cover image Body Wisdom

Body Wisdom

Amiyo Ruhnke, Wurzburger. Tuttle Publishing, $16.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-8048-3081-2

Getting people in touch with their physical selves is the aim of this relentlessly optimistic manual, which, deeply rooted in Eastern philosophy, aims at uniting body, mind and spirit. The authors, students of the Indian mystic Osho, propose that purposeful exercise is necessary in this age of conveniences, in order for people to become aware of their bodies as a source of pleasure and relaxation. Techniques, exercises and meditations are detailed in such chapters as ""Calisthenics for Lazy People"" and ""Ten 30-Second Holidays for Desk Jockeys."" The text explains how the exercises diminish tension and enhance vitality, while photos illustrate the recommended actions, from head rotations to shiatsu points on the hand's palm to proper sleeping techniques. The approach is nicely upbeat and accessible, but the tone may strike many as simplistic. (Mar.)