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The Yoga Effect: A Proven Program for Depression and Anxiety

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Based on cutting-edge NIH studies, a practical, accessible guide to yoga for reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression, with the goal of balanced emotional health.

The Yoga Effect helps readers overcome the de-energizing effects of depression and move into a state of calm and focus. Based on the program developed through three NIH-funded studies at Boston University School of Medicine, these sequences are medically proven to trigger a physical and mental release of fear and worry. The book offers:
A customizable prescription for maintaining centeredness, confidence, and balance
Straightforward, accessible sequences, with 40 black & white photos clearly illustrating the poses A short, well-rounded practice that includes breath work and poses with clear explanation of how each sequence contributes to physical, mental, and emotional wellness Differing levels of practice for readers' varying levels of physical abilities Written with an MD, The Yoga Effect is a proven pathway for cultivating inner strength that can be accessed at any time, offering hope and a solution for anyone looking to transform their mental and emotional health.

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 17, 2019

33 people are currently reading
83 people want to read

About the author

Liz Owen

4 books

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5 stars
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27 (39%)
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14 (20%)
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda Hupe.
953 reviews69 followers
January 17, 2021
The Yoga Effect: A Proven Program for Depression and Anxiety by Liz Owen and Holly Lebowitz Rossi is the perfect book for yogis of any level. In fact, one does not have to have a background in yoga to benefit from this book. I have practiced yoga for roughly 8 years now and it is something I will continue to practice for the rest of my life. This book goes into new studies from Boston University School of Medicine. It combines breathing techniques and postures that can help with energy and lower the fear and worry of the mind.

The first section discusses the science behind this book. First of all, this book is a tool, not a cure. As someone who has anxiety and OCD, I know that there is no cure. But there are ways to help control the symptoms. Yoga Practitioners have an increased brain chemical known as GAMA, which the book dives into Chris C. Streeter’s research.

The second section shows practices designed for those who have anxiety and depression. It has over 40 images with perfect descriptions of postures and how to obtain the ideal position and how long to hold and when to breathe.

I cannot recommend this book enough. It is very hard to quiet one’s mind and it comes with lots of practice. These positions combined with a breathing technique definitely help. There is no cure, but there is a path to help heal. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!
Profile Image for morasia.
26 reviews44 followers
February 20, 2021
Myślę, że jest to świetna pozycja dla osób, które dopiero zaczynają przygodę z jogą. Jest sporo części teoretycznej, która pozwoli „zapoznać się z tematem”. Moim zdaniem praktyka jest dobrze opisana; są zdjęcia, na których widać konkretne pozycje oraz opis, także nie ma problemu z poprawnym wykonaniem pozycji.
Profile Image for Sarah.
218 reviews
January 3, 2020
This lovely, little book by my friend Holly and yoga teacher Liz gives what for me was just the right amount of background on the theory of yoga as a tool to help relieve anxiety and depression, and--even better--describes in clear, accessible language and images how to do yoga poses and breathing to put these ideas to work. I found this book practical and inspiring and hope it will jumpstart me on practicing some better healthy habits for my body and mind.
Profile Image for Angela Kreais.
244 reviews16 followers
January 3, 2021
I have zero experience in Yoga. I've seen the practice from TV characters or scrolling through social media but I've never actually tried. To be honest, church has kind of directed me AWAY from practicing yoga. My daughters did some yoga in gym class at school and they seemed to really like it but couldn't effectively explain what they were doing, just that it had a calming effect. I did not have to have any knowledge or practice in yoga to benefit from these books.

The Yoga Effect - Starts off with a wealth of information to get you in the right mindset. Included in chapter three are foreign words and what they represent. Also, a picture of an outline of someone sitting cross legged in a meditative pose and chakra explanations pointed out followed by a chart with more information. I loved learning about this ancient practice as well as the wellness associated with different movements.. Chapters five-ten are practices for depression and anxiety. There are also Appendixes in the back with pictures of different sequences. I found the whole thing to be very helpful.

I did not realize just how difficult doing something as simple as breathing would be for me. The first practice in The Yoga Effect was a centering pose with ocean breath. Simply put I needed to sit still on the floor with spine tall and chest open. There were other parts but that initial getting ready made me realize my posture needs A LOT of work. I could feel pulling in the back of my thighs, lower back, shoulders, neck. That is actually something I dislike about myself and not really a reflection of the book. Thankfully the author gives alternatives for being comfortable. I set a timer for two minutes and found the audible breathing itself relaxing but the keeping my body in the correct position uncomfortable. Since this is a basic process I need to master, I know Yoga will have to be a journey I mindfully work on and not something I can just absently check off my list. That is the point of the book.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions are my own, any review is voluntary.
Profile Image for Villa Park Public Library.
1,024 reviews29 followers
March 25, 2020
This book covers both yoga practices for specific issues and instructions for meditations for your whole emotional life. The focus is on depression and anxiety.

There are pictures for individual yoga poses and illustrations of chakras, psycho-energetic centers, that keep your physical body functioning. A chart lists the location of each chakra, its emotional association, and yoga poses that could benefit each area.

Check this book out from the Villa park Public Library!
Profile Image for Nicole.
754 reviews5 followers
December 18, 2022
Summary of this book: Science proves yoga is good for your mind and body, especially depression and anxiety.

I think I would’ve liked this better if I’d read the physical book rather than listened to audiobook. There were descriptions of yoga poses and asanas that I think would’ve been better as diagrams than descriptions. I really enjoyed the science parts and anecdotal stories. The descriptions got boring.
788 reviews2 followers
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April 21, 2023
Not an ideal audiobook unless a significant visual deficit is involved...then it would likely be a good reference regarding yoga if one is new to the practice. Very little regarding the studies nor accounts to demonstrate effects. Many long and detailed descriptions of yoga poses.
27 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2020
Love this book - both from the scientific background to the user-friendly yoga sequences. I have been looking for something to build my home yoga practice and this fits the bill.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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