The Most Complete Textbook on Yoga Therapy

Yoga Therapy: Foundations, Methods, and Practices for Common Ailments

Paperback, 720 pages

Publisher: North Atlantic Books

ISBN: 9781623171070

Dimensions: 8 x 10

Also in Kindle format

DESCRIPTION

From the best-selling author of Teaching Yoga, Yoga Sequencing, and Yoga Adjustments comes this essential resource for learning how to adapt yoga practices to best accommodate and heal a wide array of common injuries and ailments. Surveying historical writings on yoga, ayurveda, and scientific medical approaches to health and healing, Mark Stephens distills the received wisdom of ancient and modern practices for more insightful and practical application in today's world. He applies these insights to healing musculoskeletal injuries, promoting a healthy reproductive system, and addressing mental, emotional, and behavioral difficulties. With each health condition, Stephens applies yoga to the most recent evidence-based practices for healing, offering an integral place for yoga in integrative health practices.

 Yoga Therapy is a practical manual for yoga teachers, yoga therapists, and anyone interested in applying yoga to healing common ailments, offering a systematic approach of considering the nature of each health condition and the specific asanas, pranayamas, and meditations most helpful in healing it. Stephens invites yoga therapists, teachers and students to relate to health as a continuous, dynamic process of self-care in which the qualities of personal experience and social connectivity matter, while charting a path for integrating yoga with evidence-based health practices. He illustrates that how we live our lives—including our emotional states, nutrition, sleep, relationships, and sense of purpose—is reflected in our sense of balance (or imbalance) and well-being (or disease). Comprehensive, accessible, and informed by Mark Stephens’ decades of deep study, practice, and teaching, this will become an indispensable reference.

Yoga therapy front cover, back cover, description, praise

PRAISE FOR Yoga Therapy: Foundations, Methods, and Practices for Common Ailments

Janice Gates YT

A deep bow to Mark Stephens for this substantial contribution to the growing field of yoga therapy! Thoroughly grounded in yoga's historical and philosophical foundations, this book balances well-researched, practical information with heart-felt wisdom. From the insightful section on Healing and Curing to the practical applications of yoga therapy for a wide range of conditions, Mark skillfully conveys the truly integrative nature of yoga therapy. An essential resource for yoga therapists, clinicians and educators in the field!

– Janice Gates, past president, International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), author of Yogini: The Power of Women in Yoga

David Gordon White YT

Going back to the time of the Buddha, yoga practitioners have been divided into two groups--Experimentalists who know yoga through their bodies and Speculatives who know yoga through its philosophical teachings. Mark Stephens' Yoga Therapy is proof that he has mastered both paths.

– David Gordon White, Author of Sinister Yogis and The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali: A Biography

Nichala Joy Devi

Yoga Therapy, a thorough and comprehensive landmark book, offers illuminating insight into Yoga, Yoga Therapy and the interface with western medicine. Along with Stephens’ generous offering of practical information, he espouses the attributes of kindness and compassion in yoga therapy practice, which although often overlooked, is indeed the very heart of yoga, itself. An essential read for every yoga therapist!

– Nischala Joy Devi, Yoga teacher and therapist; author, The Healing Path of Yoga and The Secret Power of Yoga

David Emerson YT

Mark Stephens' sober but optimistic assessment of the potential for yoga therapy inside the western medical model is a welcome addition. My hope is that the field will follow his well-informed guidance in the attempt to responsibly integrate these two models of health-care that have so much to offer each other because, ultimately, it is the patients that will benefit.

– David Emerson, Author of Trauma-Sensitive Yoga in Therapy and Director of Yoga Service, The Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute

Timothy McCall

Yoga therapy is a big field, encompassing the entirety of yoga and its many practices along with aspects of Western medicine, Ayurveda, physiology, physical therapy, kinesiology, psychology, philosophy, spiritual development and more. No single volume can do it full justice, but Mark Stephens has done a yeoman's job to assemble much of the background information aspiring yoga therapists will need to understand. This book is smart, thoughtful and well-researched and doesn't shy away from presenting a strong — and sometimes provocative — point of view. I recommended it highly.

– Timothy McCall, MD, author, Yoga As Medicine, co-editor, The Principles and Practice of Yoga in Health Care, Medical Editor, Yoga Journal

Micah Mortelli YT

Mark’s capacity for conveying both the depth and the breadth of the yogic sciences are all the more powerful because of his commitment to practice. His works to date on teaching, sequencing and adjustments have already established him as one of the foremost authorities in yoga education. With the emergence of Yoga Therapy in recent years, as a powerful form of integrative healing, Mark now brings his scholar’s mind and practitioners wisdom to the field. A boon for all!

– Micah Mortali, director, The Kripalu Schools (School of Integrative Yoga Therapy, School of Yoga, School of Ayurveda), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health

Barbara Dossey YT

This comprehensive textbook for yoga therapists offers an original synthesis of yoga practices with the insights of western medicine.

– Barbara Dossey, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, HWNC-BC, Author of Holistic Nursing and Co-Director, International Nurse Coach Association

Preface

Introduction: Yoga for Healing and Wholeness

Part 1: Theories, Principles, and Methods of Healing

Chapter 1: Yogic Sources

Defining Yoga
A Very Brief History of Yoga and Tantra
Hatha Yoga Practices

Chapter 2: Ayurvedic Sources

The Origins, Sources, and Development of Ayurveda
Beyond the Atharaveda
Ayurvedic Pioneers
- Caraka
- Susruta
- Vagbhata
Underlying Philosophy and Principles of Ayurveda
- The Samkhya Philosophy of Consciousness and Constitution
- Tattvas, Gunas, and Organs
- Dhatus
- Tridosha: Vata, Pitta, Kapha
- Prana and Prana-Vayus
- Etiology: The Cause of Disease in Ayurvedic Theory

Chapter 3: Scientific Medical Sources

A Brief History of Western Medicine
From Mysticism to Scientific Method
After the Greeks: Acivenna and Vesuvius
Scientific Advances: From the Modern Period to the Present Day

Chapter 4: Integrating the Healing Arts and Sciences

The Efficacy and Limitations of Scientific Medicine
The Efficacy and Limitations of Holistic Medicine
Healing and Curing: Towards and Integrative Approach
Integrative Health in Practice
Essential Considerations in Health and Healing

Part 2 – The Human Bodymind’s Physiological Systems

Chapter 5: Skin: The Integumentary System

Superficiality
Epidermis, Dermis, and Hypodermis
Investing Deep Fascia
Common Integumentary Pathologies
Cultivating A Healthy Integumentary System

Chapter 6: Bones & Joints: The Skeletal System

The Nature and Function of Bones
- Types of Bones
Types of Joints
- Joint Stability and Movement
Describing Anatomical Direction
Movement in Planes of Motion
Common Bone and Joint Pathologies
Cultivating a Healthy Skeletal System

Chapter 7: Muscles: The Muscular System

Types of Muscle
The Musculoskeletal System
The Feet and Ankles
The Legs and Knee Joints
The Pelvis and Hip Joints
The Core
The Spine
The Shoulder Girdle
The Arms and Elbows
The Hands and Wrists
Cultivating a Healthy Muscular System

Chapter 8: Nerves: The Nervous System

Neurons
The Central Nervous System
The Peripheral Nervous System
Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Systems
Common Neurological Pathologies
Cultivating a Healthy Neurological System

Chapter 9: Movement: Kinesiology and the Biomechanics of Movement

Moving into Stillness
The Nature of Human Movement
Proprioception and Refining Movement

Chapter 10: Heart and Blood: The Cardiovascular System

Heart and Soul
The Heart and Circulation
Common Heart Pathologies
Cultivating a Healthy Heart

Chapter 11: Cleansing & Defending: The Lymphatic System

Moving Fluids
Lymphoid Tissues and Organs
Natural Defense and Healing Systems
Common Lymphatic Pathologies
Cultivating a Healthy Lymphatic System

Chapter 12: Breathing: The Respiratory System

Pneuma and the Renewal of Life
The Organs of Respiration
Types of Breathing
Common Respiratory Pathologies
Cultivating a Healthy Respiratory System

Chapter 13: Glands and Hormones: The Endocrine System

Hormones and Communicators
Endocrine Glands
Pineal
Pituitary
Thyroid
Parathyroid
Thymus
Pancreas
Andrenal
Ovaries
Testes
Common Endocrine Pathologies
Cultivating a Healthy Endocrine System

Chapter 14: Digestion: The Digestive System

How Much of You Is What You Eat?
The Digestive Tract
The Mouth and Throat
The Teeth
The Stomach
The Small Intestine
The Liver and Gallbladder in Digestion
The Pancreas
The Large Intestine
Common Digestive Pathologies
Cultivating a Healthy Digestive System

Chapter 15: Letting Go: The Urinary System

Filtering
The Kidneys
The Bladder
Common Urinary Pathologies
Cultivating a Healthy Urinary System

Chapter 16: Ultimate Human Creativity: The Reproductive System

Sex
The Male Reproductive System
The Female Reproductive System
Fertilization and Human Development
Common Reproductive Pathologies
Cultivating a Healthy Reproductive System

Part 3 – Helping Others Heal with Yoga

Chapter 17: Integrity in Yoga Therapy

What Distinguishes Yoga Teachers and Yoga Therapists?
Clearly Defining Yoga Therapy
A Yoga Therapy Scope of Practice

Chapter 18: Communication and Interaction in Yoga Therapy

Guiding Principles in the Healing Relationship: Kriyas and Yamas
Principles and Skills for Interacting with Students and Clients
Developing Healing Communication Skills
Mindful Listening
Attentive Presence
Directive Dialogue
Non-Directive Dialogue

Chapter 19: Assessment and Planning Healing Practices

Self- and Student-Assessments
Interviewing and Assessing
- Step One: Personal History and Intention
- Step Two: Client Assessment
  - Part 1: Issues in Assessing Current Conditions
  - Part 2: Assessing Current Conditions Within the Yoga Therapy Scope of Practice
    - Physical Asana Assessment
    - Observing Students and Clients in Asanas
      - Step One: Standing Observation
      - Step Two: Asana Observation
    - Basic Strength, Flexibility, and Balance Tests
      - Strength Testing
      - Flexibility Testing
      - Balance Testing
      - Static Balance Test
      - Dynamic Balance Test
    - Breathing and Pranayama Assessment
- Step Three: Developing a Shared Working Assessment
Creating a Therapeutic Yoga Practice Treatment Plan
Implementing a Therapeutic Yoga Practice Treatment Plan

Part 4 –Yoga Therapy Practices 

Chapter 20: Asana Practices

Introduction
The Heart of Practicing Yoga Asanas
The Bodymind, Somatics, and Personal Choices in Health and Healing
The Essential Qualities of Asana Practice
- Sthira Sukham Asana: Steadiness, Ease, and Presence of Mind
- Tapas, Abhyasa, and Vairagya: Self-Disciplined Commitment, Perseverance, and Non-Attachment
- Ujjayi Pranayama: Basic Yogic Breathing
- Alignment Principles
- Energetic Actions
- Transitioning
Vinyasa Krama: Wise & Gradual Progression in Sequencing Actions

Chapter 21: Pranayama Practices

Introduction
The Discovery and Development of Pranayama
The Modern Science of Respiration
Cultivating Basic Breath Awareness
Refining the Flow of the Breath
- Puraka: The Inhalation
  - Diaphragmatic Inhalation
  - Coastal Inhalation
- Rechaka: The Exhalation
- Abdominal Exhalation
- Coastal Exhalation
- Ujjayi Pranayama: Basic Yogic Breathing
Deepening and Refining Pranayama Practices
- Vrtti Pranayama: Fluctualting Breath
  - Sama Vrtti Pranayama
  - Visama Pranayama
- Kumbhaka: Breath Retention
  - Antara Kumbhaka
  - Bahya Kumbhaka
- Viloma: Against the Grain
- Kapalabhati: Cultivating Light
- Bastrika: The Fiery Bellows Breath
- Sitala: Cooling Breath
- Anuloma and Pratiloma: Delicate Regulation of Breath
- Suryabheda: Stimulating Vitality
- Chandrabheda: Calming Energy
- Nadi Shodhana: Alternate Nostril Breathing
Consciously Cultivating Energy

Chapter 22: Meditation Practices

Introduction
Patanjali’s Isolation Path: Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana
Taking One Seat
Six Guided Mediation Techniques
- One: Breath as Mantra
- Two: Acoustical Mantra
- Three: Counting
- Four: Chakras
- Five: Light
- Six: Mala
When to Meditate
Meditating Amid the Body and Breath