Yoga as Therapeutic Exercise

Forewords

Preface

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1 Introduction to Yoga

A short overview of the history of Yoga

Yoga and health

Aims to be achieved through practice and principles underlying the exercise approach

Research on therapeutic yoga

What anatomy teaches for the performance of yoga exercises

Final considerations

Chapter 2 Mindful exercising

Theories of mindfulness

Teaching mindfulness and mindful exercising

Chapter 3 Diagnosis

General considerations about diagnosis and testing

Tests of our aims of exercising

Exercise and pain

Contraindications

Chapter 4 Motivation and cognitive-behavioural intervention strategies

General considerations

Practical measures

Chapter 5 Preparatory practice for the yoga art of breathing

General introduction

Basic anatomy and physiology of respiration

Preparation for Pranayama, the yoga art of breathing

Chapter 6 The basic exercises

General introduction: basic exercises

Basic exercises for the lumbar spine

Basic exercises for the thoracic cage and ribs

Basic exercises for the thoracic spine

Basic exercises for the shoulder girdle and the cervicohoracic junction

Basic exercises for the cervical spine, head, and temporomandibular joint

Basic exercises for elbows, wrists and hands

Basic exercises for the pelvis

Basic exercises for the hips

Basic exercises for the knees

Basic exercises for the feet

Chapter 7 Selected asanas for integrating the aims and principles

Introduction

Selected asanas

Combinations and sequencing of asanas

Chapter 8 Yoga in everyday life

Introduction

Selections from basic practice that are suitable to be integrated in many areas and situations

Examples for integrating the spirit and the practice of yoga into everyday life

Conclusion

Afterword

Index