How to Use Yoga: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Iyengar Method of Yoga, for Relaxation, Health and Well-Being [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

~ Mira Mehta (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

How to Use Yoga has been written by senior teacher Mira Mehta, one of today's leading exponents of yoga in the style of B. K. S. Iyengar. She presents a practical philosophy that unites body, mind, and spirit for health and fulfillment. With over 450 color photographs, this book acts as a guide in achieving a fit and flexible body through the practice of yoga postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama). These practices work on all body systems, stimulating circulation, toning muscles, and improving overall health. Best of all, the author makes this powerful antidote to the stresses of modern life accessible to those who want to practice at home—safely and effectively.

About the Author

Mira Mehta, MA MPhil, has studied yoga under BKS Iyengar since childhood and holds an advanced teaching qualification in the Iyengar Method. She has her own yoga school in London, The Yogic Path, and is co-author of Yoga: The Iyengar Way. Mira's website is www.yogicpath.com. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Rodmell Press; illustrated edition edition (April 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0962713864
• ISBN-13: 978-0962713866
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #451,065 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

88 of 88 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good for beginners and teachers, April 15, 1999

By A Customer

The book is very similar in presentation to the book Mira Mehta published previously, Yoga the Iyengar Way, in that it has colorful, large photos. However, it is more geared toward a beginner and written more clearly.

Only 41 asanas (poses) are presented, all of them basic poses. However, several variations of each asana are given, with clear instructions on the benefits of each variation.

There are two wonderful features of the book poses for common pains. The 10-week yoga course is structured with a two page spread for each week. On the left-hand page is a list of asanas to practice on each day of the week. At the bottom of that page and the next are little photographs of people doing the poses recommended for that week. So, a beginner could follow the course just by opening to the appropriate page -- no flipping around through the book trying to figure out what the heck "Downward Facing Dog pose" is. The courses are also useful for teachers trying to develop sequences for beginning classes.

The section on using yoga to relieve headaches, backaches, menstrual pain, and other common aches includes not only descriptions of the variations of the poses, but large photographs of the asana variations as well. This is the best presentation of this material I've seen.

I also liked that she uses an older model in some of her photographs to show how poses can be modified for less flexible people.

I am finding the book valuable for developing my beginner course in Iyengar yoga and plan to recommend it to my students.

54 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars At last: a yoga book that teaches sequencing!, August 28, 1999

By A Customer

I often had questions that arose during my home yoga practice, particularly about how to sequence the poses. I am so happy to have found Mira Mehta's "How to Use Yoga." This book is packed with information in a balanced blend of text instruction and pictorial guidance for each pose. Best of all, the author includes a ten-week practice course in an easy-to-follow format, along with sequences for common problems and special times, such as back pain, headaches, and menstruation. Get this book: It's like having a yoga teacher at home!

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is great!, February 15, 1999

By A Customer

This book will take you through a relaxing, powerful and healthy 10-week Yoga program. In the first half of the book, all of the asanas (postures) are described in step-by-step detail, and illustrated with large color photos. In the second half of the book is the 10-week program, one week at a time. There are smaller photos illustrating each step of the daily workout in this section. To make it easy to switch from the program pages back to the asana description pages, this crafty author and Yoga teacher has included sturdy, cardboard flaps on the front and back covers so you can mark the pages you are using most frequently during your daily exercise. The book is large, and doesn't slam shut if you lay it in the floor in front of you. It is one of the best books I have seen!