Filled with beautifully clear illustrations of asanas (stretching poses)
and pranayamas (breathing exercises), Yoga for Stress Relief should prove
effective enough to dissolve the tension out of your body, no matter how
frazzled you may feel. Perfect for yoga novices, this book is designed to be
part of a gradual, three-month program for dissolving the stress you have now
and for helping you build up both psychological and physiological defenses
against future stress. Based on the yoga developed by Swami Sivananda, which
combines two of the gentlest types of yoga (Hatha and Raja), the book begins
with a clear, non-technical explanation of exactly how detrimental stress is for
the body, especially to the respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, and
endocrine systems. Then the exercises are described using both their Sanskrit
and English names. From basic but soothing back and neck stretches to those that
involve the hips, lower back, legs, and eventually the more complex shoulder
stands, Cobra Pose (excellent for relieving menstrual cramps), and spinal
twists, you can count on all the kinks being worked out of your body.
A handy chart in the back of the book indicates which of
the dozens of poses are especially effective for alleviating particular
stress-related ailments such as headaches, insomnia, depression, and panic
attacks. While the focus is primarily on the physical aspect of yoga, its
spiritual element is also taught through simple, soothing meditative
visualizations. Yoga for Stress Relief is also perfect for anyone who's sleep
deprived, as an hour of asanas and pranayamas is as rejuvenating for the body as
a two-hour nap.
