{"product_id":"your-spine-your-yoga-9780968766552","title":"Your Spine Your Yoga","description":"\u003cb\u003eBook Synopsis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYour Spine, Your Yoga\u003c\/em\u003e is arguably the first book that looks at the spine fromboth the Western anatomical\/biomechanical pointof view and the modern yoga perspective. It is filled with detail, discussion, illustrations, and practicaladvice for spines of all types. This emphasis on variety is welcome and necessary: no two spines are exactlyalike, and no two people have the same biology and biography. What your spine is able to do may be vastlydifferent from what other yoga students' or teachers' spines can do.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe human spine is unique in itsstructure and function. Primarily, it provides stability through the core of our body, allowing forcesto be transmitted from the upper body (arms and shoulders) to the lower body (pelvis and legs) andvice versa. Secondarily, the spine allows tremendous range of movement. Unfortunately, in modern yogapractice we find the primacy of these two functions reversed, with flexibility prized over stability.This focus on spinal mobility comes at a grave cost to many students. Stability is lost, and when thathappens, dysfunction and pain often follow.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJust as all tissues and areas of the body need a healthyamount of stress to regain and maintain optimal health, so too our spine needs the appropriate levelsof stress to remain functional throughout our lives. How we choose to exercise the spine makes adifference, though. Knowing the way the spine is built, specifically, how \u003cem\u003eyour\u003c\/em\u003e spine is built, willallow you to tailor your exercises wisely to match your goals.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYour Spine, Your Yoga\u003c\/em\u003e is the secondbook in the \u003cem\u003eYour Body, Your Yoga series\u003c\/em\u003e and focuses on the axial body?the core, from the sacral complex,which includes the pelvis, sacrum, and sacroiliac joint, through the lumbar and thoracic segments ofthe spine, to the cervical complex, which includes the neck and head. The structural components ofeach segment are examined: from the bones, to the joints, ligaments, fascia, tendons, muscles, andeven the neurological and blood systems. The range and implications of human variations are presented,as well as the ways these variations may affect individual yoga practices. The sources of restrictionsto movement are investigated through answering the question What Stops Me? The answers presentedrun through a spectrum, beginning with various types of tensile resistance to three kinds of compressiveresistance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhether the reader is a novice to yoga, anatomy, or both, or a seasoned practitioner withan in-depth knowledge in these fields, this book will be valuable. For the novice, there are easilyunderstood illustrations and photographs, as well as sidebars highlighting the most important topics.For the anatomy geek, other sidebars focus on the complexity of the topic, with hundreds of referencesprovided for further investigation. For the yoga teacher, sidebars suggest how to bring this knowledgeinto the classroom. \u003cem\u003eYour Spine, Your Yoga\u003c\/em\u003e can be used as a resource when specific questions arise,as a textbook to be studied in detail, or as a fascinating coffee-table book to be browsed at leisurefor topics of current interest.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrade Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYour Body, Your Yoga\u003c\/em\u003e is not just an indispensable book—it’s a long-overdue paradigm shift, and Bernie Clark continues to lead the charge with his fantastic \u003cem\u003eYour Spine, Your Yoga\u003c\/em\u003e. By doing the heavy lifting of collecting, organizing and contextualizing a vast amount of anatomical information, Bernie has made an essential, enduring contribution to our field. I regularly and enthusiastically recommend his work to my students. — \u003cem\u003eLeslie Kaminoff – Co-author of Yoga Anatomy\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Rules of Alignment are wrong. Bernie’s books demonstrate that error in page after page of scientific detail. We need to replace these rules with a functional approach to yoga poses, and Bernie’s work shows us how to do that. The yoga community owes Bernie Clark a giant thank you for his years of work on this project. I sincerely believe his volumes have the potential to elevate our profession. — \u003cem\u003ePaul Grilley – Author of Anatomy for Yoga (DVD)\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In my teaching and practice of yoga therapy, I have come to believe in “the primacy of the spine.” It unites body and breath, is crucial in health and disease, and fascinated ancient yogis, who viewed it as the gateway to transformation. Bernie Clark’s comprehensive book on spinal anatomy, bringing together yoga and science, is smart, thoroughly researched and well written. I recommend it highly. — \u003cem\u003e Timothy McCall, MD – Author of Yoga as Medicine\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eEach time Bernie births another a book, I wonder how he could have more to say, as his last one was so thorough, and then voilà! A new gem is revealed with more in-depth areas to highlight.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cem\u003eYour Spine, Your Yoga\u003c\/em\u003e is another serious buffet of information that every yoga student will want to feast on, or at least reference. It is an educational manual with a systems orientation—a holistic yin\/yang view of the entire body. I particularly love the “It’s Important” sidebars. It is an anatomical and functional yoga manual I am so thankful to have, and I will highly recommend that others study and imbibe its insights for a safe, informed practice and teaching. — \u003cem\u003eSarah Powers, Co-founder of Insight Yoga Institute and Author of Insight Yoga\u003c\/em\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cb\u003eIt’s rare to come across a yoga book that’s thorough, practical and evidence based but also a genuine delight to read.\u003c\/b\u003eIn particular, I appreciate how Your Spine, Your Yoga is written from a perspective that’s solidly grounded in yoga, yet completely and refreshingly free of pseudoscience, and that it’s solidly grounded in science, yet not at all overwhelming. Bernie Clark has such a gift for making complex topics understandable, relatable and most importantly actually applicable to yoga teachers and practitioners. YSYY provided me with actionable tools that I was able to apply to my practice and teaching right away, and at the same time gave me lots to mull over and contemplate for what will likely be years to come.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  I also really liked the structure of the book. I found myself excitedly skipping ahead to many of the “Note to Teachers” and “It’s Important” sections because they were SO very thought-provoking. Ultimately, YSYY invites teachers and students to question our preconceived notions about anatomy and alignment and reminds us that there’s always more to learn. It totally squashes the dangerous and discouraging myth of universal, one-size-fits-all alignment and should absolutely be a staple in teacher training programs of all styles. — \u003cem\u003eKat Heagberg, Editor in Chief, Yoga International\u003c\/em\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cb\u003eThis book is a treasure. I am frankly full of admiration for Clark’s accomplishment, and I am grateful to have this resource open on my desk.\u003c\/b\u003e It is an impressive addition to the \u003cem\u003eYour Body, Your Yoga\u003c\/em\u003e series, the first book of which was monumental in its own right. Clark dives deeply into the “axial body” in this volume and demonstrates a scope of mastery over his subject matter. His understanding of anatomy is rooted in basic principles that I appreciate as essential to my own work, and which he delivers with particular relevance to the yoga community.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  Clark understands the context of human anatomy and the reality of continuity, while deftly taking on the variability of our human body. This book is filled with fascinating information yet does not fall into the trap of weighing you down with information for its own sake. He conveys the importance of starting with the uniqueness that is “somebody,” as opposed to the average that is literally “no body.” Then he applies this principle throughout to the teaching practice of yoga instructors, in this instance around issues pertaining to the stability and function of the axial body.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  I have no doubt that those who spend time with this volume will find their work with students becomes safer, with injuries avoided, and more efficacious, fulfilling the intentions for which the practice of yoga is adopted. — \u003cem\u003eGil Hedley, Ph.D., Producer of The Integral Anatomy Series\u003c\/em\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cb\u003eExcellently researched and chock full of detailed information, this book contains everything that you could want to know about the spine and its surrounding structures.\u003c\/b\u003e Bernie has a rare gift for making even the densest anatomical information engaging, relevant and accessible. I've been studying anatomy for years, and this book contains a multitude of insights that have changed the way I see my students and teach asana. —  \u003cem\u003eRachel Scott, Educational Designer, Teacher and Writer\u003c\/em\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cb\u003eAll our students agree: you become a better teacher by reading Bernie’s books.\u003c\/b\u003e He speaks directly to us, explaining mind-blowing science with simplicity and clarity, and offering tips and advice with wisdom and compassion. This book is incomparable. A rare gem. — \u003cem\u003eAnat Geiger, Senior Yoga Teacher Trainer\u003c\/em\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cb\u003eA must-read for all movement practitioners and educators!\u003c\/b\u003e YSYY showcases Bernie’s meticulous research and analysis into bone morphology, explained succinctly with functional application to yoga and movement. — \u003cem\u003eJo Phee, Senior Yoga Teacher Trainer\u003c\/em\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cb\u003eWith a knife-sharp analytical and scientific eye,\u003c\/b\u003e combined with a light sense of humor, this wonderful and rich study contains practical explanations, many functional illustrations and different perspectives on how we can practice and teach yoga in a safe and holistic way. — \u003cem\u003eMagdalena Mecweld, Creator of the Yin Yoga App and Author of Serenity Yin Yoga: Rest Yourself to a Calm Mind and Healthy Body\u003c\/em\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cb\u003eBernie Clark has done it again.\u003c\/b\u003e This is a masterpiece, bordering on the miraculous. Like your favorite professor at university, Clark will adeptly walk you through an elaborate anatomical journey that includes scientific consensus and controversy. And with each step, your knowledge will expand, be challenged and grow. YSYY deserves to be read and reread, again and again. — \u003cem\u003eJosh Summers, Co-author of The Power of Mindfulness, Host of the Podcast Everyday Sublime – Shedding Light on Yin Yoga and Meditation\u003c\/em\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cb\u003e“Comprehensive” is the word that springs to mind\u003c\/b\u003e while poring over YSYY. It is truly a breath of fresh air to read a work on safe and effective practices of yoga that recognizes, rather than attempts to violate, the laws of nature. Scaling laws and how body size affects safety in headstands are two of the many knockout evidence-based propositions in this book. A resource for self-practice, a guide for yoga teachers or a practical manual for teacher trainings, YSYY invites critical inquiry in a very organized, readable yet exhaustive study of the axial body. — \u003cem\u003eDaniel Clement, Director, Open Source Yoga School\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTable of Contents\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable of Contents for \u003cem\u003eYour Spine, Your Yoga\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Gratitude\u003cbr\u003e How to read this book\u003cbr\u003e Preface\u003cbr\u003e Foreword\u003cbr\u003e Summary of key concepts\u003cbr\u003e Intentions\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 1: The axial body\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Overview of the axial body \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAxial landmarks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpinal segments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVariations of the spine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCurves of the spine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePosture perfect?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBones of the axis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLigaments and fascia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMovements of the spine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe kinds of stress in the spine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpinal nerves and neurodynamics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e Overview summary\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 2: The sacral complex\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eForm\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe architecture of the sacral complex\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBones and cartilage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJoints and ligaments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMuscles of the sacral complex\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFascial trains of the sacral complex\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eFunction: Application in yoga postures\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNormal ranges of motion within the sacral complex\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStressing and supporting the sacroiliac joint in yoga postures\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNormal ranges of motion of the whole sacral complex\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e Sacral complex summary\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 3: The lumbar segment\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eForm\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe architecture of the lumbar segment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe bones of the lumbar segment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAxial fascia and muscles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLumbar and thoracic muscles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eFunction: application in yoga postures\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNormal ranges of motion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSources of tension\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSources of compression\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVariation in ranges of motion for flexion and extension\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYoga and the lumbar spine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e The lumbar spine summary\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eThe thoracic spinal segment\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eForm\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe architecture of the thoracic spine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe bones of the thorax\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJoints and ligaments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThoracic fascia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThoracic muscles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eFunction: application in yoga postures\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNormal ranges of motion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSources of tension\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSources of compression\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVariation in ranges of motion for twists and side bends\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBiomechanics of the breath and its variations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e Thoracic spine summary\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eThe Cervical Complex\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eForm\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Architecture of the cervical spine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe bones of the cervical complex\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJoints and ligaments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMuscles of the cervical complex\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFascia of the cervical complex\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eFunction: application in yoga postures\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNormal ranges of motion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMovements and their restrictions: tensions and compressions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVariation in ranges of motion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e Cervical spine summary\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eVolume 3: Summary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eMajor Sidebars\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIt’s important\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The flaw of averages\u003cbr\u003e The myth of the static ideal\u003cbr\u003e Where is the neutral spine?\u003cbr\u003e The myth of the static ideal\u003cbr\u003e What does \"stable\" mean?\u003cbr\u003e Early morning yoga and yoga after sitting\u003cbr\u003e Stress, stretch, flexibility, mobility and hypermobility\u003cbr\u003e Defining some terms\u003cbr\u003e Yoga poses, sitting postures and sleeping position can overstretch nerves\u003cbr\u003e Yoga and the sacral complex\u003cbr\u003e In standing yoga postures, should we tuck the tailbone?\u003cbr\u003e Defining the core muscles\u003cbr\u003e Stiffness and stability\u003cbr\u003e Our orientation to gravity affects the amount of stress on the spine\u003cbr\u003e Different yoga postures stress the vertebral discs in different ways\u003cbr\u003e Avoid twisting the spine when it is flexed or extended and under load\u003cbr\u003e For deeper backbends, relax the extensor muscles!\u003cbr\u003e Bracing and Spacing\u003cbr\u003e Building endurance\u003cbr\u003e Of bent knees and straight spines\u003cbr\u003e Maintaining our vital capacity as we age\u003cbr\u003e Slowing the breath is better than deepening the breath\u003cbr\u003e Galileo, scaling laws and Headstand\u003cbr\u003e The vertebral arteries\u003cbr\u003e As you get older, be careful of weight bearing neck movements!\u003cbr\u003e Returning the head to neutral\u003cbr\u003e Shoulder stand—a high risk, low reward posture\u003cbr\u003e Headstand—a high risk, low reward posture\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIt’s complicated\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Statistics\u003cbr\u003e Approximation and Distraction\u003cbr\u003e Shear is stressful\u003cbr\u003e Naming the nerves and their routes\u003cbr\u003e The sciatic nerve\u003cbr\u003e Force closure and form closure\u003cbr\u003e Details of the sacrum\u003cbr\u003e The perineum\u003cbr\u003e The ways the sacrum moves\u003cbr\u003e Does the sacrum nutate or counternutate in backbends?\u003cbr\u003e Is it possible to therapeutically adjust the sacrum?\u003cbr\u003e Changing the alignment of your hips before twisting\u003cbr\u003e Snaps, cracks and pops—noisy sacrum\u003cbr\u003e Lumbar lordosis in sports\u003cbr\u003e Variations between the lumbar vertebrae\u003cbr\u003e The spines of contortionists\u003cbr\u003e Deep fascia and aponeuroses\u003cbr\u003e The strength and stiffness of the spinal ligaments\u003cbr\u003e A functional view of the erector spinae\u003cbr\u003e The strength of the back muscles\u003cbr\u003e How can our spines lift heavy loads?\u003cbr\u003e How much stress can our spines tolerate?\u003cbr\u003e Variations of the thoracic vertebrae\u003cbr\u003e The diaphragm pulls and pushes on the heart\u003cbr\u003e Membranes and ligaments between the skull and neck\u003cbr\u003e Coupled movements\u003cbr\u003e The neck does not move as one unit\u003cbr\u003e Whiplash and sports trauma\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eNote to teachers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Learning to sense the spine\u003cbr\u003e To hinge or not to hinge?\u003cbr\u003e A philosophy for counterposes\u003cbr\u003e Moola bandha and Kegel exercises\u003cbr\u003e Can you feel relative movements of the ilia or of the sacrum?\u003cbr\u003e Stress, twists and the sacroiliac joint\u003cbr\u003e Don’t be fooled by the apparent curve in the lower back!\u003cbr\u003e We cannot isolate and activate individual muscles\u003cbr\u003e Watch your students!\u003cbr\u003e Keep watching your students!\u003cbr\u003e A flat back does not create a neutral spine\u003cbr\u003e Strengthening the bones of the spine\u003cbr\u003e Combatting hyperkyphosis\u003cbr\u003e Sometimes it is okay to do only one side of a pose!\u003cbr\u003e Variation in breast size will affect some women’s yoga practice\u003cbr\u003e Movement can enhance breath, breath can enhance movement—sometimes!\u003cbr\u003e Jalandhara bandha\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWeb appendices\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Measuring the curves of the spine\u003cbr\u003e Body size and spinal curves\u003cbr\u003e Orientation of the facets\u003cbr\u003e Creep and counterposes\u003cbr\u003e Thickness of the discs and vertebral bodies\u003cbr\u003e Hypermobility and Yin Yoga\u003cbr\u003e Spinal biotensegrity\u003cbr\u003e Variations in the shapes and sizes the auricular area of the sacroiliac joint\u003cbr\u003e Pelvic parameters and variations\u003cbr\u003e Accessory joints of the sacral complex\u003cbr\u003e Myofascial meridians\u003cbr\u003e Sacral, low back and neck pain and problems\u003cbr\u003e Moment arms, torque and force\u003cbr\u003e Wedging of the vertebrae and discs\u003cbr\u003e Alignment of the spinous processes\u003cbr\u003e Prying open the anterior discs in deep backbends\u003cbr\u003e The thoracolumbar fascial train\u003cbr\u003e More on the strength of the spinal ligaments\u003cbr\u003e Folding forward with arms overhead increases stress in the spine\u003cbr\u003e Axial rotation and lateral flexion can create flexion and extension\u003cbr\u003e How yoga affects our blood chemistry\u003cbr\u003e Other anterior neck muscles\u003cbr\u003e Muscles of the face and jaw\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Wild Strawberry","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48885120368983,"sku":"9780968766552","price":19.79,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0817\/1739\/5799\/files\/9780968766552.jpg?v=1722535001","url":"https:\/\/bookcurl.com\/products\/your-spine-your-yoga-9780968766552","provider":"Book Curl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}