Yoga for Stress Relief by Swami Shivapremananda
Providing step-by-step illustrated instructions, this book demonstrates the appropriate positions (asanas), breathing exercises and meditations for the relief and prevention of stress. The techniques are equally suitable for beginners and more experienced practitioners of yoga. A companion volume to "Massage for Pain Relief", the book provides a structured programme of activity, combined with detailed illustrations to assist home practice or to complement a course of tuition. Part one, "The Fundamentals of Stress", examines the psychological roots of stress and the physiology of stress. Part two, "The Management of Stress", presents the three-month programme for stress prevention, with six yoga sessions, each demonstrating new yoga exercises to practice for two weeks. The first fortnight opens with a series of stretches to loosen the body and prepare for the build-up to the more vigorous and demanding exercises of the final weeks. A practice chart for quick visual reference makes the book easy to use while moving through the positions. Part three, "Overcoming Ailments", discusses each ailment and how it arises. It gives suggestions for the postures, breathing and meditation exercises that treat specific conditions, from hypertension to digestive disorders, anxiety to insomnia.