Main description:

Our bodies have the amazing ability to spontaneously self heal. However, in an age dominated by one shape-the chair shape-our natural capacity for regeneration is being suppressed. To solve this problem, scientists are studying people of traditional cultures who don't share our symptoms of lifestyle-based disease. A remarkable, yet simple truth is emerging: our ability to self heal is activated by moving and resting in active postures. If we avoid staying in one shape all day, our bodies are free to heal.

This book explores the practices of people living without chair-based chronic pain, and includes eight shapes essential for healing the human body. By reconnecting with our self healing instincts and freeing our bodies from the trappings of modern life, we too can live lives free from pain.

Contents:

Preface
Part One-Discovering the Roots of Our Pain 15
1. Is Sitting Really "the New Smoking"?
2. Returning to Our Roots
3. Therapeutic Discomfort
4. There Is Nothing Wrong with You
Part Two-The Eight Essential Healing Postures 81
5. Sitting on the Ground (Sukasana/Agura)
6. Sphinx (Salamba Bhujangasana/Sufinkusu)
7. Kneeling (Vajrasana/Seiza)
8. Squatting (Malasana/Shagamu)
9. Standing/Walking (Sthiti/Tatsu)
10. Hanging (Lambita/Burasagaru)
11. Inverting (Viparita Gyakuten)
12. Lying on the Ground (Savasana/Aomuke)
Part Three-The World Is Your Yoga Mat 163
13. Practicing in Nature
14. Practicing in Urban Environments
15. Creating a Healing Space
16. Children Are the World's Greatest Yoga Teachers
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index