Structural Yoga Therapy: Adapting to the Individual

This is an excellent book from which one can create one's own "basic" yoga practice. Please understand- basic does not necessarily translate to beginner or easy. I have used this sequence with some of my classes and while there are some postures that most people do not feel a Herculanean challenge in, there is no one who feels that this sequence is a walk in the park.I believe most people are going to come to this book for a sequence grounded in a solid anatomical understanding of the body and the effects of common yoga postures and breathing techniques on the body. While this book does that, it also presents a framework upon which one can build one's own total yoga practice- incorporating mantra and meditation as well as breathing and posture. Stiles has a way of writing about both the very scientific and very spiritual at the same time and bringing the concepts together in such a way that one wonders why one ever thought of them as distinct in the first place.Though the practice he outlines is very valuable, his suggestions for body reading and use of the asanas for addressing postural problems makes this manual stand out. In addition to evaluating standing posture, he also outlines a 21-movement Joint Freeing Series. While a useful diagnostic tool, it is also a satisfying practice on it's own (if one's mobility or stamina is compromised) or in conjunction with the asanas. He also outlines six Spine Freeing exercises which can aid in gently increasing mobility of the spine.If you want the nitty gritty anatomical detail of why yoga "works", this isn't your book. Check out Couler's Anatomy of Hatha Yoga for that. However, this book will give most readers the level of detail that they need to understand their own physical issues and how yoga can help them.

This wonderful gem came across my desk quite by accident and I am ever so thankful. The book is clear, concise and well written just for starters but more importantly gives very detailed advice for tailoring a yoga program to meet individual needs. The book is limited to a fewer number of asanas than many books but for most people this is enough when dealing with structural issues. The book also provides clear tools for evaluating structural abnormalities and suggestions for particular asanas. In addition, the discussion of yoga philosophy and traditions, as well as personal anecdotes all add to this books charm. One of the best I have come across.

I have just started a Yoga practice, and I am interested in the therapeutic use of asanas. This book goes in depth enough to help me in this way. Mr. Stiles makes it possible to learn about and self treat all types of musculo-skeletal issues safely, though he does recommend having a teacher to supplement your own practice. This book has explained what muscles I need to stretch and strengthen. The history and background of yoga given in the introductory chapters is well written and interesting to read, which was an unexpected bonus for me. I am looking forward to using the exercise series outlined in the book.

I've looked at many books about yoga for various physical needs, and this is the most knowledgable and comprehensive book I've seen. Reading Peg2's comments, I can see what she means about photos. They would have been nice, or at least drawings of the postures in various phases, but in my mind this "inadequacy" is greatly overshadowed by other aspects of this book. Charts and comprehensive details about muscles need to be strengthened or stretched. There is a great deal of information about body structure, and the reader is guided through an analysis of their own posture problems. I have suspected that my shoulder, back, and knee problems were related to each other in some way. This book confirmed it. I have been doing recommended postures for a few weeks and am seeing real progress. I feel like I'm equipped to go into a yoga class and modify or substitute postures for to meet the needs of my body. The author has a physical therapy degree and well as yoga training and his knowledge level is very apparent in this book. I can't recommend it enough! This information is not available anywhere else that I know about, in this beautifully organized, accessible way.

Want to create a yoga routine that is tailored for your needs? Structural Yoga Therapy is the book for you. Mukunda Stiles guides you through setting goals, body reading, freeing your joints, breathing and so much more. Charts and worksheets help you determine what muscles need strengthening and stretching. It is not a book for those who like sexy, glossy pictures but more a textbook for those who want more from their routine. I started yoga to relieve stress and to improve my posture and found that after six months I wasn't getting any further. Mukunda Stiles has made it easy for me to target problem muscles and joints and free my body into poses I never thought possible!