Who Can Benefit From This Guide

Whether you're a beginner hoping to ease back pain, a yoga teacher supporting students with injuries, or someone managing multiple age-related conditions, Healing Yoga provides practical, targeted solutions. Dr. Fishman's approach respects the individuality of each condition, making this book a trustworthy companion on your journey toward greater comfort and mobility.

What Makes This Book Different from Other Yoga Guides

Most yoga books feature generic sequences for general wellness. Healing Yoga stands out by addressing specific medical complaints, grounded in Dr. Fishman's dual expertise as a physician and experienced yoga teacher. He explains the physiological rationale behind each posture—how a particular hip opener can relieve sciatic nerve tension, or why gentle backbends stimulate the parathyroid gland to support bone health. This blend of medical knowledge and practical instruction makes it a valuable resource for personal practice and professional reference.

Key Postures and How They Work

Dr. Fishman organises the book around twenty common ailments, offering two to three targeted postures for each. The sequences aim to address underlying imbalances such as stiffness, weakness, or poor alignment, without requiring advanced flexibility or strength.

• Backache: Gentle spinal twists and supported forward bends help release tension in the lower back while strengthening the core.
• Shoulder Pain: Postures that open the chest and externally rotate the shoulders can alleviate tightness from poor posture or overuse.
• Bone Loss (Osteoporosis): Weight-bearing poses and spinal extension exercises are adapted to reduce fracture risk while improving bone density.
• Bunions and Foot Pain: Standing poses that spread the toes and strengthen the arches can improve foot mechanics.
• And more: The book also covers ailments like carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, hip pain, and neck tension.

Each posture includes modifications for different fitness levels and cautions for specific medical conditions, making the practice accessible yet safe.

How to Use This Book for Your Ailments

Begin by identifying your primary concern from the table of contents. Dr. Fishman recommends practising the prescribed postures consistently—ideally daily—while staying attuned to your body's signals. The book emphasises the importance of breath and mindful movement, not merely mechanical repetition.

For those managing multiple conditions, the author suggests focusing on one or two at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. A typical session might last 15 to 30 minutes, though even a few minutes of targeted practice can yield benefits. The clear, step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow without needing a mirror or instructor.

Safety Considerations and When to Consult a Doctor

While yoga is generally safe, Dr. Fishman includes important cautions throughout the book. He advises readers with acute injuries, recent surgeries, or uncontrolled chronic conditions to seek medical guidance before starting. The postures are designed to be gentle, but individual responses vary. Listen to your body and avoid any movement that causes sharp pain.

The book also provides modifications for those with limited mobility or specific risks, such as osteoporosis or high blood pressure. By emphasising alignment and gradual progression, Dr. Fishman helps readers build a sustainable practice that supports long-term health without overexertion.

About the Author

Dr. Loren Fishman is a physician and longtime yoga practitioner who combines clinical expertise with ancient yoga traditions. His experience spans both Western medicine and holistic movement, allowing him to create a guide that bridges the gap between these approaches. Healing Yoga reflects his dedication to helping individuals address common ailments through targeted, anatomically precise postures.