Thai Massage Manual

"This is a quality book that is a good introduction to the marvelous field of Thai Massage. The photos are clear and the descriptions of technique are competent. There are aspects that are lacking though that are extremely well covered in another book entitled, 'Thai Massage: A Traditional Medical Technique'by Dr. Richard Gold and published by Churchill Livingstone. This book presents Thai Massage as a primary component of an entire traditional medical system. The theories and history of Thai Medicine are covered and the development of the medicine in the context of Buddhist culture is very well presented.This book also has excellent photos and clear and easy to follow descriptions. Thai Massage is a unique style of bodywork that will see rapid growth in the West as it becomes better known.These books will certainly help that growth."
~ Written on 1999-06-29

"This is a really good book which shows each position clearly. The pictures clarifies and guides the reader along with insets which describes each muscle being affected. Easy for anyone to follow."
~ Written on 1999-04-14

"This is the first book I have found (including a search in Thailand) that tells all about Thai Traditional Massage. How, Where, Why and To What Extent (very, very important) This book will open the wonders of Thai Trad. to you."
~ Written on 1999-04-02

"This new contribution to the list of recent books on Thai Massage is worthy of a look. It is profusely illustrated with nice photographs and graphics as well. It is seriously lacking in some important details however. For a book that promotes itself as comprehensive we wonder why there are no references to proper Thai names or to the traditional thai Ayurvedic medical theory upon which the massage is actually based. Like other books written by beginners or at least less than advanced practitioners, the assumption is proposed that this ancient massage form is based on TCM, or traditional Chinese medical theory, this is simply not true. The other mistake is in promoting purely western ideas as to the where and why of the postures which in fact are classic yoga.

Additionally there is very little information on the variations of traditional schools and forms available, such as the clear distinctions between Classic Southern and Northern method. There is also lacking any recognition of the acknowledged living masters and schools teaching today.

Maybe in her next effort Ms. Mercati will acknowledge the true heritage of one of the worls finest massage and bodywork systems."
~ Written on 1998-11-26