Yoga for Pain Relief »

Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D., is an award-winning instructor at Stanford University, where she teaches yoga, psychology, and healthy back classes. She is a leader in mind-body science and practice, and provides teacher trainings and continuing education for yoga, fitness, and health care professionals. McGonigal is editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Yoga Therapy and a frequent writer for publications such as Yoga Journal and IDEA Fitness Journal. Visit her online at www.kellymcgonigal.com.

Foreword writer Timothy McCall, MD, is a board-certified internist, medical editor of Yoga Journal, and author of two books, Yoga as Medicine and Examining Your Doctor. He currently lives in the San Francisco Bay area, and presents lectures, seminars, and yoga workshops internationally.

In Yoga for Pain Relief, Stanford psychology instructor and prominent yoga teacher Kelly McGonigal shows readers how the wisdom of yoga and the latest skills drawn from mind-body research can end the physical and emotional suffering of chronic pain.

Library Journal

McGonigal (yoga & psychology, Stanford Univ.; editor in chief, International Journal of Yoga Therapy) presents a mixture of theory (at times quite heady) and practice. Within the textual pieces, she explores and explains topics such as the differences among chronic, acute physical, and emotional pain (depression). Wherever possible, she cites written research, although she occasionally talks of wisdom and the practice of mindfulness, which may seem obscure to some readers. With approachable step-by-step instructions and photos—one person standing, the other sitting or doing an alternate pose appropriately if one has pain or physical restrictions—the book also includes individuals' stories to illustrate practical application and success. The overall tone is gentle and informative. VERDICT This thorough explanation of specific yoga practices and poses designed for pain relief will best suit those already familiar and comfortable with the purpose and meaning of yoga.—Elizabeth J. Eastwood, Los Alamos Cty. Lib. Syst., NM

Foreword ix

Acknowledgments xi

Introduction 1

chapter 1 Understanding Your Pain 9

chapter 2 Yoga: Reuniting Body, Mind, and Spirit 17

chapter 3 Breath 23

chapter 4 Befriending the Body 49

chapter 5 Moving the Body 71

chapter 6 Relaxation 97

chapter 7 Meditation 119

chapter 8 Your Personal Yoga Program 139

Resources 169

References 173

Index 177