Editors' Introduction xi
Foreword xiv
Author's Introduction xvii

1. Yoga and Personal Reintegration 3
Why Yoga for Personal Reintegration? 3
The Yogic Approach to Personal Reintegration 4
The Problem: Mind—The Source of Misperception 5
The Solution: The Practice of Yoga 12
Aspects of Personal Reintegration 21

2. Asana—The Role of the Body in Personal Reintegration 23
The Core Principles of Reintegration Asana 24
Practice Guidelines 27
Putting the Principles Into Practice 31

3. The Asanas 47
Complete List of Asanas 48
Samasthiti (Standing Pose) 53
Parshva Uttanasana (Asymmetrical Forward Bend) 56
Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend) 60
Ardha Uttanasana (Half Forward Bend) 66
Ardha Utkatasana (Chair) 68
Utthita Trikonasana (Triangle) 70
Virabhadrasana (Warrior) 75
Adhomukha Shvanasana (Downward Dog) 78
Sukhasana (Easy Pose) 80
Vajrasana (Thunderbolt) 83
Paschimatanasana (Seated Forward Bend) 85
Maha Mudra 88
Dvipada Pitham (Desk) 90
Urdhva Prasrita Padasana (Leg Raises) 92
Chakravakasana (Sunbird) 95
Bhujangasana (Cobra) 97
Shalabhasana (Locust) 100
Jathara Parivritti (Lying Twist) 103
Apanasana (Knees to Chest) 106
Shavasana (Relaxation Pose) 108

4. Viparita Karani—Inversion 109
The Philosophy of Inversion 109
The Psychology of Inversion 110
The Concept of Inversion 111
Practical Aspects of Inversion 112
Viparita Karani (Half Shoulderstand) 114
Shalamba Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand) 117
Shalamba Shirshasana (Headstand) 118

5. Vinyasa Krama—Sequencing and Adaptation 125
The Importance of Vinyasa Krama 125
1. Preparation 126
2. Balancing Postures 136
3. Rest 141
4. Ending Your Practice 143
Sequencing for Individual Needs 144
Considerations in Sequence Planning 152

6. Pranayama—The Role of Breath in Personal Reintegration 159
The Removal of Impurities 160
Conscious Breathing 162
The Nature of the Breath 163
The Qualities of Correct Pranayama 171
Physical Prerequisites for Practice 174
Some General Guidelines for Pranayama Practice 176
Notes of Caution 178
Bandhas 179
The Use of Sound in Pranayama 180

7. Meditation 181
The Process of Meditation 181
Prerequisites 183
Stages of Meditation 185
Additional Notes on Meditation 186

8. Yoga Therapy 189
Traditional Yogic Perspectives on Health and Disease 189
Yoga Therapy: A Therapy Without Medicine, A Surgery Without Tools 192
Yoga Therapy: An Individualized Approach 194
The Yogic Approach to Restoration of Balance 196
Diagnostic Principles of Yoga Therapy 198
General Guidelines in Practicing Yoga Therapy 201
Responsibilities of the Teacher Therapist 201
Practical Guidelines for Yoga Therapy 204
Specific Applications of Yoga Therapy: Two Sample Case Studies 207
A Final Caution: The Misuses of a Yoga Practice 210

Epilogue 213
About the Author 214
Contact Information 215
Index 217