Yoga for Wellness : Healing with the Timeless Teachings of Viniyoga

by Kraftsow, Gary (Author)

• ISBN13: 9780140195699
• ISBN10: 0140195696
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-10-01
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)

Summary

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.

Author Biography

Founder of the American Viniyoga Institute, Gary Kraftsow teaches in the Viniyoga lineage of T. Krishnamacharya and T. K. V. Desikachar. He conducts seminars and retreats throughout the United States and Europe, working with students and training teachers and therapists. He makes his home in Maui, Hawaii.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. vii
Acknowledgments	p. xi
Introduction	p. xv
Yoga: A Developmental Approach
Principles of Practice	p. 3
Introduction to Asana	p. 3
Introduction to Breath	p. 7
Principles of Adaptation	p. 12
The Art and Science of Sequencing	p. 26
Biomechanics of Movement	p. 35
Stretching the West: An Introduction to Forward Bends	p. 35
Stretching the East: An Introduction to Backward Bends	p. 49
Revolving: An Introduction to Twists	p. 61
Working the Sides: An Introduction to Lateral Bends	p. 72
Lengthening the Core: An Introduction to Extension	p. 85
Active Reversal: An Introduction to Inversion	p. 98
Accomplishing the Peculiar: An Introduction to Balance	p. 114
Yoga: A Therapeutic Approach
Yoga Cikitsa: An Introduction to Yoga Therapy	p. 129
Common Aches and Pains	p. 135
Skeletal System	p. 135
Muscular System	p. 139
Neck and Shoulders	p. 143
Upper and Lower Back	p. 159
Sacrum, Hips, and Knees	p. 184
Chronic Disease	p. 203
Digestion and Assimilation	p. 203
Respiratory System	p. 216
Cardiovascular System	p. 231
Lymphatic System and Immunity	p. 245
Endocrine System	p. 257
Nervous System	p. 272
Urinary and Reproductive Systems	p. 286
Emotional Health	p. 301
The Spaceship Voyager	p. 302
The Limbic Brain	p. 303
Stress and Disease	p. 304
Ancient Insights for Modern Healing	p. 305
Pranayama	p. 306
Yoga Therapy and Mental Illness	p. 307
The Three Primary Energies	p. 308
Anger and Anxiety	p. 308
Depression	p. 316
Beyond Therapy	p. 324
Pronunciation Guide	p. 325
Asana Index	p. 326
Index	p. 329
Contact and Product Order Information	p. 334
Table of Contents provided by Syndetics. All Rights Reserved.