Veggie Blog

Donna Farhi’s Teaching Yoga: Exploring the Teacher-Student Relationship asks an essential question: what does it mean to teach yoga responsibly? Rather than concentrating on impressive poses, the book explores the judgement, boundaries and practical decisions that shape a safe class.

What topics does the book cover?

According to the publisher, Farhi discusses the relationship between teacher and student, creating physical and emotional safety, setting reasonable class sizes and fees, and running a teaching practice with integrity. The focus is on the responsibilities behind the mat: how a teacher’s choices affect the people who have trusted them to guide a session.

Why are professional boundaries important?

A yoga class involves bodies, instruction, sometimes touch and occasionally sensitive personal information. Students should be able to decline an adjustment without pressure, ask questions and tell the teacher when something hurts. Teachers should avoid implying that a posture must look a particular way or that discomfort is a sign of commitment.

The book’s ethical emphasis makes it relevant to modern conversations about consent, power and the difference between a welcoming atmosphere and an environment where a student feels unable to speak up.

What makes a yoga teacher qualified?

Certificates, training hours and experience can tell you something, but they do not guarantee that an instructor is suitable for every person or medical need. The NCCIH yoga-safety guidance recommends asking about training and experience, and notes that people with injuries, pregnancy or some health conditions may require modifications. A responsible teacher knows the limits of their expertise and when to refer a student to a healthcare professional.

Is this a book for beginners?

It is primarily for yoga instructors, trainees and experienced students interested in how classes work. A person wanting to learn basic standing poses or follow a short home workout would probably be better served by an introductory practice guide. Farhi’s value lies in teaching ethics, reflection and the craft of instruction.

Is Teaching Yoga still in print?

Yes. Penguin Random House lists the 2006 paperback and a later e-book format on its publisher page. Check the edition and local retailer availability when ordering.

Why read it now?

The central issues have not aged away. A class may be in a studio, a gym or on a screen, but respectful communication and an awareness of teacher-student power remain fundamental. This is a thoughtful choice for people who want yoga to be both effective and humane.

Related on Veggie-Blog: How to Choose a Yoga Class in the City.

Book: Teaching Yoga: Exploring the Teacher-Student Relationship by Donna Farhi

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YOGA AND AYURVEDA reveals to us the secret powers of the body, breath, senses, mind and chakras. More importantly, it unfolds transformational methods to work on them through diet, herbs, asana, pranayama and meditation – covering the entire range of our life and experience. It shows how Vedic medicine (Ayurveda) and Vedic spiritual practice (Yoga) work together in bringing harmony and well-being to body, mind and soul. Topics include asana, pranayama, mantra, meditation, pratyahara, diet, herbs and much more.

This is the first book published in the West on these two extraordinary subjects and their interface. It has the power to change the lives of those who read and apply it. It remains the main text used by those studying Yoga and Ayurveda in combination. It is particularly important for those who want to understand the Vedic roots of Yoga Therapy and the basis for an Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy and complete system of medicine based on Ayurveda.

Book: Yoga & Ayurveda by Dr. David Frawley
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Medicines and vitamins are often mentioned in the same breath when it comes to lowering cholesterol. They are very different. Prescription drugs have been tested in large trials, while many supplements have not. Here is what is known about each, so that you can ask better questions at your next appointment.

How do statins work?

Statins are the medicines most often used to treat high cholesterol. They reduce the amount of cholesterol made in the liver. The NHLBI says that studies have shown that statins lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with high LDL. The NHLBI adds that statins usually do not cause side effects, but they may raise the risk of diabetes, mainly in people who are already at high risk of it. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks for you. For more, see when lifestyle is enough and when medicine helps.

What are bile acid sequestrants?

These are another type of cholesterol medicine. They keep bile acids, which help digest fats and oils, from being absorbed into the body, and that lowers LDL cholesterol. They may be prescribed if you cannot take statins or if statins alone are not lowering your cholesterol enough. According to the NHLBI, they may cause diarrhea, make some other medicines less effective or raise triglyceride levels.

Does niacin lower cholesterol?

Niacin, also called vitamin B3, can do so, but only in very large doses. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements says that doses more than 100 times the recommended daily amount, taken for months or years, can raise HDL by 10 to 30 percent and lower LDL by 10 to 25 percent. But in the largest trial to date, which included 25,673 adults with cardiovascular disease, adding extended-release niacin to statin treatment did not significantly reduce major vascular events, and the niacin group had more diabetes, digestive problems and skin rashes. Large doses can also cause flushing, itching, nausea, low blood pressure, raised blood sugar, blurred vision and, over months or years, liver damage. Experts do not agree on its value, and it is not something to start on your own. If a doctor prescribes it, the dose is supervised. For everyday amounts of vitamins, see getting the right amount of vitamins.

What about lecithin, vitamin C and vitamin E?

Lecithin is sold as a supplement that is said to help disperse fat and cholesterol in the body. The studies I could find on lecithin and cholesterol are small and mixed, and it is not a standard treatment, so it is not something to rely on. Vitamins C and E are antioxidants, and it was once hoped that they would protect LDL from damage and prevent heart disease. In practice, large trials have been disappointing. The Office of Dietary Supplements says that the HOPE and HOPE-TOO trials provide compelling evidence that moderately high doses of vitamin E do not reduce serious cardiovascular events, and that most trials have not found conclusive evidence that vitamin C supplements protect against heart disease. Fruits and vegetables, which contain these vitamins together with fiber and other nutrients, are associated with a lower risk of heart disease, and that is the reason to eat more of them.

What is the safest approach?

Start with food: more fiber, fewer saturated fats, regular activity and a healthy weight. Have your cholesterol measured and ask your doctor whether you need medicine, and if so, which type. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every vitamin and supplement you take, because some can interact with medicines. Our guides to what you can do to lower your cholesterol and vitamin C are a good place to begin.