Good books: emotional rescue: self-help can take many forms. Choose from a paintbrush, pen, or fingertip to ease emotional and physical pain

Expressive writing, when done for 15 to 20 minutes three or four days in a row, can produce measurable changes in physical and mental health, says James W. Pennebaker, Ph.D., in Writing to Heal: A Guided Journal for Recovering From Trauma & Emotional Upheaval ($19.95; New Harbinger). He includes simple instructions for where, when, and what to write to initiate your own healing process.

Art Heals: How Creativity Cures the Soul ($13.56; Shambhala) by Shaun McNiff covers the principles behind art therapy, along with methods of artistic expression. As the author states: "Art adapts to every conceivable problem and lends its transformative, insightful, and experience-heightening powers to people in need."

In Acupressure for Emotional Healing. A Self-Care Guide for Trauma, Stress, & Common Emotional Imbalances ($20; Bantam Dell), authors Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D., and Beth Ann Henning explain how distress--be it anxiety, depression, grief, resentment, or otherwise--can become lodged in the body as muscular tension and blocked energy. Their easy-to-follow Rx for relief is illustrated with photos and drawings that highlight acupressure points, human anatomy, and do-it-yourself techniques. Try the technique below for easing mood swings.

STILL MOOD SWINGS:

Place the fingertips of your right hand on the center of your breastbone. Place your left index finger between the base of your nose and upper lip, and your middle finger between your lower lip and chin. Press for 2 minutes.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group