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In review: featured books

Our featured book looks at the principles and practice of yoga in health care.  We also feature a digital book titled 'The Researcher', which aims to raise awareness about research careers among nurses, midwives and allied health professionals.

Featured book

The Principles and Practice of Yoga in Health Care Sat Bir Khalsa, Lorenzo Cohen, Timothy McCall, Shirley Telles (eds) ISBN: 9781909141209

There is a growing body of evidence to support the use of yoga for a wide range of medical conditions. A number of studies has found that asana (yoga postures or poses), combined with breathing practices, reduce pain in a range of conditions. These include arthritis, low back pain and cancer. Practising yoga can also help people to attain emotional balance, heal after illness and gain symptom relief from long-term conditions. 
 
Not surprisingly, a growing number of healthcare professionals, particularly physiotherapists, are using yoga in a range of settings and conditions. Yoga therapy – the application of yoga for therapeutic purposes and as a preventive intervention – is on the increase and is recognised as part of the health systems in many countries.  
 
As a physiotherapist who has reaped many benefits from practising yoga and as a recently-qualified yoga teacher, this book was of particular interest to me. Physiotherapists are interested in evidence- based practice, particularly for more holistic interventions, and often feel we have to justify such practices.
 
This book aims to bring together the science and the practice of yoga therapy and supports the emergence of yoga therapy as a credible profession. It explores the practical implications for professionals who use yoga or refer patients for yoga practice in a comprehensive way. 
 
By 2014, we are told, the number of published randomised controlled trials that included yoga interventions stood at 312, of which 205 were therapeutic efficacy trials. This demonstrates an increase in biomedical research on yoga and yoga therapy and I was surprised at the number of studies.  
 
The authors have reviewed the various studies and collated them systematically for comparison. As well as outlining the history, philosophy and practice of yoga therapy, the authors look at the use of yoga for people with mental health problems, musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, and cancer. I enjoyed reading about its use in paediatric, obstetric and gynaecological settings, as well with pregnant women. If you are interested in yoga and research – it’s definitely worth a read.
 
  • Priya Dasoju, CSP professional adviser and registered yoga teacher

Cultural Perspectives on Mental Wellbeing: Spiritual interpretations of symptoms in medical practice Natalie Tobert ISBN: 9781785920844

The book offers a foundation for understanding different approaches to medicine and health around the world. 

The Researcher

This digital publication aims to raise awareness about research careers among nurses, midwives and allied health professionals. It was created by Health Education England, NHS Research and Development North West and the National Institute for Health Research, working with a team of ‘early career’ researchers. 

Tail of the Tigress: Views on the road to gender equality David deVire ISBN: 9780995457607

David deVire investigates the potential for radical change in how society is structured. He supplies information and suggests potential scenarios but leave readers to draw their own conclusions.  

Beyond Stroke: Living independently with one arm Kate Ryan ISBN: 9781876498962

This handbook is said to be an essential guide for people overcoming a stroke, or who have shoulder, arm or hand injury and pain. It is aimed at carers, health professionals and community groups. 

Eating Disorder Recovery Handbook: A practical guide to long-term recovery Nicola Davies and Emma Bacon ISBN: 9781785921339

The authors present activities that have been designed to help people understand, overcome and maintain recovery from eating disorders. 
 
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