Yoga Therapy for Arthritis

4 reviews for Yoga Therapy for Arthritis

1. 

   nancyobrien – December 20, 2024

   Comprehensive and Inspiring
   For anyone living with arthritis or caring for or working to support them in adjusting to their often changing symptoms, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.It can be a reference for so many stages of arthritis and its many related conditions — during acute and chronic phases, being informational and inspirational. For the folks living with arthritis and pain, Steffany Moonaz’s compassion and steadying advice on being safe yet confident in being able to deal with the challenges come through in the chapters on adapting yoga to the conditions, with lots of clear and accessible yoga poses and relaxation practices to try out (with pictures!). For yoga teachers and therapists, there is no one more experienced or clear in safely imparting the basics and profound subtleties that open yoga’s door to people with arthritis and medical challenges. Steffany’s passion and experience in developing and researching and training teachers in this field and her work with many people dealing with these conditions not only informs the book, but also makes very clear the ability and importance of yoga and meditation and relaxation and yoga’s compassionate, in-the-moment philosophy for people with arthritis and pain and stress-related autoimmune conditions as well.As if that was not enough to make this a must have book for folks with arthritis and those who work with them, the stories she tells of individuals who have struggled and been supported — even transformed — by various yogic practices touch our hearts and minds. Readers will see themselves in this book and be inspired by what they see. In the course of their often life-long conditions — or their efforts to help people with the conditions — they will find themselves returning again and again to the pages for the information and that inspiration that can make the difference between being defeated or being compassionate in the face of these challenges.

2. 

   otyoga – December 20, 2024

   A joy to read and share!
   I have been savoring this book for expanding my own knowledge and approaches as a yoga therapist, and sharing many of the explanations and practices with my students. The book is very readable, with explorations of the deeper aspects of yoga philosophy which are accessible to the average yoga student as well as to the experienced health professional. Some yoga books are targeted at consumers and therefore too basic for health professionals. Dr. Steffany Moonaz’ book reflects her dedication as a yoga therapist and researcher who collaborates closely with rheumatologists and other medical specialists, while keeping her focus and wording accessible to the novice yoga practitioner. As an occupational therapist, I appreciate some specific suggestions she makes for students discussing potential yoga practice with their physicians and therapists. I recommend this book to my therapeutic yoga students who have arthritis, for those with other chronic health conditions, and to yoga practitioners who would like to enhance their understanding of yoga on all levels. I recommend this book for health professionals so they may guide their patients and clients in finding appropriate yoga classes and teachers/ therapists. Steffany Moonaz is truly a bridgebuilder between the healthcare professions and yoga students!The illustrated practices and the suggestions for specific intentions such as home practice are excellent. There is an extensive resource list, and end notes with impressive research studies. I have two suggestions for improvement: labeling the figures of the poses and referring to them in the text so the reader could refer back and forth seamlessly, and including an index of terms to allow readers to search for a specific concern. That said, I truly enjoyed the logical and intuitive flow of the book and I recommend it without hesitation!

3. 

   kj stec – December 20, 2024

   Lucid Life-Changer
   Prior to reading this book, I have been a teacher in the Yoga 4 Arthritis program. I have seen how the evidence-based course of action described in the book effectively improves the quality of life of participants: better moods, improved movement, heightened self-confidence. Besides a focus on the postures, however, this book takes the subject much deeper, although never to a murky level. The Pancamaya Kosha model explored by Dr. Moonaz may seem exotic to Western thought, but it lies at the absolute base of authentic Yoga practice. Unfortunately, so many mainstream Yoga classes in the West do not address these more expansive levels. In this book, traditional and profound Yogic insights relating to body, energy, mind are laid out in practical and mesmerizing fashion. The reader/student (and teacher/therapist), through practice, may come to experience a fulfilling idea of ‘self’ beyond the limitation and restriction often imposed by current Western thought of arthritic conditions. Not that Western styles of treatment are ‘knocked’ here. Far from it. But Yoga is presented as a practice complementary to any healthcare model the reader may be concurrently involved. There is no promised cure. This healing guide highlights a strong and tested program that, through practice, supports an expansive, richly rewarding lifestyle, living with what is. Also, the principles can readily be applied to situations outside of the focus of this book. For this reason, Yoga Therapy for Arthritis: A Whole-Person Approach to Movement and Lifestyle, will extend its appeal to a broader readership, one looking to explore the heart of their practice.

4. 

   UMich Mom – December 20, 2024

   Highly recommend this book/author
   This book was written by the most knowledgeable person I’ve ever met when it comes to arthritis and the practice of yoga. I also recommend taking her online Yoga for Arthritis class. I’m in the middle of it right now and couldn’t be more impressed!!! BIG FAN OF DR. STEFFANY MOONAZ!!!