Description
Book SynopsisYoga has become increasingly popular in mainstream culture, with varied interpretations of how it should be taught and practiced, and increased awareness of its beneficial effects as a healing modality. As a result, yoga therapy has emerged as an effective alternative approach to health and wellness. Explaining the principles and underpinning ideas presented by the yoga therapy movement, James Foulkes identifies the methods leading to the most effective practice.
Applying a principles-based approach, he explores the concept of delivering yoga therapeutically and discusses more complete ways of thinking about anatomy and the wholeness of the human being, using theories, illustrations, and case studies. Yoga therapy practitioners will learn to improve their work and more effectively support their clients.
Trade ReviewThis concise, considered, and informative book makes a valuable contribution to the library of Yoga Therapists. This book not only applies to Yoga therapists. It also gives a timely reminder to all yoga teachers, of the power and efficacy of the processes at their disposal, and given the tools, highlights the potential for healing and transformation on all levels. -- John Stirk, Yoga Teacher, Osteopath, Author of The Original Body
James has developed an understanding of yoga (from working with me) and combined this with his study in kung fu, qi gong and cranial sacral therapy. This book provides a fresh view all of his own. Certainly those who combine yoga with other therapeutic modalities will find this perspective refreshing. -- Diane Long, author of Notes on Yoga: The Legacy of Vanda Scaravelli
A wonderful container of knowledge in which practitioner and client can explore how best to use the tools of yoga. Offering practical guidance and inspiration throughout, we are reminded of how healing comes from within and how it is possible to live from a balanced state of being in the natural fluid ease of our bodies. -- Liz Warrington, Yoga Teacher, Cranial Sacral Therapist
By exploring the yoga therapy process and integrating all parts of the experience, James' approach allows for a natural integration. This creates a calming for both body and mind, which is truly transformative for the individual. -- Larry Drell, MD, American Psychiatric Association/American Medical Association and Founder & Medical Director of the Optimum Health Institute
James Foulkes has written a very useful book in the fast developing field of therapeutic yoga. He skilfully weaves his own astute insights into well-tried and tested methodology. -- Peter Blackaby, Yoga Teacher, Osteopath, Author of Intelligent Yoga - Re-educating Mind and Body
Foulkes deftly interweaves his western, scientific understanding of anatomy with Eastern wisdom about the mind and body relationship to create an accessible guide to using yoga therapeutically for the whole person (...) this book is a helpful reminder of the holistic nature of our health and well-being and provides plenty of food for thought from both a yogic and a counselling perspective (...) Foulkes' awareness and use of and the transpersonal relationship within the healing process is remarkable and often missing from books dealing with physical health (...) this book is a unique work, which provides both a practical guide and profound insight into the psychological freedom that can be found when we place attention on and trust in our bodies. -- Miriam Christie * The Counsellor's Cafe *
This is an excellent book that explains the principles and underpinning ideas presented by the yoga therapy movement and identifying the methods leading to the most effective practice. Foulkes explores the concept of delivering yoga therapeutically and discusses more complete ways of thinking about anatomy and the wholeness of the human being using theories, illustrations and case studies so practitioners will learn to improve their work more effectively to suport their clients. Highly recommended. -- Yoga Magazine
Table of ContentsForeword. 1. The Intention For This Book. 2. A Brief History of Yoga Therapy. 3. My Branch of The Yoga Tree and Scope of Practice. 4. Integrative Living Anatomy. 5. How to Use This Book. PRINCIPLES & THEMES. 6. What is a Principle/Theme? 7. Breath. 8. Centering. 9. Creating the Conditions. 10. Effortlessness. 11. Elasticity and Tension. 12. Feeling Connections. 13. Generating Aliveness. 14. Ground and Gravity. 15. Lightness. 16. Rhythm and Timing. 17. Space. 18. Our Fluid Selves. 19. The Importance of Squatting and Kneeling. 20. Time, Focus and Attention. CLIENT SKILLS. 21. Client Skills. 22. Communication and Learning Styles. 23. Emotional Balance and the Nervous System. 24. Language in Yoga Therapy. 25. The Therapeutic Journey. 26. Working with Clients in Pain. 27. Practitioner Self-Care. 28. Beyond Asana. Appendix 1. Cranial-Sacral Therapy. Bibliography. Glossary.
