Viniyoga Therapy for the Upper Back, Neck and Shoulders

Overview

Gentle • Accessible • Effective

Based on 30 years of distinguished work in yoga therapy, Gary Kraftsow's Viniyoga Therapy DVD series presents his acclaimed use of yoga postures and breath techniques to promote sustained back health. The DVDs are based on his book, Yoga for Wellness, and the protocol he developed for an National Institutes of Health research study that demonstrated the potential of yoga therapy for treatment of low back pain.*

Includes a presentation on back pain, in-depth instruction on safely practicing the postures, and three complete therapeutic practices. Designed for everyone—even if you've never practiced yoga before!

Yoga Therapy and Viniyoga™

Yoga Therapy, derived from the Yoga tradition of Patanjali and the Ayurvedic system of health, refers to the adaptation and application of yoga techniques and practices to help individuals facing health challenges manage their condition, reduce symptoms, restore balance, increase vitality and improve attitude. The practices in this DVD seek to acheive those goals by:

• • Improving Postural Alignment


• • Increasing Structural Stability


• • Increasing Range of Motion


• • Strengthening Weak Muscles


• • Releasing Chronic Contraction


• • Balancing Muscular Asymmetry


• • Developing Healthy Movement Patterns

Viniyoga (prefixes vi and ni plus yoga) is an ancient Sanskrit term that implies differentiation, adaptation, and appropriate application. The American Viniyoga Institute uses the term Viniyoga to refer to an approach to Yoga that adapts the various means and methods of practice to the unique condition, needs and interests of each individual - giving each practitioner the tools to individualize and actualize the process of self-discovery and personal transformation. This approach to yoga evolved out of the teachings transmitted by T. Krishnamacharya and T.K.V. Desikachar of Madras, India.

*Annals of Internal Medicine, Dec. 2005

Details

Highlights from this DVD include:

• • Presentation on Understanding Back Pain and the application of yoga therapy
• • Technique Workshop on how to safely perform postures and movements
• • Focused practice for Upper Back and Neck Therapy (22 minutes)
• • Focused practice for Neck and Shoulder Therapy (32 minutes)
• • Integrated practice for sustained upper back Strength and Stability (40 minutes)

Special features:

• • English Subtitle option for all material
• • Bonus MP3s of all practices for audio-only classes at home or on the go

Buyer's Guide

• Audience: This DVD is suitable for everyone. No previous yoga experience required.
• Focus: Therapeutic yoga practices to alleviate upper back pain
• Intensity: Mild intensity; slow-paced movement and breath
• Props: None required
• Style: Gentle, therapeutic exercises plus lecture and demonstration

Media Reviews

"Viniyoga master Gary Kraftsow developed protocols for a recent National Institutes of Health-sponsored study of treatment for back pain. This excellent two-DVD series is based on this work and on his 30 years of experience as a yoga therapist. Each video includes short but valuable explanations of the types and causes of back pain, as well as the goals of yoga therapy and a techniques workshop.

One DVD focuses on the upper back, neck, and shoulders; the other, on the low back, sacrum, and hips. The detailed instruction, gentle repetitive movements, and focus on moving with awareness and the breath make these ideal practices for a wide range of people, including those who may not have pain but can benefit from strengthening and stabilizing their backs.”"

"Gary Kraftsow... elevates the genre of yoga DVDs to a whole new level... Whether you endure back pain or not, these are some of the best yoga DVDs on the market."

Customer Reviews

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About Gary Kraftsow

Gary Kraftsow, MA has been a pioneer in the transmission of yoga for health, healing and personal transformation for 30 years. He began his study of yoga in India with T.K.V. Desikachar in 1974 and received a Viniyoga Special Diploma from Viniyoga International in Paris, France in the mid 80’s.

Gary graduated with a BA, Magna Cum Laude, from Colgate University in 1976, and received his Masters Degree in Psychology and Religion from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1983. He spent many years in private yoga therapy practice, teaching workshops and training teachers. Since then, he has become a renowned speaker and teacher of the Viniyoga methodology at many conferences and schools nationally and internationally. In 1999 he founded American Viniyoga Institute.

Gary has successfully developed protocol for two National Institute of Health studies: “Evaluating Yoga for Chronic Low Back Pain” and “Yoga Therapy for Generalized Anxiety.”

He is the Founder, Director and Senior Teacher of American Viniyoga™ Institute's Teacher and Therapist Trainings, and the author of two books published by Penguin: Yoga for Wellness and Yoga for Transformation. For more information please visit www.viniyoga.com.