Yin Yoga

Sorry, I don't know enough to give you a well-balanced answer.

I should add, I think all yoga has a lot that is beneficial in it. I also think that the traditional practices arose in a context that is very different from what we have in modern industrial societies, so these practices need to be modified to be optimal or even safe. For example, I think most people in modern industrial chair-sitting societies are better off not sitting cross-legged on the floor without support. If modified, most yoga poses can be done in a fashion that is entirely healthy, rather than healthy in some ways and unhealthy in others.

Thank you for asking this question. My ongoing lower back problem flared up terribly in November to a point that I was hospitalised and spent a week off work. It is my L5/S1. I was so lucky to come across this wonderful book and have had great success with my posture and have been totally pain free for over 6 weeks, and can play golf without any problems (unbelievable). However, I went back to my first yoga session last week and have had a niggle ever since. I've passed the book to my instructor, but to be honest, I can't see how I can do half of the practice anymore. Upward and downward dog transition just isn't something I feel comfortable with now. My instructor tells me I'm not moving correctly and that's what's causing the problem, but to be honest, with the condition of my lower back, I'm wondering if it is just yoga itself that isn't good for me. After years of pilates, I started yoga mid last year up to 2 sessions a week until my back ended up in the worst shape ever. I enjoy yoga, but do you think I'm better off just giving it up and finding something else instead? And once again, thanks so much for your wonderful book. (Have you noticed a spike in sales to Australia, at least 3 or 4 people I know have also purchased it and love it as much as I do - let the revolution begin, hope you make it downunder some day ;D )

I spent a year in Canberra 24 years ago and loved it! I'd love to visit again. We have noticed spiked sales in Australia, so I'm hopeful! It's not yoga that is the problem, it's how you do it...