Joanne Everson writes with a holistic voice that puts the emphasis clearly onto the human aspect of study of human movement. As a movement practitioner and Doctor of Spiritual science, her writing will resonate for teachers of movement, especially those with an interest in new perspectives on health and the body human motion. Throughout Myofascial Magic in Action Everson expresses reverence for the human spirit and weaves the spirit into anatomy. This gives the book a richness and a point of difference.
In a long but enjoyable introductory section Everson writes about the impacts of a long history of reductionist thinking about the human body and goes out of her way to bring a sense of wholeness into the study of movement. This theme continues throughout the book as Everson de bunks many long-held beliefs, and theories about the body that, until recently, have governed our perspective on movement.
The heart of Joanne’s discussion is framed around five key elements of human movement; rebound, recoil, release, restore, refine (the five R’s). In this section Everson presents an insightful discussion of some of the key ways in which the inclusion of fascia in our understanding of human movement has changed what we now know. Everson brings this detailed anatomical discussion to life by weaving science with spirituality, somatics, semantics, history, and feeling.
Myofascial Magic in Action concludes with a practice section that includes some lovely somatic explorations of the ‘five R’s’. In this section Everson asks the reader to tune into the subtle aspects of movement and internal sensation, providing an opportunity to experience the theory and technical information from previous chapters.
Overall, Myofascial Magic in Motion, is an enlightening and interesting read that brings together a wealth of valuable information and research that has direct application to the way we teach movement.
Reviewed by Maggie Macgill,
PAA Principal Trainer member
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