Me and my body: 9 books on how we can improve relationships

The French neuroscientist and Psychologies columnist David Servan-Schreiber talks simply and with lively examples about the relationship between the body and the psyche, about the bridges between traditional and folk medicine, spiritual practices, hypnosis, acupuncture, and qigong. And also about how to “learn to trust your body, to rely on it more than current medicine is ready to allow.” What works – chemistry or placebo effect? What can we take from the experience of shamans? How does homeopathy work? The book consists of essays, many of which have been published in Psychologies. (RIPOL classic, 2014)

A three-volume monograph written by European and American anthropologists and cultural historians on the body as a cultural model. The very essence of material civilization becomes the subject of their reconstruction. The authors talk about the history of medicine and hygiene, about sex and the art of reading bodily signs … And also about the perception of smells, emotions, the image of the body in literature and art. It is not surprising that such a vast subject required several volumes. Two have already come out – “From the Renaissance to the Age of Enlightenment” and “From the French Revolution to the First World War.” (UFO, 2012, 2014)

3. “Philosophy of the body. Body of Freedom” Mikhail Epstein, Grigory Tulchinsky

Philosophers Mikhail Epstein and Grigory Tulchinsky in their works explore a person in the era of virtual and genetic technologies, while paying special attention to the ethical and aesthetic aspects of touch. Tactility, sensuality, love intimacy were traditionally considered in culture and philosophy as “low” levels of perception of the surrounding world, however, in the era of the creation of an artificial mind, a person begins to be perceived differently, and carnal knowledge becomes the basis of cognitive and creative activity. This book is “about how people think, love, create with the body”. (Aletheia, 2006).

When we experience strong feelings, the nature of our breathing changes, the muscles tighten, preparing us for action. And if the action does not occur, if it is suppressed, then clamps remain in the body. These muscles seem to be in constant readiness and do not relax. The Rosen Method is a work with breath, movement and emotions. It is aimed at removing clamps, at returning the body to its original flexibility and mobility. German physiotherapist Marion Rosen was over 55 years old when she began teaching her first student. Prior to that, she worked with patients as a doctor and led groups, developing her method. She passed away at the age of 98, in 2012, but continued to teach until the age of 96. The book was co-authored with Sue Brenner, Marion’s student. (Psychotherapy, 2010).

5. “Psychology of corporality between soul and body” Ed. V. Zinchenko, T. Levy

Russian philosophers, psychotherapists and psychologists are trying to integrate in the articles of this collection, to connect what has remained separated in Western culture for many centuries – the soul and body of a person. To understand how the physical and spiritual are combined in each of us, and the neglect of one in favor of the other leads to a variety of somatic or mental illnesses. (AST, 2006). Among the authors of the collection are Valery Podoroga, Vladimir Baskakov, Sergey Khoruzhy, Tatyana Buyakas, Alexander Leaders. (AST, 2006)

6. “A Brief History of the Human Body. 24 hours in the life of the body: sex, food, sleep, work” Jennifer Ackerman

What happens to our body during the day – from the moment of waking up and morning coffee until falling asleep after a hard day? How do our brains, sense organs, muscles, and stomach react to thousands of habitual activities and movements: driving a car, eating a delicious meal or taking medicine, having sex, choosing clothes, and meeting friends? American journalist and popularizer of science Jennifer Ackerman summarizes in her most curious book the results of more than one hundred studies from the field of medicine, neuroscience, psychology and genetics of the last decade. The resulting picture is able to amaze the imagination – our body appears to be such a well-coordinated and finely organized structure and it overcomes such serious loads, supporting our life. (Amphora, 2008)

7. “Psychosomatics and Body Psychotherapy” Mark Sandomierzky

How do physical illnesses and mental problems arise? How are they related? How to help yourself and loved ones to get rid of them? The book by psychotherapist Mark Sandomirsky presents all the known body-oriented approaches in psychotherapy, tells in detail about the mechanisms of interaction between our body and our psyche, describes in detail various psychotechnologies for working with one’s body and oneself. Colleagues call this book a guide for everyday life. (Class, 2007)

Free breathing, grace, sexuality, energy are inherent in a healthy person; the absence of these qualities speaks of beginning problems, says the American psychiatrist and psychotherapist, the creator of bioenergetics, Alexander Lowen. His book contains exercises that help to feel your body, release energy and emotions, regain lost grace, and in general – influence the harmonious development of the individual. Lowen returns to the theme of the mutual influence of mental and physical problems in his other books – Depression and the Body, Sex, Love and the Heart. (Corvette, 2014)

9. “Signs of the body in children. The Complete Guide to Your Children’s Health by Joan Liebmann-Smith, Jacqueline Egan

Joan Liebmann-Smith, MD, and medical journalist Jacqueline Egan answer young parents’ questions about their children’s body signs that cause them anxiety. About spots, dimples, fingers, the rhythm of breathing …. “Why did the baby have a bald spot on the back of the head?”, “Is it normal for a baby to have a small and wrinkled ear?” The authors slowly explain which features of the body may be a sign of a serious illness, and which are completely harmless and do not require intervention, and in addition, they manage to scribble interesting remarks “on the topic” in the margins – curious facts, warnings, tips. In many cases, the book will not replace a visit to the doctor, but it will calm overly anxious parents with its measured, benevolent intonation. The table of contents, in which the signs are grouped according to their “location” (head, eyes, ears, torso …), helps to easily navigate the book. (Sofia, 2011).