The Science of Yoga
The Risks and the Rewards
The Science of Yoga draws on more than a century of painstaking research to present the first impartial evaluation of a practice thousands of years old. It celebrates what’s real and shows what’s illusory, describes what’s uplifting and beneficial and what’s flaky and dangerous—and why. Broad unveils a burgeoning global industry that attracts not only curious scientists but true believers and charismatic hustlers. He shatters myths, lays out unexpected benefits, and offers a compelling vision of how the ancient practice can be improved.
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Buy from us:
- Simon & Schuster |
- 352 pages |
- ISBN 9781451641431 |
- December 2012
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Praise
“Yoga, an ancient practice with millions of modern practitioners, has been the subject of overheated speculation and grandiose claims; it has been dismissed without warrant as well, underappreciated by some who might well benefit from it. The Science of Yoga is a lucid and long overdue account of what scientists have found in their attempts to ferret out the truth about what yoga can and cannot do to heal and make better the body and mind. It is a fascinating and important book.”
– Kay Redfield Jamison, author of An Unquiet Mind and Touched With Fire
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“Yoga, an ancient practice with millions of modern practitioners, has been the subject of overheated speculation and grandiose claims; it has been dismissed without warrant as well, underappreciated by some who might well benefit from it. The Science of Yoga is a lucid and long overdue account of what scientists have found in their attempts to ferret out the truth about what yoga can and cannot do to heal and make better the body and mind. It is a fascinating and important book.”– Kay Redfield Jamison, author of An Unquiet Mind and Touched With Fire
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“The Science of Yoga offers a riveting, much-needed, clear-eyed look at the yoga mystique. In this investigation, science journalist William Broad pulls back the curtain on the little-discussed world of yoga injuries and risks, while setting the record straight about the numerous potential benefits. Downward dog will never look the same. ”– Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence
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“If this book doesn’t motivate you to practice yoga, nothing will. Broad sheds light on yoga’s health benefits and hoaxes, covering everything from headstands to hypertension, the vagus nerve to the YogaButt. Finally I understand why I feel so good when I do yoga. His lively exploration of its evolution from Benares to Beverly Hills flows like any great practice should -- with intelligence, good humor and some mindblowing insights.--Priscilla Warner, author of Learning to Breathe”– My Yearlong Quest to Bring Calm to My Life and co-author of The Faith Club
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“After reading The Science of Yoga, I am even more awed by the magnificent complexities of the human body and mind, and astonished that we can exert so much control over this invisible realm through the practice of yoga. Broad has not only thoroughly researched his topic, he has lived it.”– Alan Lightman, author of Einstein’s Dreams
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“William Broad is optimistic and hopeful in pointing the way to its future as a major force in preventing and treating disease. ”– Gail Sheehy, author of Passages in Caregiving
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“In this compelling work of investigative journalism, William Broad exposes the scientific claims made about yoga--from its much-vaunted healing powers to yogasms--to scientific scrutiny. The Science of Yoga is a wonderful read that any yoga practitioner thirsting for authenticity should study carefully before suiting up.”– David Gordon White, author of Kiss of the Yogini
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“Dramatic...a flair for provocation…valuable. ”– Publishers Weekly
Read an Excerpt
Prologue
Yoga is everywhere among the affluent and the educated. The bending, stretching, and deep breathing have become a kind of oxygen for the modern soul, as a tour of the neighborhood shows rather quickly. New condo developments feature yoga studios as perks. Cruise ships tout the accomplishments of their yoga instructors, as do tropical resorts. Senior centers and children’s museums offer the stretching as a fringe benefit—Hey, parents, fitness can be fun. Hollywood stars and professional athletes swear by it. Doctors prescribe it for natural healing. Hospitals run beginner classes, as do many high... see more
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Video
The Health Benefits of Yoga
William J. Broad explores the risks and rewards of practicing yoga through a scientific lens.
The Health Benefits of Yoga
