With a fresh approach to a common problem, this self-help guide to overcoming back pain advocates adopting the natural, healthy posture of athletes, young children, and people from traditional societies the world over. Arguing that most of what our culture has taught us about posture is misguided-even unhealthy-and exploring 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, and rural Europe. Eight detailed chapters provide illustrated step-by-step instructions for making simple, powerful changes to seated, standing, and sleeping positions. No special equipment or exercise is required, and effects are often immediate.

About the Author
Esther Gokhale, LAc, is the founder of the Esther Gokhale Wellness Center, a licensed acupuncturist, and the creator of the Gokhale Method(tm), a revolutionary approach that helps people achieve better health through better structure.

Reviews
"The most lucid account I have read of how the human spine works, with handy lessons in how to stand, sit, walk, and sleep free of back pain." --J. M. Coetzee, Nobel Prize-winner in Literature
" 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back is the best back pain book on the market. I had significant problems with low back pain and sciatica for more than two decades before Esther Gokhale was able to help me. If I had found her earlier, it could have saved me a great deal of pain and grief." --Paul R. Ehrlich, author, Human Natures and Population Bomb
"Esther's technique for treating chronic back pain is totally unique and her research really backs it up. This is a great tool for all of us." --Billie Jean King, winner of 20 Wimbledon titles
"A great book for someone who is serious about achieving a pain-free back and willing to work to reach that goal." --American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons
"Esther Gokhale helped me resolve a five-year injury after nothing else had worked. Her work is unique and thorough." --Patti Sue Plumer, three-time Olympian, 1992 World Record holder for 1500m and 500m run
"Every year, tens of thousands of patients undergo major back surgery without any benefits. By using Esther Gokhale's novel techniques, many of these patients can avoid such needless and expensive medical procedures, and quickly return to a pain free life." --John R. Adler, MD, neurosurgery, Stanford University Medical Clinic
"This book . . . will eventually be recognized by the medical community as the greatest contribution ever made to nonsurgical back treatment in this country." --Helen Barkan, MD, PhD, neurology, Mayo Clinic
"This is not only a stimulating self-help guide for relief of back pain through healthy posture, but also a work of art that celebrates the grace and poetry of the human body." --David Werner, author, Where There Is No Doctor


Awards
Winner of Nautilus Award (Yoga/Massage/Bodywork) 2009. Runner-up for IndieFab awards (Health) 2008. Commended for Independent Publisher Book Awards (Health & Nutrition) 2009.



Book Information
ISBN 9780979303609
Author Esther Gokhale
Format Paperback
Page Count 244
Imprint Pendo Press
Publisher Pendo Press
Weight(grams) 1020g