Healing Yoga: A Guide to Integrating the Chakras with Your Yoga Practice

I bought this so I would have something to refer to at home when I couldn't remember how to do an asana or wanted to try something new. As other reviewers said, this is an excellent introduction to yoga and includes a brief explanation of the philosophical underpinnings of it as well as clear, easy to follow photographs of how to do the asanas (poses). Many of the asanas are also appropriate for intermediate or advanced students. For me, attending a yoga class once a week and using this book as a supplement to home practice works well for me. Some people think of yoga as simply a physical discipline or another way to work out. Not so, because its emphasis is on not straining, not rushing and not competing. It is a system of helping the body become more flexible and promoting physical health, but it is also a way to know the self, transcend the ego and become enlightened, among other things. My primary focus right now is the physical training (hatha) aspect of it and gradual learning and practice of the spiritual aspects of it. That's just my preference and each person will approach it in their own way. I know I will refer to this book again and again.

After developing a touch of arthritis mid-lower back, I began seeking yoga asanas to relieve the area after workouts. I bought a LOT of books, DVDs and CDS. This is BY FAR the best for great instruction for whatever area you need, or for generally enhancing your strengthening yoga practice. I keep this book in my workout room for after my cardio and strength training. Because of my work with this book, I no longer experience lower back or hip pain. The book gives you some inner guidance to work with as well; I find that goes hand-in-hand with the physical, but as any yoga student will tell you, the asanas alone will heal you inside and out if you simply practice them.

The book Healing Yoga is a continued help to me. Each beautiful page holds positions (asanas) to bring this 57 year old body back to improved health. The pictures are clear and the information easy to follow. I have increased energy and am delighted to find I actually need an hour less of sleep at night. I carry this book with me in my travels and highly recommend it to anyone who wants a new adventure.

I am frequently disappointed with yoga books--but this book, upon first review, keeps me interested as there is a good deal of new information here. The illustrations (photographs) are abundant and helpful. Although I have not had the chance yet to begin the practice, I look forward to learning much from this book. I WAS disappointed, however, that it did not address asanas for migraines, as the publisher's description promised. This aside, I think there's alot of good information in this book and it seems well worth the price.