The Woman's Book of Yoga and Health Review

This book is written by long-time yoga practitioner Linda Sparrowe in conjunction with Patricia Walden, a world-renowned yogi. They have created a unique manual on health and wellness throughout the lifespan which is designed specifically for women. Although the main focus is on yoga sequences, the book also includes general information on various health-related issues faced by women as well as tips and strategies for maintaining health.

The book is organized into sections which correspond to each phase of a woman's life. For example, Part Two, The Time of Awakening, is geared towards teenaged/young adult women and focuses on menstrual health and immune system support, whereas the final section, Wisdom from the Heart, is designed with older women in mind and concentrates on minimizing post-menopausal symptoms and other similar conditions. Although each section does have an intended age audience, women of all ages are likely to find something of use in every chapter--for example, a younger woman struggling with depression might benefit from the depression chapter geared to postpartum women, whereas an older woman who suffers from headaches could obtain assistance from the "Relieving Headaches" chapter written as part of the Coming Into Fullness section. There are also three general yoga sequences at the start of the book which are intended for all women; these sequences revolve around essential, energizing, and restorative themes.

Beginning yoga practitioners will find the short introduction on how to use the book to be helpful. Patricia Walden's training is in Iyengar yoga, which means that she utilizes a variety of props to make the poses more accessible. Props are particularly recommended for restorative postures, as they allow you to relax more fully into the pose. Easy-to-understand, detailed instructions and clear, precise photographs are used to describe every yoga pose. Many of the poses also include information about positive effects, potential modifications, and any cautions. Some sequences detail shorter practices with only 6 or so postures included, but others offer longer practices of up to 26 postures.

This book is appropriate for female yogis of all levels, from beginning to advanced (although I should note that many of the sequences include headstand and/or shoulderstand, postures that shouldn't be attempted by beginners without the aid of a yoga instructor). The book would make a wonderful gift for any woman with an interest in wellness issues, and I highly recommend it!

Product Description
This book will help women of all ages deepen their understanding of how to adapt yoga to their changing needs and how to use yoga through all the stages of life--menstruation through menopause--with grace and equanimity. It is filled with wise feminine wisdom! Photos are helpful in showing how to use props in home practice. A definitive guide which can benefit all women. Paperback. 368 pages. Dimensions in inches 0.80 x 10.94 x 8.40

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