My 4 Favourite Yoga books suitable for Chronic Illness

If you have done some yoga already, you might find looking through books useful to remind you of things you have done before.  Following are some yoga books that I own and have used, and really like.  They are all friendly to people with a chronic illness.  Pick and choose poses that feel right and take things slowly.  Never strain your body or feel you need to look exactly like the picture.  Stretch or twist only to where it feels right, you shouldn’t feel pain.  Your body may not be as strong or flexible as it was before you got ill so be patient and kind with yourself.  It is better to start slowly and do small amounts, build up rather than overdoing it at the start.

Yoga in Bed: Awaken Body, Mind & Spirit in Fifteen Minutes by Naomi Sophia Call

“An introduction to breathing exercises and simple postures, this guidebook helps yogis awaken and focus the body and mind each morning. As demonstrated in both the user-friendly book and accompanying DVD, doing yoga in bed for only 15 minutes a day is fun, playful, and brings clarity, a lightness of being, a sense of humor, and a new openness to exploration and self-understanding. Beautiful photography and a tasteful design combine with clear, precise instructions to help the reader feel greater peace as they engage with these poses. With no yoga class to drive to, no teacher to find, and no special clothing needed, this unique way to practice is a perfect fit for today’s high-energy, fast-paced life.”  From https://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Bed-Awaken-Fifteen-Minutes

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Chair Yoga: Seated Exercises for Health and Wellbeing
By Edeltraud Rohnfeld.

“Chair yoga is a revolutionary concept designed to make the numerous benefits of classical yoga available to a wider range of physical abilities. This step-by-step program can be practiced by virtually anyone, anywhere, in any chair, to stimulate physical and mental well-being.
This fully illustrated guide contains ninety easy-to-master exercises that have been specially developed for those with a limited range of movement. Clear instructions guide the reader through each routine, all of which can be carried out safely without any previous knowledge or yoga expertise. The exercises can also be adapted by yoga teachers who want to incorporate chair yoga into their classes.
This book will be popular with anyone wanting to experience the health benefits of an easy, versatile form of yoga, particularly older people, individuals rehabilitating after injury or illness and those with physical disabilities, as well as the professionals who support them.”  From https://www.amazon.com/Chair-Yoga-Seated-Exercises-Wellbeing

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Beat Fatigue with Yoga By Fiona Agombar

In 1999 Fiona’s book ‘Beat Fatigue with Yoga’ was published by Element books. It was greatly acclaimed by people with M.E. or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as it showed a clear way forward for people to work towards recovery, using the breathing, meditation and yoga postures. The book however was not just aimed at people who were profoundly ill with fatigue but anyone who suffers from exhaustion and tiredness and who might find a yoga class too difficult or too tiring to get to.  ‘Beat Fatigue with Yoga’ has been republished by Cherry Red Books. Greatly updated and with new photographs showing the postures in detail, the book is an asset to anyone who suffers from fatigue or who is interested in doing some yoga or meditation at home. The book is simple to read and is written in a step-by step way so that even those with severe tiredness can benefit from reading the book. From http://fionaagombar.co.uk/

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Yoga, My Bed & M.E.
By Donna Owens.

“This easy to use invaluable book is revolutionary in offering modified yoga suitable for those with M.E./ CFS or those who have limited energy, but it is also great for anyone who is wanting to begin a gentle yoga practice for recovery. People with M.E. often avoid trying yoga because they may find it too exhausting for them or are nervous that it may trigger a M.E. relapse. The poses in this book have been specially formulated so they can be practiced in bed and selected according to individual needs. No need for any special equipment, just your favourite pjs. This book contains: • Useful information about M.E. • Benefits of yoga and meditation • Six gentle yoga sequences • Three meditation guides • Clear photographs’ and instructions Donna Owens began yoga back in the 90`s following years of bad M.E. taking yoga poses which she could do while bed-ridden to help ease the condition. She is now trained in Yoga in Health, Anatomy & Physiology and studied M.E. Recovery and now helps many other M.E. people all around the world through Yoga, My Bed & M.E. To support and help people feel brighter, happier and healthier through yoga” From https://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Bed-M-E-Donna-Owens

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