Yoga for Wellness: Healing with the Timeless Teachings of Viniyoga [Paperback]

Gary Kraftsow (Author)

Book Description

Release date: October 1, 1999 | Series: Compass

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.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Books (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140195696
• ISBN-13: 978-0140195699
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 0.8 x 11.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,650 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #100 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Yoga

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

112 of 112 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Landmark Book for Yoga Therapy October 1, 1999

By John W. Kepner

Format:Paperback

I was fortunate to obtain an advance copy of this book at the recent SouthWest Yoga Conference. Over 100 copies sold out in 3 days. No wonder, for in a crowded field, this is a landmark book. Not only yoga therapy, but also for yoga practice in general. Based upon deep understanding of the principles of movement, breath and adaptation, many principles and illustrative examples of therapeutic yoga applications are presented for common aches and pains, chronic disease and emotional health. These sections are preceeded by short, relevant discussions of the anatomy and physiology involved. It is worthwhile to stress that the therapeutic applications are not isolated or stand alone examples but rather logically derive from the Viniyoga principles which are clearly, if succinctly presented in the first two chapters; Principles of Practice and Biomechanics of Movement. These explanations alone may be worth the price of the book for serious yoga students, for the Viniyoga principles are somewhat revolutionary from the perspective of many contemporary yoga practices in America. Yet, when well presented, they are eye opening, intuitive and persuasive, as I am sure many attendees of Gary's popular lecture "Reading the Body for Yoga Therapy" will attest.

50 of 51 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A very good book, but not for beginners September 5, 2000

By peg2

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I like this book. I've been trying to get back into my practice for the last couple of years, after a number of orthopedic rehabs. I haven't been too successful; most books are awfully rigid about the "right" way to do the postures.

Then I got my hands on this book. There are still a few postures I can't do, and shouldn't do, and will never be able to do. For the rest, Mr. Kraftsow shows adaptations that are allowing me to ease back into my practice, and feel like I'm doing myself some good. If you've looked everywhere else, try this.

I do have a problem with this book, though. It's not for beginners. It does give decent descriptions of what you should be doing at each stage of a posture, and how each stage should feel, but it doesn't give those things with the descriptions of each series of postures. I think that's a big drawback; you're not going to follow one of his practices and keep flipping backward to find out how exactly to do it. On the other hand, if you're not a beginner, this may be as good a book for you as I'm finding it is for me.

64 of 67 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The best Yoga book I have ever read!! October 14, 1999

By Fran Ubertini

Format:Paperback

The breadth and depth of information in this book will appeal to everyone from the beginning student to the most advanced practioner. It is a book that will be a reference for a lifetime of work in yoga. The photographs and sequences will change the way people think and practice, being a model for all different levels of practioners. I am most grateful to Gary Kraftsow for writing this book and putting down on paper his vast experience in this rich tradition we call Viniyoga.