Authors: Gary Kraftsow
ISBN-13: 9780140195699, ISBN-10: 0140195696
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
Date Published: October 1999
Edition: (Non-applicable)
A fully illustrated, step-by-step guide to achieve wellness through Viniyoga
Mainstream America is finally catching on to what Eastern countries have known for thousands of years--that yoga is not only a great, low-impact way to increase flexibility and reduce stress, it is also useful in healing any number of afflictions, from common aches and pains to chronic diseases and emotional setbacks. In this easy to follow guide for practitioners at all levels, America's leading teacher of Viniyoga emphasizes the physical as well as the spiritual components of healing through yoga. Beginning with a general introduction, he then includes case studies and specific yoga sequences designed to address individual ailments. Best of all, each step of each posture in a sequence is clearly illustrated with its own photograph. The exercises in this book are truly transformative and certain to help those searching for alternatives to mainstream medicine and those looking for a way of becoming more involved in their own physical well-being.
* A Selection of the One Spirit Book Club
"Herein lies a gold mine of practical knowledge for enlivening all aspects of the physiology. It is a book worthy of study, which no doubt will enlighten the reader in unexpected ways each time it is opened." -- from the Introduction by Scott Gerson, M.D., The National Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine
Viniyoga provides a methodology for creating an individualized yoga program (the tradition adapts postures to individuals rather than vice versa), and Kraftsow has been recognized for his ability to train teachers and therapists in this method. Kraftsow's illustrated manual is meant to introduce "yoga for all levels" in a hands-on manner, but he seems unclear about his audience's background. Part 1, about yoga practice, assumes knowledge of anatomy and familiarity with the postures, while Part 2, about yoga therapy, explains physiology in detail too explicit for the reader of Part 1. Still, someone with previous experience in yoga or movement therapy can benefit from the chapters on adapting postures and creating sequences. Recommended for libraries with large health collections.--Elizabeth C. Stewart, Portland, ME Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.
Foreword | vii | |
Acknowledgments | xi | |
Introduction | xv | |
Part 1 | Yoga: A Developmental Approach | |
Chapter 1 | Principles of Practice | 3 |
Introduction to Asana | 3 | |
Introduction to Breath | 7 | |
Principles of Adaptation | 12 | |
The Art and Science of Sequencing | 26 | |
Chapter 2 | Biomechanics of Movement | 35 |
Stretching the West: An Introduction to Forward Bends | 35 | |
Stretching the East: An Introduction to Backward Bends | 49 | |
Revolving: An Introduction to Twists | 61 | |
Working the Sides: An Introduction to Lateral Bends | 72 | |
Lengthening the Core: An Introduction to Extension | 85 | |
Active Reversal: An Introduction to Inversion | 98 | |
Accomplishing the Peculiar: An Introduction to Balance | 114 | |
Part II | Yoga: A Therapeutic Approach | |
Yoga Cikitsa: An Introduction to Yoga Therapy | 129 | |
Chapter 3 | Common Aches and Pains | 135 |
Skeletal System | 135 | |
Muscular System | 139 | |
Neck and Shoulders | 143 | |
Upper and Lower Back | 159 | |
Sacrum, Hips, and Knees | 184 | |
Chapter 4 | Chronic Disease | 203 |
Digestion and Assimilation | 203 | |
Respiratory System | 216 | |
Cardiovascular System | 231 | |
Lymphatic System and Immunity | 245 | |
Endocrine System | 257 | |
Nervous System | 272 | |
Urinary and Reproductive Systems | 286 | |
Chapter 5 | Emotional Health | 301 |
The Spaceship Voyager | 302 | |
The Limbic Brain | 303 | |
Stress and Disease | 304 | |
Ancient Insights for Modern Healing | 305 | |
Pranayama | 306 | |
Yoga Therapy and Mental Illness | 307 | |
The Three Primary Energies | 308 | |
Anger and Anxiety | 308 | |
Depression | 316 | |
Beyond Therapy | 324 | |
Pronunciation Guide | 325 | |
Asana Index | 326 | |
Index | 329 | |
Contact and Product Order Information | 334 |