Description

Experience the “rest” of your life with restorative yoga, the supported poses and breathing practices that will help you heal the effects of chronic stress. In “Relax and Renew, ” the first book exclusively devoted to this work, you’ll find:
in-depth guidance in Basic Relaxation Pose (Savasana), the heart of restorative practice, as well as the Centering Breath
a general restorative sequence that explores backbends, an inverted posture, a twist, cooling forward bends, and a variation of Basic Relaxation Pose (Savasana)
sequences for busy days, including a fifteen-minute practice, yoga at your desk, and the Totally Invisible Relaxation
programs for back pain, headaches, insomnia, jet lag, and breathing problems
a special section for women during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause
a guide to props: what they are, where they go, how to fold and roll blankets, and around-the-house alternatives
resources: where to find a yoga teacher, as well as recommended books, magazines, newsletters, audio programs, props, yoga vacations

“I welcome this book to our anxious and weary world. We all need the wisdom it contains. . .. Restorative yoga has been helpful for my patients with diverse conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, high blood pressure, asthma, migraine and tension headaches, stress-related diseases, chronic fatigue, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer.”

—Mary Pullig Schatz, M.D.
From the “Foreword”
Author of Back Care Basics

“In Relax and Renew, Judith lasater writes with insight and clarity about a subject she loves: restorative yoga. These techniques will help you ease stress and live well.”

—Dean Ornish, M.D.
Judith Lasater is one of our country’s master yoga teachers. Her primer is a much-needed addition to the books that truly help women prepare their bodies, minds, and spirits for the potentially transformative journey of birthing and mothering. And transformation is what it’s all about, isn’t it!

—Suzanne Arms, author of Immaculate Deception

“This book can help anyone develop and deepen the practice of yoga, and use it in the work of healing not only one’s body, but one’s life. The detailed recommendations for practicing the various postures are extremely valuable. Restorative yoga can be a gateway to deep relaxation and the cultivation of mindfulness. Enter, enter!”

—Jon Kabat Zinn, Ph.D.

“Relaxation is the key to yoga and to wholesome living. Dr. Judith Lasater’s Relax and Renew makes an immensely valuable contribution to the existing literature. It is practical, precise, and refreshingly sound. I consider it essential reading for all yoga teachers, physical therapists, and anyone wishing to remove tension from the body and mind and restore energy and joy.”

— Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D.