The Woman's Yoga Book: Asana and Pranayama for all Phases of the Menstrual Cycle Paperback – May 4, 2010

The Woman's Yoga Book: Asana and Pranayama for All Phases of the Menstrual Cycle is a book that every woman will want to own. With detailed illustrations, excellent guidelines and practices for any type of reproductive issue, author Bobby Clennell has written THE book that works directly with your cycle. Clennell is a senior Iyengar instructor who has studied directly with the Iyengars, most notably, Geeta Iyengar, who writes the forward to this book. Iyengar has written her own book for women, Yoga - A Gem For Women, and although that is a very useful book, I have found Clennell's book to be more user friendly.There is an intro with discussion on how menstruation has been viewed over the years by each culture as well as the physical dynamics. The illustrations are really nice - there are variations of poses and in some cases, she shows how to come in and out of each pose. Every picture is clear and easy to understand. Instructions are concise - Clennell makes even the most complicated poses simple to comprehend. Any possible discomfort that you may have during your cycle is covered along with a suggested routine. There are practices for mood swings, breast tenderness, fatigue, migraines and more. And best of all, these routines do work!Sadly, there is not a lot of information on perimenopause or menopause - but I guess since this is a book about menstruation, I shouldn't expect it. Perhaps Clennell could address these issues in a future book? After using The Woman's Yoga Book with great success, one can only hope!

I checked this out from the public library a couple of months ago... and decided I just had to have my own copy. This book truly is a keeper for any woman post menarche and pre-menopause.The book focuses on the impact of yoga on the menstrual cycle. It begins with an introduction to that very cycle, a history of views upon it, and just how various medicinal views approach the subject before delving into the power of yoga. In fact, the book is organized and color-coded for specific cycle situations.As for the skill level, this the type of book that is accessible to all yogis novice and beyond. Each pose is presented with a variety of modifications... one can certainly find the appropriate version.Best of all, this is one of those books that masters the art of pictures. The pictures are clear, follow an idiot-proof step-by-step approach, and when combined with specific wording make it easy to get the pose down.This is currently my favorite yoga book, and I anticipate it being a favorite for quite a while.

I suffered from severe menstrual cramps, and this book is definitely helpful as an adjunct therapy. The first half describes how to do each pose, the benefits of the pose, pictures of the pose and modifications, as well as English and Sanskrit names. The second half of the book has a section on breathing (pranayama) and the different types of techniques. However, Breath of Fire isn't included here, as this isn't Kundalini Yoga. The following sections focus on yoga sequences to do prior to menstruation, during menstruation, and after. The Restorative poses such as Supta Baddha Konasana are really effective. I like how she gives complete sequences with arrows showing the exact order of the poses for each issue, such as nervous tension. The author provides a lot of text explaining the benefits of the poses in relation to women's health. She also explains how each sequence aids women in each particular phase. Chapters are set up very well, and the book is well organized. Chapter 2 is quite interesting, as itfocuses on Menarche to Menopause in terms of history, culture, health, and biology. Really cool information here. This is Iyengar yoga organized into sequences for each phase of the menstrual cycle and its attendant symptoms. A lot of good information is here. There isn't a chapter of poses for menopause, but these are still good poses for a general yoga practice. I have tried everything for my cramps, but birth control pills just have too many side effects. I changed my diet and cut out junk meats, beef, and pork. I have increased my magnesium, calcium, vitamin D3,vitamin E, and B vitamins. When my period is approaching I cut the sugar, caffeine, beef, and poultry to reduce prostaglandins, which cause pain. Per Ayurveda medicine, I do as little as possible on the first day of bleeding. I use this book to guide my yoga practice, and my pain has decreased A LOT. Western women need to slow down, rest, modify their diet, and stop acting like menstruation that you ignore. For someone who couldn't even walk aross a room, thefact that you can manage cramps without drugs is amazing. I use this book a lot!

This book is very in depth - both on the history and information on the menstrual cycle and on each individual asana. I appreciate that with each asana there is included the Sanskrit name as well as the English name, each one also begins with an explanation and then goes into several variations. The practices outlined at the end are again very in-depth with a lot of guidance. This is definitely a book to study rather than one you can just pick up and immediately go with. As is the usual with Iyengar style yoga many props are used, but she also offers alternatives if you don't have or are unable to get all the props. I would say this book is best for someone who has taken a yoga class (any style) or two, not an absolute beginner. I think if I would have grabbed this book prior to learning anything about yoga I would have been intimidated by some of the verbiage used and also because other than when introducing a posture, through the rest of the book she only uses the Sanskrit name for it.Overall I think this is a valuable addition to my yoga library and I'm very glad I bought it.

This is one of the better of the dozen or so yoga books we have used. Great stepwise diagrams and explanations.