Yoga and Scoliosis: A Journey to Health & Healing

Yoga and Scoliosis: A Journey to Health and Healing

by Marcia Monroe, Loren Martin Fishman, B.K.S. Iyengar

Check out detail of "Yoga and Scoliosis: A Journey to Health and Healing"

Book Review
More than an exercise program, Yoga and Scoliosis is a deeply soothing form of moving meditation and a physical activity and is a safe way to rebuild strength, stamina, and flexibility and to address the spinal curvature of scoliosis without surgery. The book presents an evidence-based look at how this approach works. Dr. Fishman demonstrates in the introduction how the practice of Iyengar yoga leads to actual lessening of the degree curvature of the spine in patients with scoliosis. Yoga and Scoliosis is a source of encouragement, knowledge, and healing for those who have scoliosis and need to treat it, but want to avoid braces and/or surgery. It briefly covers the history and treatment modalities of scoliosis and discusses the development of the spine in the embryo. Yoga and Scoliosis explores the complexities of the concept of alignment in the body, with the main part of the book showing how to address scoliosis utilizing Iyengar yoga. Four chapters give instruction in yoga asanas for scoliosis, and another chapter discusses yoga practice in daily living. Finally there is a Foreword by B. K. S. Iyengar, the founder of Iyengar Yoga.

About the Author
Marcia Monroe is originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She was first certified as a Yoga teacher by the Integral Yoga Institute in New York City for levels 1, 2, and 3. She has been studying with the Iyengar family since 2001 and in 2005, she received certification from B.K.S. Iyengar at the Iyengar Yoga Institute. She now teaches children in New York City at the Bloomingdale Family Program. Marcia is a Body Mind Centering teacher, an Infant Developmental Educator, is registered as a somatic movement educator, and is one of a handful of people who have worked extensively with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, founder of The School for Body-Mind Centering. Marcia has taught Yoga internationally, in Brazil, Canada, India, New Zealand, and the U.S. Currently she teaches classes and workshops on yoga and scoliosis and maintains a private practice in New York City and Rio de Janeiro. Dr. Loren Fishman has been a specialist in Electrodiagnosis of low back pain and sciatica for over 20 years. His other specialties are functional assessment, cognitive rehabilitation, and the application of yoga within the medical context. Over the last 20 years, he has lectured frequently, authored multiple books and contributed to over 45 publications including Demos Health's book Yoga and Multiple Sclerosis: A Journey to Health and Healing. He is Assistant Clinical Professor at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. Loren also received his certification to teach yoga from the Iyengar Yoga Institute.

The Philosophy and Practice of Yin Yoga

The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga: The Philosophy and Practice of Yin Yoga

by Bernie Clark

Check out detail of "The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga"

Book Review
The Yin Yoga Book provides an in-depth look at the philosophy and practice of Yin Yoga. Clark's fascinating and comprehensive book is divided into three sections: (I) What is Yin Yoga; (II) The Benefits of Yin Yoga, including discussions of anatomy, the energy body, and the heart and mind body; (III) The Practice of Yin Yoga, including illustrated descriptions of 30 yin yoga asanas (poses).

Yin Yoga has the same goals and objectives as any other school of yoga; however, it directs the stimulation normally created in the asana portion of the practice deeper than the superficial or muscular tissues (the yang tissues). Yin Yoga generally targets the connective tissues of the hips, pelvis, and lower spine.

Suitable for almost all levels of students, Yin Yoga is a perfect complement to the dynamic and muscular (yang) styles of yoga that emphasize internal heat, and the lengthening and contracting of our muscles.

Safe Practice for Expectant & New Mothers

Iyengar Yoga for Motherhood: Safe Practice for Expectant & New Mothers

by Geeta S. Iyengar, Rita Keller

Check out detail of "Iyengar Yoga for Motherhood"

Book Review
From the daughter of yoga guru B.K.S. Iyengar, a book that every mother-to-be and new mom will celebrate!

With its superb provenance, encyclopedic coverage, and meticulous allopathic medical vetting, Iyengar Yoga for Motherhood is THE indispensable volume for every woman who wishes to continue her Yoga practice during pregnancy and the first 18 months of motherhood. Lavishly produced, with a fresh, contemporary design and a strong emphasis on safety, it offers guidance, reassurance, and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. More than 350 photographs using ethnically neutral models, carefully guide readers through every asana, highlighting variations on each for safe practice. Additionally, women will find safety rankings for each trimester of pregnancy, call-outs listing benefits and cautions, and detailed instructions for proper anatomical alignment and Pranayama breathing. Officially sanctioned by B.K.S. Iyengar, who has also written the foreword, the publication of Iyengar Yoga for Motherhood is sure to be an important event in the Yogic community.

About the Author
Geeta Iyengar is the distinguished student and daughter of Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar, one of the most respected leaders in the yoga world.

Yoga for Osteoporosis

Yoga for Osteoporosis

by Loren Fishman, Ellen Saltonstall

Check out detail of "Yoga for Osteoporosis: The Complete Guide"

Book Review
Osteoporosis leads to painful fractures due to loss of bone mass; yoga strengthens bones without endangering joints: it stands to reason that yoga is the perfect therapy for osteoporosis. Forty-four million Americans suffer from low bone mass, and osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures annually. Drugs and surgeries can alleviate pain, but study after study has shown that exercise is the best treatment, specifically low-impact, bone-strengthening exercises, yoga.

In this comprehensive and thoroughly illustrated guide, Loren Fishman and Ellen Saltonstall, who between them have seven decades of clinical experience, help readers understand osteoporosis and give a spectrum of exercises for beginners and experts. Classical yoga poses, as well as physiologically sound adapted poses, are presented with easy-to-follow instructions and photographs. The authors welcome readers of all ages and levels of experience into the healing and strengthening practice of yoga.

About the Author
Loren Fishman, MD, is a professor at the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons and lives in New York City.

Ellen Saltonstall is a certified Anusara Yoga instructor and licensed massage therapist who lives in New York City.