Description

Library Journal (02/15/2008):
Fishman (medicine, Columbia Univ.) and yoga instructor/massage therapist Saltonstall combine their respective expertise to good effect in this useful, instructive book providing essential information about the practice of yoga and how yoga’s concepts relate to the condition of arthritis. In this way, they arm arthritis sufferers with the knowledge necessary to begin the proper practice of yoga. The authors start with an easy-to-understand explanation of the affected anatomy and a brief history of yogic philosophy. They then clearly describe various asanas, or poses, meant to enhance flexibility and range of motion. After some general-purpose “All-Star” poses, remaining poses are organized anatomically (e.g., hands and wrists, knees, spine), with some repeated in other chapters. Modifications appear for various levels of ability, and photographs and illustrations clearly depict proper alignment. The physiological details and many features of the pose instructions (e.g., purpose, contraindications) make this one of the more thorough and well-written yoga guides currently in print. Highly recommended for public and academic/medical libraries.Elaine M. Lasda Bergman, SUNY at Albany/Healthcare Assn. of New York State, Rensselaer Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Publisher Marketing:
Arthritis restricts movement; yoga increases range of motion: these two were made for each other. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in this country, limiting everyday activities for more than seven million Americans. Drugs, surgeries, and steroids can alleviate some of the discomforts, but study after study has shown that exercise is most beneficial to most forms of arthritis, specifically low-impact, flexibility-enhancing exercises hence, yoga. In this comprehensive and thoroughly illustrated guide, Loren Fishman and Ellen Saltonstall, who between them have seven decades of clinical experience, help readers understand arthritis and give a spectrum of exercises for beginners and experts. Broken down into chapters focusing on each major joint, there are 100 classical yoga poses and numerous imaginative and physiologically sound adapted poses, all with step-by-step instructions and easy-to-follow photo demonstrations. The authors welcome readers into the philosophy and principles of yoga and show how to use yoga to find lasting relief from arthritis.