Product Description

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

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21449 in Books
• Published on: 1999-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

Amazon.com
There's more to yoga than stretching and bending and twisting. In Yoga for Wellness, one of America's top yoga teachers gives a clinic on the holistic nature of yoga practice, especially in regard to healing and well-being. With over a thousand photographs, Gary Kraftsow covers the basic postures, the specific movements of each posture, and how to sequence postures in a routine. More importantly, he moves from form to function, showing how sequences of postures can alleviate ailments in each system of the body, from lower back pain to hypertension--even depression and multiple sclerosis. In case studies of his own clients, we see how Kraftsow's holistic approach has him recommending not only posture prescriptions, but breathing exercises, sound techniques, and visualizations, not to mention such commonly neglected wisdom as eating a healthy breakfast and getting closer to nature. Yoga for Wellness is the rare yoga instruction manual that teaches the basics of yoga while also paying more than just lip service to the original intention of yoga--achieving a balance of mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. --Brian Bruya

From Library Journal
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.AElizabeth C. Stewart, Portland, ME
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Mitchell L. Gaynor, M.D., Director, Strang Cancer Prevention Center, and author of SOUNDS OF HEALING
"I highly recommend this fascinating, practical guide to the ancient art of yoga. Gary Kraftsow brings the ancient wisdom and techniques to the reader in a clear guide that synthesizes breath, sound and movement."

Customer Reviews

An essential tool for all serious yogis
This well-illustrated, detailed-explanation book has answered so many of my questions. The sequenced poses for specific problems are wonderful for a home-practice or for instructors to use in classes. In all cases, injury will be avoided by following Kraftsow's EXCELLENT advice. This should be in EVERY yogi's library and in constant use.

A great book for the yoga student and teacher
I got this book as a helpful reference for teaching yoga. Since I am a visual learner, I don't buy many yoga books, but this is one of my books that has lots of "dog ears" on its pages! I love that it has lots of pictures and graphically explains when to inhale and exhale during a sequence of postures. He also have a good sized section of the book devoted to yoga postures that help with chronic disease. I can tell the author has a great depth of knowledge about yoga and I feel I can learn so much from him and this book.

Everything you need to know abour yoga
This book gave the reader a very comprehensive view of the movements of yoga overall and then went on to give the reader movements which would help various ailments and diseases.
Giving the reasons for different positions I think is important if you are serious about learning yoga.

Very good