, lay down, bend, and walk with excellent posture. I haven't mastered all the steps yet, but already I have less pain and people have been asking me if I've lost weight (if only!) It also talks about how to hold infants and toddlers so they don't learn to slouch- a great read even if you don't have back pain.
Huma Rashid
rated it
There is a LOT of filler material in this book, but it also contains sound tips for improving your posture and getting rid of back pain. I read it because I noticed my back, neck, and shoulders were hurting more than usual lately. I've incorporated some of the tips into my daily routine, like periodically lengthening the vertebrae in my neck to alleviate tension there. I also correct myself whenever I find that I've tucked my pelvis. AND, I've started sticking a pillow under my knees before I go...more
Gokhale builds an interesting case to support her method. Basically she looks to historical examples and to cultures where back pain is relatively rare to figure out what the ideal posture should be, then she takes the reader through minute details of how to achieve an ideal posture that will allow the back to heal itself. The general idea is that when the skeleton and muscles are aligned naturally and correctly, there shouldn't be any pain. She seems credible and the book is loaded with testimo...more
Nearly 90% of American adults suffer from back pain, and the number continues to climb. Why does this condition affect so many people in the industrialized world, while in some countries only 5% of adults report back pain? In a quest to find the root cause of back pain, Esther Gokhale studied at the Aplomb Institute in Paris and traveled to parts of the world where back pain is virtually unknown. Her research took her to remote Burkina Faso, rural Portugal, and fishing villages in Brazil. What s...more
Unbelievably helpful book. After having back surgery and then having her back pain return, Esther traveled all over the world noticing how people who are pain-free sit, walk and sleep. She has some amazingly beautiful color photographs of people using correct posture (don't get this book on Kindle).
She also gives step-by-step instruction on how to sit, stand and sleep the right way. The idea is if you stretch out your spine then it heals on its own. If you spine is compressed, it...more
She also gives step-by-step instruction on how to sit, stand and sleep the right way. The idea is if you stretch out your spine then it heals on its own. If you spine is compressed, it...more
This outstanding book was recommended by a fellow dancer who had been side lined from dance, due to lower back issues. I was telling her my own story and she said I should get this - and I'm so glad I did. I haven't read every bit of it - just what was pertinent to myself - but I've implemented the solutions and noticed a great difference.
In a nutshell, the author studied indigenous people in various cultures, who did not have the back issues we have in western society. The photogra...more
In a nutshell, the author studied indigenous people in various cultures, who did not have the back issues we have in western society. The photogra...more
A thoughtful, well written & illustrated guide to eliminating back pain & improving posture. Gokhale brings a unique and pragmatic/implementable approach to 'modern' society from habits & beautiful postures of 'traditional' societies from around the world.
A must read for anyone interested in preventing/alleviating back problems, improving posture, moving & looking better.
A must read for anyone interested in preventing/alleviating back problems, improving posture, moving & looking better.
I've had back pain for some months due to a sagging mattress. Started reading this, and though it has good info (how to sit, stand, and carry yourself), the author inserts many plugs to buy her products.
I've been seeing a chiropractor which has done more for my back than this book. That being said, there is good info in here.
I've been seeing a chiropractor which has done more for my back than this book. That being said, there is good info in here.
Ms. Gokhale points out that we lost our kinesthetic tradition for good back health in the 1930s--when rates of back pain when up. She shows wonderful photos from countries with a healthy back tradition, how to hold babies, and how to prevent or improve back problems. I think everyone should own this book. Beth
Very interesting look at people from other cultures and how they hold their bodies and how they have very little back pain. stand up straight ... that's what my mother always told me and that's what I say to everyone ... good posture is so important!
Most enlightening and life-changing pain-relief book I've ever read. Completely transformed my view of posture and back pain, and helped me tremendously with the pain from degenerative disk disease and RSI/carpal tunnel syndrome.
In my current quest to improve my health and well-being, I thought it was about time to improve my posture. Gokhale (pronounced Go-clay) spoke at Google, and after watching her talk on YouTube, I decided to check out the book. Her argument--that our posture has gotten worse since the 20s and that the many cultures that live with low percentages of back pain, ancient statuary, and children actually depict proper healthful posture--is quite compelling. The book is gorgeous, with smooth pages, c...more
Looks like one of the best books on movement, posture, pain relief that I have ever seen. Am enjoying reading it so far! She really seems to be a modern day version of Feldenkrais!
An insightful book on posture in Western culture versus cultures with a low incidence of back pain. A lot of information; difficult to follow the directions at home without an instructor.
clearly written and totally convincing posture changes. My back is not pain free, but this has made a noticeable improvement.
Great suggestions and I worked through some of this book, though I think I really need to find a practitioner around my area to work with me to implement the exercises a few times.
Shandra
is currently reading it
Fascinating so far. I think this book is going to be highly helpful for my neck pain and my wife's low back pain.
Apneet Jolly
marked it as to-read
I've found this book from http://www.marksdailyapple.com/improve-p...
A great read even if you don't have back pain.--Jennifer
Terry Leong
added it
Read this if you have back pain or sciatica.
A very cool book with great pictures of people and art from around the world illustrating good posture. Following the tips helped me sleep better and alleviate my back pain.
Took me a long time to get through, but I think that's good. The lessons take a while to sink in. BUT: it's worth it. Most of the exercises in the appendix are irrelevant if you already do some useful form of resistance training and stretching/mobility work, but the pictures and instructions are detailed enough to be very easy to follow. Plus, there are a lot of pictures. Apparently, the author spent a lot of time in Burkina Faso?
Summer
marked it as to-read
My mom actually sent me this for Valentine's day. Ha! It makes a lot of sense though. The premise is that our culture is creating back problems by teaching us incorrect posture and if we look at other cultures we can learn how to stand, sit, lay and walk correctly to alleviate pain that so many Americans have.
I read this when I took Esther's class in Palo Alto, and honestly I could have saved my $450 and just read the book! The photographs are incredibly demonstrative and useful, and the layout makes the 8 steps easy to follow. I'm a massage therapist and recommend this book to my clients regularly - i do believe Esther's research can and will change thousands of pain-filled lives.
My PT looked this over and felt it was a fantastic idea for me to try as a way of dealing with cervical disk degenerative disease. It may also help with the back pain that develops each night as I sleep. I had it from the library but I've ordered a copy for myself and can't wait to get started. I'm feeling very optimistic that this method can help me overcome a lifetime of poor posture.
Glenda
added it
Learned a lot about her theory, which definitely makes sense. You can strengthen your back without really doing anything by the way you sleep and sit. I especially liked the gentle stretching exercises.
I had to return this to the library before I could complete all of the steps, but from what I read & tried, it was very eye-opening. All of the illustrations & photos are extremely helpful. I'm definitely going to return to it soon.
So far (for the last 24 hours) I have been applying the techniques in this book. I have recurring back pain from a pinched nerve. I have already seen reduced pain just by following the first two (out of eight) lessons.
I'm almost halfway through this book and am learning so much about the importance of good posture and how to achieve it sitting, standing, lying down, etc. Can also find more info. from the website: egwellness.com
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Review 8 STEPS TO A PAIN-FREE BACK: Natural postural Solutions in the Back, Neck, Shoiulder, Hip, Knee and Foot by Esther Gokhale | 1 | 5 | Sep 19, 2010 08:14pm |
