Does Yoga Work? Answers from Science

"This book is a must-read for all who teach and practice yoga, and for those responsible for health policy. Terrific!"
Tiffany Cruikshank, Founder of Yoga Medicine®“

"After 40 years of practising and studying yoga full-time I thought there wasn’t much left to learn. I was wrong- Indispensable!"
Gregor Maehle, Author of "Ashtanga Yoga: Philosophy & Practice", Mystic and Teaher

"I don’t know of any book that provides such informative examples and concise summaries of a vast amount of research, while clearly explaining the processes of science, and including important messages from researchers and clinicians".
Neil Pearson, Canadian leader in pain management, Author and Yoga Therapist.

Does Yoga Work?
This illustrated, accessible summary presents up-to-date scientific evidence on the benefits and risks of yoga practice. Answers to important questions are presented in a conversational but objective manner.
Does yoga work for chronic pain? for depression? for helping to relieve PMS and menopausal symptoms?
To invert or not during menstruation? Does yoga really help with diseases like cancer or cardiac disease?
What postures are safe during pregnancy?
Does yoga help us breathe better?

A treasure trove of information, quotes and stories makes this essential reading for yoga teachers, therapists, students and practitioners, as well as for researchers, health care providers and policy makers with an interest in yoga.

Important takeaways are presented in an easy-to-read, digestible format.
Key points, stories from practitioners, evidence-based summary points, fun illustrations and the oodles of quotations–make it accessible. There is also an opportunity to meet some of the "Faces Behind the Figures" - short biographies of some of the academics who have dedicated their lives to the scientific study of yoga.

Each chapter ends with "Tips for Teachers & Therapists" and "Tips for Students" for particular issues (e.g. diabetes, children, PTSD, etc.) gleaned from the author's careful reading of the evidence available, which comprise an invaluable resource for informed decision making, both in the teaching and practice of yoga.

This user-friendly and long overdue addition to the scientific literature on yoga for a general audience is a must for anyone who wants to know “Does Yoga Work?”.

From reading this text the reader will gain:·
* Answers to the question “Does Yoga Work?”, what it works for and an idea of how it works·
* A healthy scepticism on claims about yoga·
* Confidence that the path they have chosen (or are thinking of taking up) is based on facts about potential health benefits·
* An understanding of how science can help us validate that yoga may be beneficial for both preventing and alleviating many ailments·
* Inspiration to do their own research and fact-checking

The author, Mary Flaherty, PhD, has had a life-long dual passion for both science and yoga. As an academic she has worked at universities in Europe, Japan and Australia. She is a dedicated science communicator, writer, psychologist and yoga teacher. She has also drawn the illustrations and cartoons which bring the data to life.

With an optional package available from doesyogawork.com teachers, therapists and trainees can gain certification for 20 hours of professional development in the science of yoga.

Does Yoga Work?- Read and find out!