2006-08-16 Review of Touch for Health (The Complete Edition) by a student of TFH

The authors have brought the information on Touch for Health therapy right up to date in this book. It is professionally presented and clearly laid out, with photographs rather than the dreaded line drawings of some texts. The result is user-friendly, easy to follow, with a solid foundation of the links between subtle energy and the physical body. The Chinese 5-Element balancing procedure will be welcomed by those who already understand the therapy and who want to use a shorter balancing technique rather than the laborious "fix as you go" method. The inclusion of this balancing will deepen the knowledge of those who only had access to balancing with the Wheel in previous editions. For students of TFH, this text will provide greater depth and understanding than that found in the course classes, enriching the whole learning experience. The superimposing of the skeleton on colour photographs of an actual person, with reflex points clearly marked, helps the student to locate the correct area on the body for balancing by using skeletal and/or physical landmarks. This is especially valuable when locating vertebrae. For example, to be able to see that a particular vertebra is located on a line just above the elbow provides much needed confidence. The section on muscle testing has marked cutting edges so that when they are cut out, the various segments can be seen and accessed easily; just what is needed when performing a balance on someone. Each muscle testing section is preceded by a complete overview of the meridian, its function and the muscles tested in order to assess the energy flow. The addition of 5-Element Metaphors for each meridian widens the understanding of the student in terms of perceiving the elements as "living" aspects of our daily life. Each of the muscles pertinent to a meridian have an outline of the function, the possible indications of a failure to test strong, and foods which will help in balancing the energy. The authors provide charts and record sheets which are able to be copied and used. However, not only TFH students, but anyone wishing to learn and practice TFH will also find themselves able to muscle-test by following the step-by-step method set out by the authors. You simply cannot go wrong. The book contains much more than I have identified here. It is a testament to the enthusiasm and love of John Thie for TFH, and will become a much-loved text of all who use it.