Customer Reviews

Acu-Yoga: Designed to Relieve Stress & Tension

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Acu-Yoga is a well-written introduction to the use of basic yoga techniques to stimulate acupuncture points throughout the body, acupressure. 13 years ago, I cracked a vertebra and have had chronic low back pain ever since. The spinal flexibility series (among others) in Mr. Reed's book helped me control the pain caused by muscle spasm and return to normal function within a few weeks. Acu-Yoga also provides information about the chakras, the organ meridians and the eight regulatory channels, and how these energetic systems work to restore and preserve internal balance. For someone who is interested in using gentle, self-paced exercise to relieve pain and improve in overall health and vitality, this is an excellent resource.

This is by far my favorite Yoga book. I have been practicing Hatha Yoga for years (Hatha Yoga is the physical Yoga that is the most common form in the Western world), but have discovered that many of the techniques and sets of asanas (exercises) described in Yoga books were not very tuned in to Westerners. Acu-Yoga combines Acupressure and Hatha Yoga into a very palatable form for the common Westerner. It is the best book I've seen as of yet for anyone suffering an acute or chronic disease or symptom. There are symptomatic exercises for such discomforts as the common cold, sinus problems, menstrual tension to exercises for more serious problems such as hypertension and spinal disorders. I have often warded off an oncoming flu or cold by following some of the advice in Acu-Yoga. There is additional supplemental advice from Michael Gach, in terms of lifestyle and nutritional imbalances - and very effective solutions to bring our bodies back into a state of harmony.

For instance, on our natural resistance to illness, Gach writes: "An ancient Indian method for maintaining resistance against illness is to swing a thick branch or club back and forth. The Yogis would do this when they felt any illness about to come on, since it was common knowledge that the tensions which accumulate between the shoulder blades contribute to illness. The swinging motion helped break down this tension. Swinging a baseball bat around moves and stretches the shoulder blades to release the tensions that collect there."

He goes on to describe the exact acupressure points around the tips of the shoulder blades, and then delves into a Yoga asana to help alleviate the oncoming flu or cold. Every exercise is complete with both a photo and an illustration, which details precisely his written directions. I have a terrible time learning physical things from books, even when they have illustrations and photos, but I have never had difficulty from Acu-Yoga.

Even if you aren't prone to illness or a symptomatic approach isn't for you, Acu-Yoga is split into 5 parts: a general introduction to the philosophies and practices of yoga and acupressure, a series of exercises based on the meridians (channels) of acupressure, a whole-body self-treatment emphasizing flexibility of the spine, a series of exercises that balance the chakras, and then the Acu-Yoga postures that benefit specific conditions.

This is a perfect book for the Westerner just beginning to practice Yoga, and for anyone who has an interest in expanding their current horizons of Hatha Yoga and Acupressure.

I'd agree that Gach writes a very straight forward and simple book. If you are a beginner to the acupressure/kinesiology world, you will easily understand the basics [with the aid of this book]. The book gives many useful points, but for general problems most of the time. His knowledge in some promblematic areas goes into more depth than others. So, if you are looking for help with a specific problem, little information might be given or non at all. For example, the book gives great explanations and cures for colds, indegestion, depression and headache, however, it explains very little about allergies and sinuses. Gach backs his explanations with a strong facts and basic common sense.

I think that the book could give a better explanation on how to stimulate points. The diagrams of the locations of points are very useful and understandable. Overall, the book is well organized and convienent. If done correctly, the Yoga exercises are very powerful. With just a couple of exercises you can be healed instantly. This book left me curious buy more books on acupressure and is great reference to find quick cures.

This is the one book that I recommend for anyone interested in yoga and overall health. By combining postures with meridians, (flows of energy thruout the body)and specific organs of the body, the information gives the yoga practitioner a more complete sense of the benefits of that posture. This also allows for a better focus, more mindfulness of the posture and intent. The photos and essays are clear and easy to view. Enjoy!

Ever go to a yoga class and the teacher gives you a gentle touch in just the right place that makes your body relax or open into a pose? That's the type of yoga teacher I aspire to be. I was hoping this book could help me learn some the pressure points I could incorporate into my adjustments. What I got out of the book is the re affirmation that yoga practice gives you all the acupressure you ever need.
I liked this book. It is a quick read and is well diagrammed so you can get a quick refresher on a certain subject of interest or you can read the whole book and get quite an education.
I am satisfied with the what I paid for it and the information I got out of it.

Acu Yoga is a wonderful self help book. It has various flows of AcuYoga to keep you tuned up. You can also pick and choose from the many offererings. The index is very useful to look up a certain health issue and find easy to use help.

You can use the book as stand alone guidance for movement or integrate it into a yoga or other practice, or as self help as needed. I found this book because my yoga teacher liked to use it to mix things into the class that were of help to certain health issues.

Illustrations are very clearly done black & white photos, with good verbal descriptions

Since I am a librarian, usually I don't buy books that I can check out from the library. However, this book is definitely an exception. The first copy of this book I bought in the '80's. Since then, I have bought at least 8 copies. The first copy I let a friend borrow. They liked it so much that I let them keep it as a gift. After this happened with my next copy, I ordered 5 copies all of which I have given away. This last copy that I purchased I promised myself that I would keep. Every time that I didn't have one, I missed being able to look up all the information that I wanted to know. He very clearly connects the accu-pressure points with the yoga positions. As you can see, I love this book.

Just my opinion, but I think the book is only good for people who already know yoga. The book absolutely does not go into enough depth regarding proper position of the body, so it would be hard to say you are get the proper pressure on the right body parts. Buy Iyengar's "Light on Yoga" or his book "Path to Holistic Health" to use in conjunction. Would have received 5 stars if had better posture descriptions.

Really great book from someone who went to acupuncture school.
I am able to needle myself but also on a regular basis go for acupuncture therapy. I loved book and once I studied the poses with the relevant points it gave me a different insight. Yoga is based in Ayurvedic medicine, acupuncture is based in Chinese medicine I really believe the book is a great integration of both modalities. What I love about the book is it enables me to select a pose for a particular problem or meridian imbalance.

Loved the book and have given it as a gift for numerous friends

Very good; lots of information about using yoga for taking care of everyday aches and pains.