The Woman's Book of Yoga and Health: A Lifelong Guide to Wellness

This book is written by long-time yoga practitioner Linda Sparrowe in conjunction with Patricia Walden, a world-renowned yogi. They have created a unique manual on health and wellness throughout the lifespan which is designed specifically for women. Although the main focus is on yoga sequences, the book also includes general information on various health-related issues faced by women as well as tips and strategies for maintaining health. The book is organized into sections which correspond to each phase of a woman's life. For example, Part Two, The Time of Awakening, is geared towards teenaged/young adult women and focuses on menstrual health and immune system support, whereas the final section, Wisdom from the Heart, is designed with older women in mind and concentrates on minimizing postmenopausal symptoms and other similar conditions. Although each section does have an intended age audience, women of all ages are likely to find something of use in every chapter--for example, a younger woman struggling with depression might benefit from the depression chapter geared to postpartum women, whereas an older woman who suffers from headaches could obtain assistance from the "Relieving Headaches" chapter written as part of the Coming Into Fullness section. There are also three general yoga sequences at the start of the book which are intended for all women; these sequences revolve around essential, energizing, and restorative themes. Beginning yoga practitioners will find the short introduction on how to use the book to be helpful. Patricia Walden's training is in Iyengar yoga, which means that she utilizes a variety of props to make the poses more accessible. Props are particularly recommended for restorative postures, as they allow you to relax more fully into the pose. Easy-to-understand, detailed instructions and clear, precise photographs are used to describe every yoga pose. Many of the poses also include information about positive effects, potential modifications, and any cautions. Some sequences detail shorter practices with only 6 or so postures included, but others offer longer practices of up to 26 postures. This book is appropriate for female yogis of all levels, from beginning to advanced (although I should note that many of the sequences include headstand and/or shouldstand, postures that shouldn't be attempted by beginners without the aid of a yoga instructor). The book would make a wonderful gift for any woman with an interest in wellness issues, and I highly recommend it!

I teach yoga in a high school and also in a private studio. The majority of my students are female and I have found this book to be a wealth of information. I have developed a curriculum that meets the needs of all my women, from teens with PMS to seniors with arthritis. No, you don't need to invest in lots of props, pillows, blankets, men's ties, all these work in lieu of (purchasing) props. I have seen how my students have come to appreciate and respect their bodies. Thank you Linda and Patricia.

As a long time practioner of Pilates, a relative newcomer to traditional yoga, and a woman who has, and will, experience some of the health issues, I found this book a great source of reference. What I found most useful, aside from Patricia's yoga poses & Linda Sparrowe's easy-to-read writing style, are the suggested herbal & dietary alternatives throughout the book. Not only do I have a copy, I bought one for all my closest girlfriends!! This book is a definate must-have in any woman's bookcase!!

... this book reminded me how easy it was to get back in touch with myself, to relax and to understand what my body was up to. i really like sparrowe's almost conversational tone. it is accessible, and kind of fun to read as well as being full of useful information. i have a feeling i'll refer to this book for the rest of my life.

I am delighted with my copy of The Woman's Book of Yoga & Health and recommend highly to beginners,experienced practitioners and teachers alike. On Thanksgiving Day this book sat on my coffee table and I listened to all the positive the comments from the women in my family as they browsed through the book and admired the clear, inspiring photographs. My nephew's young wife, who recently took her first yoga class, said "These photos really show how you are supposed to place the props and how to practice at home. And I like that it shows how to practice when you're pregnant." My younger sister, also a newcomer to yoga, going through menopause like myself, turned to the chapter on "Easing into Menopause" and said "This looks great!" And I know my 20 year old daughter will benefit from this book now and in the years to come. She has recently begun practicing in earnest and so I will also give her a copy for Christmas. The Woman's Book of Yoga & Health will help women of all ages deepen their understanding of how to adapt yoga to their changing needs and how to use yoga through all the stages of life--menstruation through menopause--with grace and equanimity. It radiates feminine wisdom! Suza Francina, yoga teacher and author, Yoga and the Wisdom of Menopause