Veggie Blog

Shoosh Lettick Crotzer’s Yoga for Fibromyalgia is the first yoga book devoted exclusively to managing the symptoms of this arthritis-related condition. Her comprehensive program of twenty-six illustrated yoga poses, breathing techniques, and guided visualization and relaxation sessions can be practiced regardless of age or yoga experience. She teaches how to use simple props—a chair, a blanket—to modify poses to support your body and your changing needs, and suggests how to use each pose to ease the effects of daily activities, such as sitting, driving, and gardening. The poses are modeled by yoga teacher Deirdre Carrigan who has fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia, which affects more women than men, is characterized by widespread pain in muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points — places on the body where slight pressure causes pain. Although mainstream medicine has yet to devise a successful plan for treating fibromyalgia, yoga offers sensible strategies for managing, and sometimes overcoming, the pain. Written by a yoga teacher and suitable for both yoga novices and veterans, this book is grounded in simple movements, breathing techniques, and guided visualization and relaxation sessions. Readers learn to reduce stress and manage fibromyalgia through eight sequences: four for pain relief, one to diminish fatigue and improve sleep, and three for maintaining body awareness and general flexibility. The author’s simple, supportive language and mixture of theory, practice, and the latest scientific data offer hope for one of the most challenging health conditions.

Book: Yoga for Fibromyalgia by Shoosh Lettick Crotzer
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How to Know God: The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali by Patanjali Real Yoga Instruction The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali is a major work on the practice of yoga and meditation. Through these ancient aphorisms you will learn how to control your mind and achieve inner peace and freedom. Although these methods were taught over 2,000 years ago, they are as alive and effective today as they have ever been. The 2008 edition has been reset and now has an extensive index for reference. Personal Review: How to Know God: The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali by Patanjali 1. Best book on spiritual growth and Yoga I have ever read, by far, out of many dozens. I would give it 20 stars if I could. This book is spot on. Brief, to the point, and powerful. No new Age fru fru stuff in here – this is for someone who really wants to start a disciplined spiritual practice that really will lead them somewhere. Amazing.

Translated with a commentary by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood.
Learn how you can control your mind and achieve inner freedom and peace through methods taught for over 2,000 years.

Book: How to Know God by Patanjali
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One of the most enjoyable parts of a yoga class comes when we rest in savasana—the “corpse” pose—and realize deep serenity, a sense of eff ortless joy, and a glimpse into our true nature as unqualified presence. How is this so? Master teacher Richard Miller explains that this experience is a manifestation of yoga nidra, the meditative state of mind-body union at the heart of all yoga practice. A powerful integration of book and CD audio learning, Yoga Nidra is an ancient tantric yoga path that leads to inner freedom. Th rough accessible language appropriate for any level of practice, Miller takes us step by step through the traditional techniques of relaxation and meditation to help us move toward the realization of “unqualified presence”—the ultimate aim of yoga—a goal unreachable through posture practice alone. Through his expert guidance, students will experience: • Deep relaxation for relief from day-to-day stress • The development of “one-pointedness”—a key to spiritual awakening • Healing from painful emotions, such as fear, grief, and anger • More effective and energizing sleep, and much more Suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners—but new to most Westerners—Yoga Nidra provides an unmatched way to experience the culmination of the art of yoga, and the deeper physical, emotional, and spiritual rewards that are its promise.

Book: Yoga Nidra by Richard Miller PhD
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In Holy Yoga Author and yoga instructor Brooke Boon has combined her devotion to Christianity with her passion for a healthy body and mind to create a fitness book designed specifically for Christians. Through prayer, breath work, and movement Brooke teaches you how to worship the Lord and Savior, physically and spiritually. Includes a 50-minute instructional DVD.

People often equate yoga with Eastern religion, but Brooke Boon sees it as an exercise style that Christians can use to generate patience, strength, and deeper worship. Author and yoga instructor Brooke Boon combines her passion for Christianity with her commitment to health to introduce yoga as a physical and spiritual discipline that strengthens the body and the soul. Clear explanations and photographs make yoga accessible for any reader, and Brooke offers customized routines for readers struggling with specific issues, such as weight loss and anxiety. Through it all Brooke uses scriptural references to help reinforce the idea that by taking care of our bodies we can also take care of our faith.

Book: Holy Yoga by Brooke Boon
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In Yoga for Transformation, Gary Kraftsow invites readers to look beyond the physical side of yoga. The book is interested in how posture, breath, attention and reflection can form a more personal practice. For readers whose experience of yoga begins and ends with stretching, it offers a different way to think about why they come to the mat.

What does the book cover?

The publisher describes a wide-ranging introduction to the physical, emotional and contemplative dimensions of yoga. It includes breathing techniques, exercises intended to sharpen attention and meditation practices for self-awareness. More than 350 black-and-white photographs support the explanations. Kraftsow is known for his work in the Viniyoga tradition, which places emphasis on adapting practice to individual needs.

Who is it written for?

This is most likely to appeal to a curious reader who wants yoga to be a regular personal practice rather than an occasional workout. It may also interest people who already enjoy postures but have not explored breath work or meditation. A reader looking only for a quick illustrated list of stretches may find its wider philosophical scope more than they need.

How does it fit with current evidence?

Yoga combines multiple elements, and that is part of what makes it difficult to study as one single intervention. The NCCIH summary of yoga research reports potential benefits for stress management, sleep and balance, while noting that results depend on the population and the kind of yoga studied. Spiritual or personal claims made in a book should not be confused with demonstrated treatment effects.

For a practical start, you might combine a gentle posture, a few minutes of unforced breathing and a quiet pause at the end. Stop if a movement causes pain, and seek individual advice before changing your routine if you have a relevant medical condition.

Can you buy it today?

Yes, the book remains in the publisher’s catalogue, with a paperback and ebook listing. It is an older title, but its availability does not depend only on second-hand sellers.

Check editions at Penguin Random House.

Related on Veggie-Blog: A Short History of Yoga and What Is Yoga?.

Book: Yoga for Transformation by Gary Kraftsow
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