The Yoga Prescription: A Chronic Illness Survival Guide

by Cory Martin

An empowering look at how yoga can help you adjust, adapt, and thrive through chronic illness—no matter what your body throws at you.

Let’s be real: dealing with chronic illness sucks. And while medical treatment plans are an effective way to manage physical symptoms, those methods often ignore the hidden, intangible, and emotional struggles of disease. Certified yoga instructor and MS and lupus warrior Cory Martin has been there, done that, and found a different way to enjoy her new normal. In this inspiring and practical book, she shows how yoga can help heal your mind, spirit, stamina, and strength to feel your best as you live with illness.

This is not a typical yoga book, focused on poses and athleticism. In The Yoga Prescription, Cory draws on personal experience and extensive training to offer real-world advice on how all of the yogic philosophies can improve your quality of life, as well as detailed instructions on everything from movement and breathing to learning how to listen to your body, say no, and just be.

Yoga is not just for the healthy and fit; it is for every body. Let The Yoga Prescription show you how to live better with yours.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Ebooks

155 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 11, 2022

About the author

A graduate of the University of Southern California, Cory has a B.A. in English-Creative Writing, and spent time studying literature at Cambridge University in England. By the age of twenty-five, she had garnered writing credits on the hit television show, "The O.C." and had been asked by Scholastic to pen three young adult novels based on the same T.V. series. She is the author of "Love Sick" a memoir about dating, life in Hollywood and dealing with MS. Her essays have appeared online with XOJane, The Mighty, and Elephant Journal.

As a passionate yogi, Cory Martin is also a 500-hr RYT and a regular instructor at the famed Santa Monica Pier's run and yoga program, ROGA. She teaches at various studios around Los Angeles and is the writer behind the documentary film "Titans of Yoga" and her book "Yoga for Beginners" was released in August, 2015 by Althea Press.

To find out more about Cory follow her on Instagram at @corymartinwrites or on facebook at fb/corymartinyoga

Reviews

[Lorilin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the message I needed to hear right now. Author Cory Martin doesn't give super revolutionary advice, but the way she gives it--told through her own experience of dealing with dual diagnoses, MS and lupus--really made an impact on me. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease last year, and it can be tough. Not only do I deal with my new physical symptoms, but there is that emotional component of feeling out of control and overwhelmed, too. I really loved Martin's willingness to be honest about her ups and downs. It helped me feel less bad about my own emotions.

I especially appreciated Chapter 14 on surrender. How many times have I dissected my diet from the day before--"What did you eat yesterday to make you feel this bad today?!?!" But sometimes, maybe even a lot of times, this pain just is not my fault, you know? I've been blaming myself for how I feel, but I think I may need to show myself some tenderness and kindness, and accept that I'm not always in control. Instead, I can do the best I can to take care of myself physically and emotionally, and deal with the rest as it comes.

This may not be a book for everyone, but this is a really good book for anyone looking to feel better, especially after a life-altering diagnosis.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short book that focuses on how yoga can help people with some chronic illnesses. It's written with very short chapters that talk about how different poses can help with various helpful mindsets like don't compare yourself to others, lean on people, learn to say no, etc. Sparse sketches illustrate the ten or so poses that are highlighted.

The author has lupus and MS, and is also a long-time yoga teacher. She has written a memoir about her illnesses and she writes online about them. There's a lot of focus on her particular story here. Some may like that and relate to it. If you are not dealing with a similar chronic illness, you may come away feeling less supported. There's a lot about her struggles, which are debilitating, and her worries and such.

The poses themselves are relatively easy, and easy to adapt for any situation. They really don't seem to be much of the point though, other than putting your body in a position while you focus on the lesson. The lessons aren't terribly uplifting. My takeaway was there's nothing you can do to change the terrible hand you were dealt, but here are ways to make the best of it. That's probably spot on for what a lot of people feel that they want or need, though.

The book will probably be especially helpful for those who have these illnesses or similar ones, with a focus on illnesses that lead to severe fatigue and general pain. My husband has had septic polyathritis since age 2 and would be unable to do many of these poses because of calcified joints that do not bend, an artificial knee and hip, and limb pain. I don't think he'd feel that he needed the actual self-help messages. He's very good emotionally, and I don't think the book would help him physically. Personally, I am still recovering from damages that C**** caused in the spring and summer of 2020, but my particular issues aren't really addressed here. I felt kind of like I was crashing someone else's support group.

All in all, it's a great book for its audience, and will probably be extremely helpful for many.

I read a digital ARC of this book for review.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review

This is a short book about how the practice of yoga can help with a variety of chronic illnesses. The author has MS and Lupus, so she understands very well the toll that having a chronic illness takes on your mind and body. The book talks about how to use props and other ways to make adjustments when a pose is too hard or uncomfortable. A lot of the book talks about her own personal journey, and then there are diagrams of the poses, and what each pose means at the end of the book. While I enjoyed learning about her journey with chronic illness, I personally wish there had been more yoga content. If you are battling a chronic illness and are a newbie to yoga then you may find this a helpful guide to get you started on your journey.

[Alison Chorney-Dubien · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Yoga Prescription
Cory Martin
Published by Write Out Publishing
Release Date: January 2022

This Yoga text was written from the perspective of an individual with chronic illness and goes into how Yoga has assisted her along her journey with chronic disease (namely MS and Lupis). This book can easily transcend all sorts of chronic illness as it is written in such a way that it can be universal.

The author did a beautiful job in reminding readers that yoga is individual and not to compare with another. She provided a great overview of the eight limbs of yoga and general statements on how they fit together.

Moving through the book, I value that pose modifications were introduced, normalized and encouraged. Added to this was a discussion around the use of props to assist the reader in learning about best ways to make the poses more manageable and beneficial.

I love that this was written in such a beautiful way that it makes you feel empowered and comfortable with making your yoga practice work for you!

I appreciate how in each chapter, a basic asana is introduced with some description of the pose, ways to modify to suit your needs and beautiful illustrations to visualize the pose.

The author reminds readers the practice of keeping a beginner’s mind and that it is a practice in all sense of the word and not a means to attaining perfection. Yoga is meant to be a lifelong work in progress.

Key messages:
1. Do what feels good for you
2. Stop comparing or pushing your body to do things that cause harm
3. Practice and make your practice tailored to your own needs
4. Surrender to the practice a

I would definitely recommend this book as a basic yoga text for those interested in trying yoga with or without having a chronic illness. This was a good overview and review of basic yoga concepts and written in a way that takes some of the overwhelm out of the topic for such beginners.

[Wendy Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book and should be included in the reading matter of everyone struggling with chronic illness. I've been a yoga teacher for five years and most of my students come to me with pain in their bodies: injuries, illnesses, past wrongs expressed physically. Not all yoga is about fitness and cute workout clothes. In The Yoga Prescription, Cory Martin has written a poignant and honest account of how to move your body through yoga to manage your symptoms and feel better, especially for those living with chronic illness. What I loved about this book is the simplicity of the poses, and the explanations of why they will help you. You won't find any lengthy sequences filled with lectures in this book. This isn't a workout guide. There is nothing intimidating about this approach with yoga. All ages and abilities can do it. I also appreciated the practical nature of the The Yoga Prescription's approach: it's compassionate and oh so smart without falling into the trap of new age woo woo.

I've read a great many yoga books but none are like this one. There is hope in Cory's quiet, steady voice and practical application of yoga poses for wellness and healing. This book is a a wonderful resource on how to be well when you're not well. I found solace in these pages and will be recommending The Yoga Prescription to friends and yoga students.

This would make a wonderful holiday gift this year: Christmas, Hanukkah, Festivus, etc. I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and am happy to recommend this book.

[Libby Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK so I saw this, on net galley it doesn’t technically come out until January 2022.
I am going to be ordering, this for my professional library.
I’m currently in yoga teacher training. I’m reading as much, of this stuff. as I can get my hands on.

I love how she talks about props and how they’re important to tools. This book is fun and easy to read.

It’s nice to see yoga talk you were being talked about, as a tool not as a cure-all magic pill.
It’s a wonderful, helpful tool they can help so many people.

I wanna be very cognizant, of that in my own. practice both professionally and personally.

I can already tell that this book is going to be a resource that I pull off the shelf constantly


It’s fantastic cannot recommend enough

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Kindle book was offered as a Goodreads giveaway, and I won! Although I do not suffer from a chronic illness, I am a 10-year survivor of triple-negative breast cancer who found yoga when I was recovering from treatment, so I did identify with a lot of what the author had to say about her attitudes toward her own illnesses. Her fortitude in the face of adjusting to life with MS and then being challenged again by a lupus diagnosis is astounding, and the poses and philosophy she recommends as part of a practice apply far beyond the realm of chronic illness. Her advice holds for anyone who wants to understand their body better, and I will be applying it to my own daily practice. Definitely recommend!

[Megz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally thought The Yoga Prescription by Cory Martin was about a literal prescription for yoga in life, and I decided to read it for the same reason I read most of such books: to observe the science and/or beliefs backing them, and to review their empirical worth in the patient/physician environment.

Of course, there is always a little bit of personal interest. I have tried yoga now and again, and actually have found that it does make me feel better. As a doctor-reader, when I read contemporary books about disease and treatment, I hope to encourage a good discourse between healthcare providers, scientists, and laypersons.

It turns out that The Yoga Prescription is part-memoir, part-instructional - and that is the perfect format for this topic. Martin shares her experience with chronic illness: more than the physical course from diagnosis to treatment, she also opens up about the psychological impact and the imperative upon herself to come to terms with her diagnoses.

Cory Martin shares how her yoga practice has helped her - as well as how it has not. She also delves into much of her yoga routine and philosophy. This background philosophy is especially helpful, because I find that it is the thing that many yoga instructors don’t teach in their classes - as if the philosophy of yoga is something secret that instructors and experienced yogis are privy to.

(Actually, one of the major stumbling blocks for me in “conventional” yoga has been that some circles can be really exclusivist.)

By instructing on asanas and variations that can aid in comfort and safety for both beginners and people with disabilities, Martin plays her part in breaking the barriers faced by many who would benefit from yoga. She makes the practice and philosophy of yoga not only more attractive, but also more accessible.

There is a third category this book threatens to enter, and it is the part I should like to warn of. At times, The Yoga Prescription veers into “inspirational”. I’m almost certain the author is aware of it, because the push-pull is tangible. A very fine line is trod between toxic positivity vs encouragement, and those are the parts that had me at risk of putting down the book.

The Yoga Prescription is fairly unique among books about alternative healing in that it does not unfairly criticise medicine, nor encourage a sense of distrust in the field. Instead, she encourages a multidisciplinary and multimodal approach to chronic illness. Her honesty about coming to terms with the chronicity of chronic illness is disarming.

I would recommend this book to people with chronic illness who need a more holistic approach to their health, as well as to anyone wanting to get into yoga - regardless of whether they have chronic illness.

I received an eARC via Netgally in exchange for an honest review.

[Jade · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Seeing the premise of this book was very interesting and original, at least to me, especially with it being centered on keeping your body active while living with chronic illness. This was a surprisingly fast read. some sections it felt a little drug out and I felt myself wanting to flip to the yoga instruction section at the end of each chapter.

Overall this one was an interesting, but I did feel myself get impatient and distracted with the prose and more interested in the actual yoga instructions and guidance. If you live with chronic illness and/or are interested in dialogue revolving around being patient and gentle with your body while also staying active I definitely think you should check this one out.

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from NetGalley & the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review of this book.

See the full version of my review here: https://nbgwriter.com/the-yoga-prescr...

I think The Yoga Prescription can be a good introduction for those with chronic illnesses who are new to yoga. It’s also helpful to hear Martin’s personal experience with managing not one but two serious chronic illnesses, and how yoga is a lifeline for her.

All that said, I think the book beyond the first introductory chapters is a bit simplistic, particularly if you are already at least somewhat experienced with yoga. It can be a good review/refresher and new way of thinking about what types of poses can be good for different elements/feelings/experiences, but I guess I expected a bit more, perhaps some more of the science behind yoga and why it can be good for the body. The sections on the different poses got a little too “woo woo” for my taste, and I started to lose interest despite my sincere interest in the topic. But I respect and understand the background behind and purpose of this book for the author.

Despite my issues with the book, I am glad books like this are out there. Ever since I started practicing yoga, I’ve asked myself many times why this isn’t included in schools for kids starting at a young age–I think if it were, it would help kids adopt healthy attitudes of mindfulness and paying attention to sensations in the body, which can prevent a whole host of other problems later in life. So in my mind, the more books like this are out there, the better. Readers who are new to yoga can use this book as a jumping off point to even more detailed resources, particularly scientifically-backed ones, to see how exactly yoga is working in their bodies.

[Belinda (Belle) Witzenhausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Posted January 8th
I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Yoga Prescription: A Chronic Illness Survival Guide by Cory Martin from NetGalley and Write Out Publishing in order to read and give an honest review.

“….an amazing book for those of us who struggle with chronic illness, it doesn’t make empty promises but helps us gain tools to help us live our best life possible…”

As someone with a chronic illness I wish this book had been around ten years ago when I was struggling. Cory Martin does an incredible job at describing honestly the overwhelming thoughts and feelings one goes through upon hearing a diagnosis that can change your life. Suffering from MS and Lupus herself, Corey sums up perfectly the things that it took me over a decade to learn by myself. I came to yoga late in my illness and I still struggle to maintain the perfection of a pose even though I usually suffer afterwards by going too far. Cory teaches one how to adapt postures and manage possible symptoms through a series of simple poses, explaining their purpose and how they will help you.

Cory speaks “with” the reader not “to” the reader, offering easy to understand, non-intimidating advice that comes from someone who has walked the path. Looking for relief over the years I have read book after book on the benefits of yoga, gleaning some information but always walking away feeling disappointed that I cannot do everything as suggested. With what I have learned from The Yoga Prescription I definitely feel that I can take my practice to the next level. This is an amazing book for those of us who struggle with chronic illness, it doesn’t make empty promises but helps us gain tools to help us live our best life possible.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Yoga Prescription: A Chronic Illness Survival Guide by Cory Martin
11 Jan 2022


The practice of YOGA is one of my favorite self-care tools. I really need to get back to a consistent practice. Cory's book is a reminder that prevention is better than cure but to have this to help with those with health challenges is not promoted enough. It can be done sitting, standing and there are several for every fitness level. This was so well done and a quick and comprehensive read.


n empowering look at how yoga can help you adjust, adapt, and thrive through chronic illness—no matter what your body throws at you.

Let’s be real: dealing with chronic illness sucks. And while medical treatment plans are an effective way to manage physical symptoms, those methods often ignore the hidden, intangible, and emotional struggles of disease. Certified yoga instructor and MS and lupus warrior Cory Martin has been there, done that, and found a different way to enjoy her new normal. In this inspiring and practical book, she shows how yoga can help heal your mind, spirit, stamina, and strength to feel your best as you live with illness.

This is not a typical yoga book, focused on poses and athleticism. In The Yoga Prescription, Cory draws on personal experience and extensive training to offer real-world advice on how all of the yogic philosophies can improve your quality of life, as well as detailed instructions on everything from movement and breathing to learning how to listen to your body, say no, and just be.

Yoga is not just for the healthy and fit; it is for every body. Let The Yoga Prescription show you how to live better with yours.

[Lyss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an e-ARC by NetGalley and Write out Publishing in exchange for an honest review

The Yoga Prescription is a great introduction to those not yet familiar with yoga that suffer from chronic illness. As someone with limited knowledge on yoga it was very educational and enlightening but I can see this being a slow read for those that are already well versed in yoga and the mental impact behind it.

Martin includes anecdotes throughout the book about her experience with being diagnosed with not only one but two chronic illnesses and how yoga helped her come to terms with the news. For those of us that suffer from chronic illness the idea that your body is betraying you is one that I can assume most, if not all, of us have experienced at one point after our diagnosis. Martin touches on this throughout the book and teaches you how to appreciate your body for what it can do instead of hating it for what it cannot.

I suffer from chronic pain and often feel as though I’ll never have a chance at a normal fit life but after reading this I have faith that I can start on my own wellness journey with resources like The Yoga Prescription to fall back on.

It can often feel isolating to live with a chronic illness but this book made me feel seen and understood, like I had a community behind me that understood my hardships but were willing to encourage me to better my life despite them.

[Lorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would love to give a copy of this book to everyone dealing with autoimmunity or other chronic illness. Yoga teacher Cory Martin uses her own experience coping with multiple sclerosis (MS) and lupus to explain the difficulties of living with unpredictable chronic illness and how yogic philosophy and practice can help.

Martin does a good job explaining the eight limbs of yoga using specific examples from her life. This is one of the most understandable explanations of yoga I have read. She then explains ten different poses, using each one to explain how to live different principles, such as “Be Here Now” and “Listen to Your Body.” I found her cues and the accompanying line drawings easy to understand, and I appreciate all of the suggestions she provides for using props and modifying poses. The poses felt safe for me to do despite my rheumatoid arthritis and other physical limitations. In her excellent discussion of props, the author offers many suggestions for working with what you have on hand, such as pillows, blankets, towels, walls, and chairs.

I loved this book and would recommend it for anyone dealing with chronic illness, or anyone who is curious about yoga. It works well as a Kindle book and does not require any special equipment.

The publisher, Write Out Publishing, provided me with an ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review.

[Karma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cory Martin talks about her life with two chronic illnesses - MS and lupus. The book was a good read. It was very inspirational. Martin talks about her yoga practice and how her body & expectations have changed with time. She talks about different yoga principles and how she applies them in her life.

Each chapter ends with a yoga asana - an explanation of how to do the pose and a beautiful illustration.

Martin comes off as a very approachable person. Her writing style is clear and she talks about her struggles in a very positive way. Her writing is real and she hooked me in. I read this in one sitting.

Not related to the book directly, but sometimes life confuses me. At one point, the author mentions that she has to keep working even when she is bone tired (and her tired is actual tired courtesy MS & Lupus) because she needs money to fill her prescription. When I read about such things, I feel terrible because as a society, we still do not have good systems in place to help people navigate life in difficult times even though we have progressed so much.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. This doesn't impact my opinion in any way. Thanks to the author and publisher for the free copy.

[Penelope Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book is better as a self help book than a yoga book. Martin has lupus and MS, and she writes about yoga poses that help teach important lessons for fellow sufferers. I am not chronically ill but I was hoping to get something useful out of the book. She doesn't really say what good the yoga poses do other than in sort of deep, symbolic ways. I really wanted to know if they'd help physically. I also kept forgetting what they were good for afterwards. Cat-cow is recommended for something but by the next day I'd already forgotten what lesson I was supposed to be learning through it. I wish she'd also said that it was good for digestion or back pain or something but she really focuses on the deeper meanings of the poses and not whether they'll really help chronically ill people accomplish something specific for their bodily needs. The majority of the book really is about her situation and the lessons she's learned about chronic illness. There are good lessons, especially about not comparing yourself to others and learning how to support your body's needs.

Recommended for people with fibro, lyme, MS, lupus, and similar issues, especially if you like personal stories.

Thanks Net Galley for an advanced readers copy for review.

[Ezio · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW YOGA PRESCRIPTION

The structure of the book and the content page looks excellent. I feel comfortable reading the book online, easy for me to read as the font are big enough for me to read. The introduction chapter's language made me feel relaxed and splendid, like the author is talking directly to me, and I listen. The words make so sense to me. It is a good point that Yoga does not just pose or asana, and it is much more. This author had experience with MS and lupus and said that this book is excellent for anyone who has chronic illnesses. If you do not have that, it still is a good book.

An excellent suggestion to be included in the book, to have a yoga plan and treatment plan, as the author says, to help you to improve your well-being.

Further to some chapters include yoga philosophies, including the Yoga sutra. Every chapter includes one or two poses, so it is simple to learn Yoga. I would recommend this book to any beginners - it is so comfortable! If someone has already practised Yoga for years, the book is still helpful for light reading.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having several autoimmune illnesses myself, I was interested to see what information might help me. Having never practiced yoga, I was open to whatever might help make my quality of life better. Right away I could tell this was not just an ordinary yoga book of “do this” or something similar, Since the author has been teaching yoga for awhile, this book was more in depth and referred to poses and names I am totally unfamiliar with. It may me realize that this book would be more helpful to those who had a basic understanding of yoga. So for me personally, the information was not relatable or anything that I would pursue. Also I reached out to others with autoimmune illnesses, the book is not anything they are interested in trying either. Perhaps this book is more beneficial to younger people.
I received an advanced reader copy for free from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very inspirational and enlightening book for a Yoga beginner such as myself. The author speaks in refreshing plain language and shares her journey with Lupus and MS. She is an experienced yoga instructor and former athlete. Cory Martin offers a simple and clear overview on yoga philosophy and simple instructions, as well as illustrations, on poses. And, at the end, there is a comprehensive list of terms with definitions and poses. I don’t have a chronic disease, but I am getting older and I appreciated the encouragement and advice this author provides and I do believe yoga is one of the best ‘all body’ prescriptions we can participate in to alleviate physical and emotional pain. Thank you Netgalley, Write Out Publishing, and Cory Martin for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have osteoarthritis in my back. I was diagnosed at 50 and it has only gotten worse in the last 8 years. I have tried yoga, but always felt inadequate because I was never that girl who could contort her body into impossible positions. Reading this book was like sipping a nice cup of herbal tea. Despite the fact that the author does discuss her own medical issues, which obviously needed to be talked about considering the premise of this book, I never stressed out reading her words. She was honest, but also brave and I am so happy that she wrote this book. I have gotten a much deeper understanding of how my pain can be incorporated into a loving yoga session, where I feel grateful for my body and not want to fight it. Lovely way of writing and of making everything honest, but hopeful. I LOVED THIS BOOK.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've lived with chronic pain most of my life. I've tried yoga in the past, and I always did a lot of modifications.

The author was open and honest about her own medical issues, which explained the story behind this book and was relatable. The overall tone of the book is very hopeful. The writing style is clear and concise.

Each chapter ends with a yoga asana, an explanation of how to do the pose, and a helpful illustration. I look forward to implementing (slowly) some of these moves into my day, when possible. The author does a nice job of reminding readers that life with a chronic illness is manageable, but it's still possible to live a good life.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

[Anna Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a yoga teacher and work with people who have health issues but don't have chronic illness myself. I found this book excellent. It is very clear so will help beginners as much as experienced yogis.

What I found particularly positive and inspiring is the focus on all the arms of yoga and not just the asanas. For someone who is struggling, being able to draw support, and gain focus and clarity from the other arms of yoga is a real comfort as well as offering great tools to better manage the more challenging moments of living with chronic problems.

Whether ill or healthy it is lovely to see this focus on all the arms of yoga that each of us can use to make our daily life a nicer, happier and more balanced place to live.

[Caite Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t normally write reviews, but this book means that much to me. I found myself actually understood by the author. While I don’t have Lupus or MS, as she does, there were so many times her words resonated with me. Sometimes they made me laugh, sometimes they made me cry, so many of her comments were exactly what I needed to hear. Shortly after finding this book at a local independent book store, I had another episode with my health. It helped me in ways I can’t even explain adequately. It also gives modifications for different yoga poses, where they seem doable no matter what kind of day you are having. She gives modifications that will make you successful whether you’re having no pain, or having a super tough day where it hurts to move.

Thank you Cory Martin!

[Josephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts out with a few chapters explaining yoga and yoga concepts. Then gets into chapter-by-chapter descriptions of ideas around yoga poses and how they can help you, along with stories from the author's life, and how it helped her. Finally, the poses are put together at the end for quick reference. I really love the chapter-by-chapter descriptions and the stories around them. I really liked the sections on:
-stop comparing yourself to others
-don't worry be
-just say no
-surrender to what is
I think this book would be good for anyone with chronic illness regardless of whether you do yoga already or not.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Megan Griest · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by Cory Martin’s refreshing take on using yoga as a means of coping with her two chronic illnesses (MS and lupus). Struggling with my own autoimmune diagnosis several years ago, I looked to yoga and other forms of gentle exercise to relax my mind and body, but could not make a good connection. Martin’s story is inspiring, and has given me a plan for trying yoga again.
*Thank you to NetGalley, Cory Martin, and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Ginath13 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Cory Martin shares with us the journey of her yoga practice through the varying obstacles imposed by chronic illness. Diagnosed with both MS and Lupus, the author reveals how her practice of yoga has helped her to deal with her physical and emotional struggles. Yoga is explored briefly, not only as the poses one does on the mat, but as a philosophy that incorporates breath work, meditation, and self discipline. This is a short book but it covers many topics and ultimately leave the reader feeling hopeful.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! The layout of the book works well. Cory Martin speaks on the tenants of yoga and tells readers of her diagnosis of MS and Lupus and how accepting them has changed her life. I appreciate the shorter chapters and the book felt an appropriate length. Each chapter focuses on a different mental focus with stories of her own experience with chronic illness and concludes with a yoga pose that ties in. I have been doing yoga off and on for a few years and this is the side of yoga that fascinates me. I'd much rather read about the mental side so it works for me.

Thank you to Cory Martin, Write Out Publushing, and NetGalley for the ARC which did not influcence my review.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing from personal experience, the author explains how the practice of yoga can be a valuable tool for living with chronic illness. It presents an understandable explanation of the tenets of yoga and gives instructions and diagrams of some basic poses.

I thought this was a very easy to read, understandable description of the practice and a valuable resource, not only for the targeted audience, but for anyone interested in yoga.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the idea of this book, but I thought the execution could have been a bit better. It was a bit too simplistic, barely grazing points, so I didn't feel like I got too much out of it. I really think the author had good intentions and I love the integration of yoga, I just wish there had been more substance.

[Sometimes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the book did a good job of viewing Yoga from a non-bougie stand point. Really opened my eyes to what yoga is supposed to be and not how it is usually given to us.