“What are the best book to learn about different Massage techniques and history?” We aggregated and ranked 102 of the best Massage books in an attempt to answer that very question.

We found over 100 of the best books to learn about massage. There are Thai massage books, Massage therapy books, therapeutic massage books, erotic massage books, massage history books, and pretty much every other type of massage technique you want to learn more about, can be found below.

We ranked the top 9 massage books that appeared on multiple lists below, with the remaining 93 books, along with the sources we used, at the bottom of the page. If you want to learn more or purchase any of the books, you can follow the links attached to the titles.

Happy Scrolling!

Top 9 Massage Books

9 .) Basic Clinical Massage Therapy Integrating Anatomy and Treatment by James H. Clay, David M. Pounds

Lists It Appears On:

• Massage Therapy 101
• Amazon

This superbly illustrated text familiarizes students with individual muscles and muscle systems and demonstrates basic clinical massage therapy techniques. More than 550 full-color illustrations of internal structures are embedded into photographs of live models to show each muscle or muscle group, surrounding structures, surface landmarks, and the therapist’s hands. Students see clearly which muscle is being worked, where it is, where it is attached, how it can be accessed manually, what problems it can cause, and how treatment techniques are performed. This edition features improved illustrations of draping and includes palpation for each muscle.

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8 .) Deep Tissue Massage Treatment by Jeffrey Simancek

Lists It Appears On:

• Scarboughs LTD
• Best Massage

This significantly revised new edition features an easy-to-use format that provides basic theory and assessment of neuromuscular conditions followed by an extensive overview of techniques specific to deep tissue massage Ñ including trigger point therapy, friction techniques, myofascial techniques, and stretching. Step-by-step treatment routines for the 22 most commonly encountered neuromuscular conditions are clearly outlined using detailed descriptions and illustrations side-by-side. Downloadable assessment forms and 90-minutes of video on proper deep tissue massage techniques are included on the companion Evolve website.

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7 .) Thai Massage by Richard Gold

Lists It Appears On:

• Kinnaree Thai Massage
• Scarboughs LTD

This practical and highly illustrated introduction to the principles and techniques of Thai massage discusses the theories of Thai medicine and its Chinese and Ayurvedic influences. It offers clear and easy-to-follow descriptions for all Thai massage techniques accompanied by full color photographs and drawings, with arrows to indicate direction of movement. Basic explanations describe how massage therapists can use elements of these techniques and apply them immediately in their own practice.

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6 .) Thai Massage & Shiatsu Bodywork by Nicky Smith and Hilary Totah

Lists It Appears On:

• Kinnaree Thai Massage
• Holistic Living

Rebalance the body, energise the system and improve harmony and well-being with these two powerful and complementary body work techniques.

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5 .) Thai Massage: Sacred Bodywork by Ananda Apfelbaum

Lists It Appears On:

• Best Massage
• Body Logic

“Interest in Thai massage has been growing rapidly. This is no surprise given its unique multifaceted approach to the body. Thai massage combines acupressure, stretching, reflexology, assisted yoga postures, herbal compresses, prayer and meditation. It benefits everyone. Sometimes called the “”lazy person’s yoga””, Thai massage stretches and relaxes the muscles, increases the joints’ range of motion, and balances energy flow throughout the body.

Thai Massage, Sacred Bodywork provides fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions which enable the reader to use this integrative and interactive therapy with a partner at home or with a client. The book explains the historical and philosophical background of Thai massage as well as its religious origins. Throughout the book, Ananda always reminds us of the deeper meaning of this sacred modality—compassion in action. A must for all those interested in the healing arts.”

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4 .) The Book Of Massage: The Complete Step-by-step Guide To Eastern And Western Technique by Lucinda Lidell, Sara Thomas, Carola Beresford Cooke, and Anthony Porter

Lists It Appears On:

• How To Do Things
• Amazon

The Book of Massage is the classic guide to the relaxing and healing skills of the hands. Featuring both Eastern and Western methods, it presents step-by-step, beautifully illustrated instructions on everything from traditional massage to shiatsu and reflexology. The Book of Massage offers easy-to-follow techniques for giving the perfect massage, including advice on creating the right setting and suggestions for using aromatic oils and lotions. Now revised and updated with fresh color photos and drawings throughout, The Book of Massage is a simple and comprehensive handbook that reveals how you can experience the myriad benefits of giving and receiving a soothing massage.

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3 .) Trail Guide to the Body : How to Locate Muscles, Bones & More! by Andrew R. Biel, Robin Dorn

Lists It Appears On:

• Massage Therapy 103
• Body Logic
• Amazon

Before you can assess or treat a muscle, you first must be able to locate it. This acclaimed book delivers beautifully illustrated information for learning palpation and the musculoskeletal system. It makes mastering the essential manual therapy skills interesting, memorable and easy. With 504 pages and 1,400 illustrations covering more than 162 muscles, 206 bones, 33 ligaments and 110 bony landmarks, this text provides an invaluable map of the body.

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2 .) Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain by Donna Finando

Lists It Appears On:

• Best Massage
• Body Logic
• Scarboughs LTD

“Myofascial pain syndromes are among the fastest growing problems that physicians, osteopaths, acupuncturists, and physical, occupational, and massage therapists encounter in their patients. In Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain Donna and Steven Finando have organized vast amounts of information on treating myofascial pain into an accessible “”user’s manual”” for healthcare practitioners. They examine a wide range of pain patterns and present evaluation and palpation techniques for reducing trigger points–and thereby alleviating pain–in the most clinically significant musculature of the body.

This comprehensive yet easy-to-use reference guide to treatment of muscle pain begins with chapters on the concept of Qi and its relationship to myology, specific trigger point location and activation, and palpatory skill-building techniques. Subsequent sections provide detailed information on each muscle to teach clinicians to locate quickly and accurately individual points of pain and compensation. A visual index allows easy identification of the muscles that may be involved. Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain provides necessary and invaluable information for sufferers and any professional involved with myofascial disorders.”

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1 .) Encyclopedia of Thai Massage by C. Pierce Salguero and David Roylance

Lists It Appears On:

• Kinnaree Thai Massage
• Scarboughs LTD
• Kinnaree Thai Massage
• Deon Thai Yoga

Drawing from Thai history, cultural studies, Buddhist religion, and yogic practices, as well as a modern understanding of anatomy and physiology, this guidebook bridges the gap between theory and practice while presenting bodywork as it is understood in Thailand—as a therapeutic medical science. Presenting detailed analysis of each step in a Thai massage routine, the history, spiritual traditions, and ethical codes are offered in an engaging, informal style. Numerous photographs and diagrams illustrate the variety of techniques used, and examples of routines for treating specific disorders are discussed. Updated with new layout, photos, and expanded text, this exhaustive handbook is complete with a section on the main energy meridians and diagrams of acupressure points, making it the perfect tool to accompany anyone studying this popular healing modality.

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