I discovered the magical benefits of Yoga in my forties. At the time I had ongoing lower back pain that occasionally kept me from twisting my torso. I often walked with a noticeable limp. My neck was causing me grief. Chiropractic care gave me temporary relief, but the pain returned. After being encouraged by several friends, I finally started Yoga classes. Not only did the gentle stretches ease my pain for longer periods, but the Yoga may have saved my life. Now that I have been diagnosed with Fibromuscular Dysplasia impacting my carotid arteries, as well as arthritic spurs, I've learned that I could have endured fatal or paralyzing consequences from continued Chiropractics.
Author and yogi Shoosh Lettick Crotzer has taught yoga since 1974, focusing mostly on teaching adults and children with developmental disabilities. She has produced two yoga videos: Yoga for Arthritis, in partnership with the Arthritis Foundation; and Yoga for MS, which she developed while teaching classes for the National MS Society.
Her brilliant little book, Yoga for Fibromyalgia, offers easy-to-follow instructions for gentle, basic Yoga poses. Even if you have never done yoga before, you can easily find relief in these simple, relaxing stretches. Crotzer offers the option of seated or standing poses as well as poses laying on the floor, and encourages the use of props to assist with impeded flexibility and physical limitations. Each pose description features a photo of a model (who actually has Fibromyalgia) doing the pose, what parts of the body are involved and the benefits received. Guidelines are provided to help you get the most out of each pose. Pose sequences (combinations) are suggested for specific relief, such as low back pain or reducing fatigue and stress.
Yoga benefits the Fibro sufferer through reducing fatigue, lengthening muscles, lowering blood pressure, improving circulation, reducing stress, increasing range of motion and improving mobility. As with any exercise, you should consult your doctor before embarking on a Yoga practice. Also, consider taking a class, if you are able. I found it helpful having a teacher to assist me in adjusting poses to my ability, as well as correcting my pose so that I got maximum benefit without injury. However, as the poses in this book are very simple and gentle, you certainly can start your practice using the book as your teacher. You may find it easier to do this with a friend, however, as it can be difficult trying to read and pose at the same time.
You can purchase Yoga for Fibromyalgia: Move, Breathe, and Relax to Improve Your Quality of Life by Shoosh Lettick Crotzer in paperback and for Kindle on Amazon.
Author and yogi Shoosh Lettick Crotzer has taught yoga since 1974, focusing mostly on teaching adults and children with developmental disabilities. She has produced two yoga videos: Yoga for Arthritis, in partnership with the Arthritis Foundation; and Yoga for MS, which she developed while teaching classes for the National MS Society.
Her brilliant little book, Yoga for Fibromyalgia, offers easy-to-follow instructions for gentle, basic Yoga poses. Even if you have never done yoga before, you can easily find relief in these simple, relaxing stretches. Crotzer offers the option of seated or standing poses as well as poses laying on the floor, and encourages the use of props to assist with impeded flexibility and physical limitations. Each pose description features a photo of a model (who actually has Fibromyalgia) doing the pose, what parts of the body are involved and the benefits received. Guidelines are provided to help you get the most out of each pose. Pose sequences (combinations) are suggested for specific relief, such as low back pain or reducing fatigue and stress.
Yoga benefits the Fibro sufferer through reducing fatigue, lengthening muscles, lowering blood pressure, improving circulation, reducing stress, increasing range of motion and improving mobility. As with any exercise, you should consult your doctor before embarking on a Yoga practice. Also, consider taking a class, if you are able. I found it helpful having a teacher to assist me in adjusting poses to my ability, as well as correcting my pose so that I got maximum benefit without injury. However, as the poses in this book are very simple and gentle, you certainly can start your practice using the book as your teacher. You may find it easier to do this with a friend, however, as it can be difficult trying to read and pose at the same time.
You can purchase Yoga for Fibromyalgia: Move, Breathe, and Relax to Improve Your Quality of Life by Shoosh Lettick Crotzer in paperback and for Kindle on Amazon.
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