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Recommendations by Birth Balance

Books - Water Related

Aqua Erotica: 18 Stories for a Steamy Bath, by Mary Anne Mohanraj, (Three Rivers Press, August 22, 2000.)

Imagine a hot tub party where a married couple tests the boundaries of fidelity. A model who finds herself unaccountably aroused as she poses for a watercolor artist. A pool of water on a desert road and two lovers who know how to make the most of it. This is Aqua Erotica, a sensuous tasting of desire's liquid, ecstatic other worlds. Aqua Eroticais a siren's song, a book so unforgettably sexy that you will want to take it with you to the bath, the sauna, the night-lit pool. The first-ever waterproof book for adults. The most seductive collection of original literary erotica ever gathered under one cover.

Aqua Yoga, by Carol. Beck; (Drake Publishers, 1976.)

A new, modern approach for those who know, or want to know, the delights of the water and the gentle, easy, health-giving movements of water yoga. The natural stretching and holding movements of hatha yoga bring glowing health and youthful suppleness to your body and peace and serenity to your mind. The exercises contained here have been modified so that most of them can be done in shallow water by swimmers, young and old alike.

The Art of the Bath, by Sara Slavin and Karl Petzke, (San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books)

A sensuous guide to celebrating the ritual pleasure and healing art of bathing. The authors dip their toes in outdoor baths, natural hot springs, mineral baths, mud baths, steams, and saunas. Includes recipes for decadent bath-time refreshments such as Lemongrass and Thyme Tisane, and ideas for fabulous scrubs, infusions, and aromatics. 80 full-color photos.

The Complete Prenatal Water Workout Book, by Helga Hughes (New York: Avery Publishing Group, Inc., 1989.)

Helga Hughes developed the "Watercise While You Wait" program, a prenatal water workout program described and illustrated in The Complete Prenatal Water Workout Book. The Watercise program is designed to minimize the effects of gravity on the aching pregnant body. Hughes claims that performing these gentle stretches in a swimming pool enhances posture, strengthens muscles used in labor and delivery and for child care, vitalizes the body for a more rapid return to prepregnancy condition, and helps keep weight gain within healthy limits. But don't expect Jane Fonda here. These exercises are not cardiovascular; they are based on gentle relaxation and are safe and effective for women at all levels of fitness and pregnancy. Explanatory photographs illustrate what the exercises look like out of the water.

Creatures of Water, Hydrotherapy Textbook, by RJ Nikola, LMT, (Europa Therapeutic, 1998.) (1-800-407-3251, mail order.)

This book is a college level textbook on hydrotheraphy. It covers such subjects as the benefits and properties of water; local and reflex effects; cold, hot and contrast applications; balneology, showers and sprays, mineral water; vapor treatments; body wraps, treating fevers; using herbs; friction treatments and more. This is a comprehensive work dealing not only with commercial hydrotherapy for rehabilitative procedures in clinical settings, but home usage for grass roots treatments on family and friends. This book covers more than is required in most schools on the subject for heath care professionals.

The Glow, A journey to Motherhood, by Danica Perez, (Ibooks;, April 18, 2001.)

Twelve years ago, Los Angeles photographer Danica Perez set out to chronicle the miracle of birth with her camera. The result is THE GLOW, a collection of unforgettable pictures of mothers, babies, and birthing that features prominent proud parents including Nicole and Eddie Murphy, Vanna White, Shawn and Larry King, Kelly Preston-Travolta, Bernadette and Sugar Ray Leonard, Heather Thomas, and Daphne and Keenan Ivory Wayans. A mother herself, Perez brings a sense of maternal awe to celebrity subjects and regular ladies alike that makes THE GLOW a source of annual inspiration at Mother's Day-a timeless tribute to the essence of life.

The Healing Bath : Holistic Bubbles & Soothing Soaks, by Maribeth Riggs, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema (Illustrator), New York, NY: Penguin Books, 1996.)

Drawing on the principles of aromatherapy and hydrotherapy, nineteen healing baths use natural remedies and essential oils to alleviate pain, congestion, hangovers, stress, fatigue, and problem skin. 40,000 first printing. Doubleday Health, BH&G, & Rodale Pr Selection.

The Healing Bath : Using Essential Oil Therapy to Balance Body Energy, by Milli D. Austin, (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1997.)

This book offers guidelines and formulas for using essential oils in the bath to cure almost any form or emotional illness, including asthma, depression, substance abuse, headaches, sleep disorders, food intolerance, allergies, bladder and urinary tract problems, and hyperactivity. It is the first book to focus on using essential oils to heal the energy field surrounding the physical body.

The Healing Energies of Water, by Charlie Ryrie, (Charles Tuttle Co., April 2000.)

Human life is impossible without water. But because water is everywhere, we often take it for granted. The Healing Energies of Water reintroduces us to this crucial element of our environment and shows us ways water can be used to heal our ills and improve our well-being. The Healing Energies of Water traces the development of human relationships with water. From primitive healing cults to the most recent scientific studies, this thoughtful volume explores water's role in our spirituality, folklore and myth.

Healing Springs: The Ultimate Guide to Taking the Waters, by Nathaniel Altman, (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2000.)

The first book to present medical evidence that mineral springs can prevent and cure disease--and to tell you which spas are most effective. More than 200 of the best hot springs and mineral springs in the world and the health conditions best treated at each, with a special emphasis on springs in the U.S. and Canada. Reviews additional healing techniques that best complement bathing in and drinking medicinal waters--such as acupuncture, homeopathy, fasting programs, and fitness training. Includes photos of everything from famous spas to little-known hot springs.

Healing Waters, by Linda Troeller (Photographer), Yves Treguer (Introduction), (Aperture Pub. Company, March 1998.)

Healing Waters is a vivid exploration of water therapies all over the world. It is the result of Linda Troeller's personal photographic work of the last decade. The treatments she observes, and with wich she herself experiments, are the subjects of theses sensuous photographs, wich immerse the viewer in a revitalizing process of rebirth and renewal, the ultimate goal of alternative water therapies.

Healing Waters : The Miraculous Health Benefits of Earth's Most Essential Resource, by Lynn Keegan, Gerald Keegan, (Berkley Pub Group, December 1998.)

The authors purpose in writing Healing Waters was to create a useful, affordable book geared to help everyone with some aspect of healing. They wrote this book after having direct personal experience with the restorative power of water. It turned out they were not the only ones; upon beginning research on the topic they discovered many clients, patients, and general folks who related similar experiences. Join them in becoming healthier and happier due to the multiple ways you can use water in self-care. They have personally experienced water's power in prevention and healing and think every reader can too.

Homo Delphinus, The Dolphin Within Man, by Jacques Mayol, Jacques Piccard, Steven Sachs; (Idelson-Gnocchi Publishers, December 1, 1999.)

Jacque Mayol, the man who coined the phrase, "Homo Delphinus," is a sea researcher, a world-famous diver widely acclaimed for his pioneering work in the field of deep breath hold diving and for his historic, record-setting dive of 100 meters (330 feet), during a program of experimental and medical research in deep breath holding divings. Mayol courageously attempst to explain man's affinity for water and the ocean in particular, and shows the similarity of man's "inner-ocean" with tthe primordial ocean. As a visionary man, he develops the validity of the concept fo underwater birth. Is considered to be "The Bible for all breath-hold divers" Bestseller in Italy, France and Japan.

Hydrotherapy : Water Therapy for Health and Beauty; by Leon Chaitow, (Element; August 1999.)

Drawing on the treasure house of knowledge derived from traditional hydrotherapy, Health Essentials: Hydrotherapy incorporates up-to-date approaches such as the use of aromatherapy oils and other natural substances and reveals the secrets of this cheap, simple and amazingly effective therapy.

The Message from Water Is Telling Us to Take a Look at Ourselves, by Masaru Emoto, (HADO Membership, 145 pgs. June 1, 1999.)

Water is a mirror reflecting our mind. The Message From Water, represents years of research and testing over a large number of patients, none of which would be possible without Emoto-sans's years of dedication. When have only begun to understand the significance of clustered solutions and with further research will find new applications for this exciting technology.

To Order: I.H.M. Co., Ltd.
81-3-3866-3713 /Phone, 81-3-3866-3763 /Fax

Rituals for the Bath: From the Renaissance Women, by Kathy Corey, Lynne Blackman, Nancy Palubniak (Photographer), (New York, NY:Warner Books, Inc., 1995.)

With this beautifully illustrated book, readers can learn to make luxurious bath products--soothing or invigorating--from natural ingredients. Inspirational quotes, aromatherapy formulas, and suggestions for personal rituals to encourage tranquility accompany the 58 easy, inexpensive recipes for a full range of natural bath products. Color illustrations.

Seasalt's Hidden Powers: The Biological Action of All Ocean Minerals on Body and Mind by Jacques de Langre, Ph.D. (California: Happiness Press, 1994.)

A must have for pregnant women and people with high blood pressure. Finally a salt you can ingest that does not cause further damage to the heart, liver or kidneys. This Celtic salt is even more profound and produces much less, if any at all, water retention, that sea salt or regular white salt you might buy in health food stores. This book shows how today's refined, salt damages both the environment and human health, due to its origin, the method of extraction, kilmor oven drying and artificial treatment: including stripping it of its 84 vital minerals, lacing it with chemical anti-caking additives, bleaches and toxic conditioners.

Spiritual Bathing: Healing Rituals and Traditions from Around the World by Rosita Arvigo, Nadine Epstein

Since ancient times, people have engaged in spiritual bathing—a soothing and restorative practice that rejuvenates the body, mind, and soul. Spiritual baths promote health and have been proven to aid in the treatment of anxiety, grief, insomnia, and depression. In SPIRITUAL BATHING, best-selling authors Rosita Arvigo and Nadine Epstein explore this lost art and its fascinating history, with information on where sacred baths are currently offered and easy recipes to create bathing rituals in your home. Derived from various regions and philosophies—Shinto, Buddhist, Wiccan, Mayan, and others—most of these baths require only water, a simple ritual, accessible plants and herbs, and the desire to nurture your spirit. Rich with luxurious rituals as well as simple, practical remedies, SPIRITUAL BATHING will help you discover a sense of balance, vitality, and pleasure in your daily routine.

Teaching an infant to swim. The gentle and natural way to introduce your baby to lifelong confidence in the water, by Virginia Hunt Newman, (San Diego, CA, New York, NY: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1983.)

With the help of photographs, the author, founder of the Newman Swim Academy in Hollywood, shows parents exactly what to do. Using the simple, proven methods described in this book, parents will discover that helping their children gain confidence in the water can be as delightful for them as for the child.

Water Magic: Healing Bath Recipes for the Body, Spirit, and Soul by Mary Muryn (New York: Fireside Books, Simon & Schuster, 1995.)

Based on principles of aromatherapy and homeopathic cures and comforts, these healing bath recipes are guaranteed to bring vitality and balance to the mind and body. Detailed instructions and advice on where and in what form to gather ingredients--including information on mail-order resources--make it easy for readers to whip up a little magic right in their own homes. The recipes in Water Magic are designed to take away everything from an aching heart to aching muscles. The combination of herbs and water can relieve the common cold and ease uncommon amounts of stress. Drawing on the unique properties of aromatherapy, herbology, and homeopathic cures. Mary Muryn explains how a careful blend of ingredients can turn a simple bath into a magical healing experience.

Your Baby Can Swim: A Unique Approach to Infant Exercise, by Bonnie Prudden (New York: Reader's Digest Press, 1977.)

The first couple chapters help one to understand babies, communicate better with them, and bond more strongly with them. The exercise and swimming how-to information is invaluable. Ms. Prudden covers different scenarios, like bathtub and pool, and shows you how to make the most of each. She discusses teaching children individually, and even tells one how to lead a group swim class. The book makes it obvious that young children really can learn to swim, and the earlier they start, the easier it is for them.

Your Body's Many Cries for Water, by Fereydoon Batmanghelidj, (Global Health Solutions June 1995.)

This book explains a new discovery about the cause and cure of many painful conditions and degenerative diseases. As a result of extensive research into the role of water in the body, the author, a medical doctor, has found that chronic dehydration is the cause of many conditions including asthma, allergies, arthritis, angina, migraine headaches, hypertension, raised cholesterol, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, depression, and diabetes in the elderly. This book shows how to recognize the various thirst signals, and helps you learn to understand when your body is calling for water. The book explains how much water one needs to drink a day to stay healthy, and why tea, coffee, and sodas are not good substitutes for water.