THE BODY SHOP: Scandinavian Exercises for Relaxation

Hinrichsen writes that deep, intricate muscular tensions lock the body in a straightjacket, unbeknownst to the wearer, the muscles having become insensitive to chronic contraction. Such armoring affects -- and is affected by -- stress, fatigue, psychological factors, posture, and other physical problems. She offers 43 exercises in relaxation, many derived from disciplines such as dance and yoga, although not nearly as forbidding. It may take an effort to perform them regularly; and depending on age, sensitivity, concentration, amount of tension and emotional elements, temporary, adverse effects may result. But when properly performed, the exercises will eventually soothe and soften. No hack job this, but a simple, straightforward presentation that only once lapses into cant about cosmic polarities.