This book by Dr. Desmarais is by all means a positive contribution in the field of Yoga, Indology and cognitive neurosciences. It covers Eastern and Western, ancient and modern, religion and metaphysics, psychology and epistemology, as well as the cultural heritage for these. The book is arranged in six chapters using our common concept of show as a metaphysical stage: getting ready for the show; entering the theatre; taking the stage; all the world as stage; following the plot; thickening of the plot; and finally, the lights come up. This has its source in the Samkhya metaphor of prakrti as analogous to a divine actor, on the world stage and in a cosmic drama. Another symbolic metaphor that comes before our mind is that of Ardhanarinatesvara of Lord Siva, depicted as the Cosmic divine Supreme actor endowed with half-female in his person. The reader, the spectator or audience member, symbolizes the Purusa of Samkhya and yoga. CONTENTS Acknowledgements, Foreword, Abbreviations, Introductions: Getting Ready for the Show, 1. Entering the Theatre 2. Taking the Stage 3. All the World's a Stage 4. Following the Plot 5. The Plot Thickens 6. Lights Up, References, Index
An excellent resource for teachers and students of yogasana, medical professionals, and bodywork practitioners, A Handbook for Yogasana Teachers presents novel aspects of physiology and neuroscience as they apply to the practice of yoga. If you have ever wondered why we do yogasana as we do, you will likely find the answers within these pages. Endorsements "A Handbook for Yogasana Teachers provides a lucid blending of Eastern and Western science that helps us understand the human body from both perspectives! It is a major contribution to both medicine and yoga." Rajvi Mehta, editor, Yoga Rahasya, Mumbai "This book is quite obviously the result of extensive thought and effort on the part of the author. It contains a wide range of information, blending present-day anatomy and physiology with knowledge of yoga from ancient texts." Dr. Shirley Telles, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation, Bangalore "There is a paucity of books such as this handbook ... I liked the colorful descriptions and stories interspersed throughout." Lois Steinberg, teacher and therapist, Iyengar Yoga Institute of Champaign-Urbana "The book is unique in its mixture of scientific explanation and practical application ... As a practicing Iyengar teacher with no medical background, I have had little choice but to accept the words of B. K. S. and Geeta Iyengar in their description of the effects and benefits of poses ... I have had no reason to doubt them, but when teaching students with a Western mind, it helps to present them with a 'scientific reason' why." Renata Cardinal, certified Iyengar yoga teacher, Watchung Yoga Arts Center, New Jersey "Mel Robin's labor of love has combined his knowledge of modern anatomy and physiology and traditional yoga beliefs (mostly in the Iyengar tradition) together with personal opinion and analysis based on years of teaching and practice within this tradition. By painstakingly collecting this material together, he has done a great service to the yoga community, especially those with an interest in yoga therapy and the intersection between yoga and Western medicine." Dr. Ruth Gilmore, faculty, Yoga Therapy Centre, London "A Handbook for Yogasana Teachers is useful for yoga teachers and serious yoga students who wish to bridge their understanding of Western and Eastern concepts. It may help practitioners of other Eastern methods of healing find ways to explain what they are doing to Western students or clients. Western doctors who want to understand Eastern healing methods will find the book extremely beneficial." Jessie Thompson, director, the Yoga Loft of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Yoga has evolved into a popular fitness practice across the globe. With the various schools of practice, it is imperative for practitioners to study both traditional texts and emerging scientific research in this area. Research-Based Perspectives on the Psychophysiology of Yoga is a unique reference source for the latest academic material on the physiological effects of yoga and cultivating a deeper understanding of yoga practice through the intersection of traditional texts and contemporary research. Including a range of topics such as occupational health, neurobiology, and women’s health, this book is ideally designed for professionals, practitioners, students, educators, and academics interested in the effects, challenges, and benefits of yoga practice.
The Cambridge Handbook of Consciousness is the first of its kind in the field, and its appearance marks a unique time in the history of intellectual inquiry on the topic. After decades during which consciousness was considered beyond the scope of legitimate scientific investigation, consciousness re-emerged as a popular focus of research towards the end of the last century, and it has remained so for nearly 20 years. There are now so many different lines of investigation on consciousness that the time has come when the field may finally benefit from a book that pulls them together and, by juxtaposing them, provides a comprehensive survey of this exciting field. An authoritative desk reference, which will also be suitable as an advanced textbook.
Stephen Parker has produced a profound explication of the psychological dimension of Yoga from the standpoint of classical Raja-yoga. I would recommend Clearing the Path for all students of Yoga and meditation who truly aspire to a deeper level of practice. - David Frawley
What goes on in the brain when we meditate? Are we biologically programmed to need religious and mystical experiences? Can the benefits of meditation be measured? In The Blissful Brain, Dr. Shanida Nataraja explores the extraordinary research that shows practices such as meditation, tai chi and yoga are not only helpful in reducing stress; they may actually be crucial for good health and optimal brain functioning. From the effects of meditation on blood pressure and depression to the latest insights from brain imaging studies, this book reveals the scientific evidence that proves meditative practices should be at the very heart of our healthcare system.
The Neuroscience of Yoga and Meditation presents a comprehensive review of scientific research on the effects of yoga and meditation on the brain. The author offers tools for interpreting scientific literature and explores the current limitations in studying these practices. She also includes examples of mediations and movement routines that activate the brain to decrease stress and improve well-being. The Neuroscience of Yoga and Meditation is a must-have for any yoga teacher, yoga therapist, or yoga student who is interested in how contemplative practices affect the brain. Topics Include: - Anatomy of the brain - How the senses work - Movement and proprioception - Breathing science - Styles of Meditation - Stress, inflammation, and trauma - Psychological disorders and neurological conditions - Brain Plasticity and aging
While yoga was originally intended to be practiced for spiritual growth, there is an increasing interest in applying yoga in all areas of life. It is important to understand this ancient science and way of life through as many perspectives as possible (e.g., based on biomedical engineering). As its popularity and interest grows, more practitioners want to know about the proven physiological effects and uses in healthcare. The Handbook of Research on Evidence-Based Perspectives on the Psychophysiology of Yoga and Its Applications provides research exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of yoga therapy and its physiological effects from diverse, evidence-based viewpoints. The book adds in-depth information regarding the (1) physiological effects of yoga; (2) neurobiological effects of yoga meditation; (3) psychological benefits related to yoga, such as mental wellbeing; (4) molecular changes associated with yoga practice; and (5) therapeutic applications (for lymphedema, mental health disorders, non-communicable diseases, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and trauma, among other conditions). Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as pain management, psychotherapy, and trauma treatment, this book is ideally designed for yoga practitioners, physicians, medical professionals, health experts, mental health professionals, therapists, counselors, psychologists, spiritual leaders, academicians, researchers, and students.
This book covers experimental theory and practice of yoga that have enhanced its neuroscientific understanding. This is an excellent handbook for the researchers in the field of evidence-based integrative health. It encompasses traditional and modern tools used in neuroscience. It also provides information for the modern biologists, physicians and policymakers, of how mind-body complexities in neuroscience, mental health and preventive healthcare can be useful for health and disease. It serves as a guide for integrative health practitioners, patients, educationists, philosophers, graduate students and faculty pursuing research in the field of biology, complimentary medicine, and other alternative therapies. The chapters in this book also serve as a comprehensive resource for clinical trials in Yoga. In addition, flow charts and illustrations have been provided to understand how healthy brain ageing can be achieved.
