Based on the latest advances in mind-body research and the wisdom of the yoga tradition, Yoga for Pain Relief offers both a new way of thinking about the causes of suffering and practical strategies for ending it. Readers will learn how past experiences with injury, illness, and other stressful life events change the relationship between body and mind and how negative mind-body habits actually create and reinforce pain.

Far from being a simple book of postures, this guide presents a complete mind-body program for healing chronic pain. Readers learn deep relaxation practices drawn from the yogic tradition, and work toward incorporating those practices into their daily lives. The book also helps readers address feelings of anger or betrayal that may be keeping them from making peace with their bodies. Author Kelly McGonigal presents two forms of physical yoga exercises: moving with the breath and holding poses and stretches. Black-and-white photographs clarify the yoga postures.