Welcome to the page where we explore the importance of keeping your back healthy from the gross physical level to the subtle importance of the main energy channels and their effect in supporting a harmonious life.

Having an unhealthy back was the reason for my first coming to Yoga. Over the years I've used the many practices of postures, breathing and meditation to manage the various conditions that affect my spine. For me this is a lifetime sadhana. Through experiencing strains, bulging disks, Schuerman's disease and Marfan syndrome I've come to a very thorough experience and deep understanding of what can go wrong and how to manage it.

"This booklet helped me get well enough to be able to return to Yoga classes."

If you have any feeling of vulnerability in your back when contemplating (or maybe even doing!) Yoga practices, study what I have to offer here. This book is writen for you! It's written from experience and has helped hundreds of people already.

A teaching colleague told me that this is the book she recommends for people with "bad backs" who are not yet ready to "do Yoga". With the help of this book they get well enough to return to yoga classes with enough understanding and experience that they are less likely to injure themselves again.

It doesn't matter how able or unable you are, you will find practices that will be of benefit on many different levels - mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

This booklet has been updated and revised to include a section on the protocols for different back problems (scoliosis, slipped disc, etc.) plus photographs of all the recommended practices. It gives further details of the information presented in the workshop.

• how pain and injury occur
• the process of repair
• acute and chronic pain
• postural patterns and their implications for spinal health
• movements that benefit
• what to avoid
• the role of thoughts and feelings in back pain
• attitude and motivation

This 3rd Edition gives important information on

• aligning the pelvis
• pre-menstrual pain
• cerebrospinal flow

It makes an ideal accompaniment to the workshop, but is also useful on its own especially where you have experience of the Satyananda Yoga practices.

Extracts from the Book

"Exercises are done to address the structural problems in the joints and the spine as a whole. They can be therapeutic or preventative. They keep the muscles in good tone and prevent contraction so that the muscles can allow complete movement and lubrication of the joints."

"When we've gained insight into our thoughts and mental patterns, we can then use our minds in a positive and constructive way. Meditations specific to pranic flow, strengthening, healing of injured tissue and clearing away the toxins are easy to learn and powerful in speeding up and completing the healing process."

Order

This CD is recommended for all who wish to practice asana and pranayama to ease back pain. My voice guides you through gentle effective practices. You can select the tracks that work best for you to make up a daily practice. It works best when used with the booklet "Yoga and the Management of Back Pain".

N.B. If you have not attended the Workshop the guidance of a skilful teacher is recommended. Daily practice of Yoga Nidra and Meditation is strongly indicated too.

Order

TRACK 1
YOGA NIDRA FOR SPINAL HEALTH

Practiced lying comfortably you are taken on a relaxing journey around your body and then guided to focus on your head and spine. The flow of cerebrospinal fluids is enhanced and the increased awareness of skull and spine assist in their transformation and realignment. The spine is elongated and a clear pathway for awareness and prana to flow is created. This has direct benefit in any spinal problems and associated pain. It also helps develop awareness of the subtle spinal passage, assisting in future meditation practices.
(27 mins)

TRACK 2
YOGA NIDRA FOR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Used as a preventative or during any sickness or painful episodes, this practice uses resolve and visualisation of white light.
(30 mins)

Order

"The practices... have not only been a source of pain relief ... but have given them a way of discovering and experiencing their backs often for the first time... Clients have reported a huge reduction in pain ... some reporting their backs pain free for the first time in years!"
Joseph Stern, Yoga teacher, London

I am really enjoying your CD's and book they do help with my back pain. I feel that my back is strengthening and particularly where I had a fracture (compression - T12 - 1994) there is marked improvement - unless I do something to aggrivate (sic) it...

Of course the Yoga Nidra is my m-o-s-t favourite. No pain and lots of gain !

Rosie lee Avenir, Australia