Restorative Yoga Therapy: The Yapana Way to Self-Care and Well-Being

by Leeann Carey

“Yapana” is an ancient Sanskrit word meaning, “the support and extension of life.” Author Leeann Carey was inspired by this concept to create her unique, inclusive approach to yoga. Here, all body types, phases of life, and levels of fitness and ability are welcomed. Carey meets readers where they are with strategic support. Yoga fundamentals — posture (asana) and breath control (pranayama) — are augmented by props that allow practitioners to hold and deepen poses. The props she suggests are not exotic (and include chairs, pillows, and walls). The beloved and recently deceased B.K.S. Iyengar worked with these types of supports. Drawing on this lineage, Carey uses props not to water down poses but to fulfill yoga’s most fundamental goal of offering a path to living a more mindful and wholehearted life. In this kind of practice there is no competition with the self or with others. Instead the practice facilitates awareness, acceptance of what is, and joyful movement toward what is possible.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

207 pages, Paperback

First published July 17, 2013

Reviews

[Lauren]

Wonderful resource for restorative yoga poses, philosophy, and teaching ideas. Really like this one! LOTS of pics and LOTS of props!

[Jo * Smut-Dickted *]

This is an excellent book on yoga for restorative purposes. It is easy to follow and understand and I find it very engaging.

[Morgan]

If you want to restore your body, this book can help. Through the detailed descriptions of many different yoga asanas (poses) you can realize a deeper sense of calm and relaxation. There are also helpful pose-series that will aid when you need a specific bit of assistance (happy hipsters, princess and the pea etc...). A must read for any yoga enthusiast!

[Kate Wester]

This is a good addition for anyone interested in restorative yoga. If you ever have the opportunity to do a workshop with Leeann Carey, I highly recommend it. She has a wonderful way of seeing people and she is very generous with her knowledge...which is vast.

[Hannah Silver]

Didn't read every word of this since it's descriptions of moving in and out of poses, and much of it is repetitive with some variation of a block height or additional propping. But this would be a great resource to own and reference as a teacher who uses restorative poses in your sequences! And I really liked the introduction and tidbits of information interspersed throughout about the difference between DOING and BEING poses and how to practice rest.

[Jennifer Darci]

Would be good to have on hand as a reference or for background explanations but I think this isn't something to learn the 'how-to' from a book.

[Lulu]

Read this book for my 300-hour training. It was fruitful for ideas and the photo examples were clear and the instructions were concise.