Yoga for Depression by Amy Weintraub is written by a yoga instructor and trainer for yoga instructors on how she used yoga and yoga techniques to heal her depression as well as manage her ongoing symptoms. At the end of each chapter, she includes step by step instructors on breathwork, sequences, and meditations. Weintraub explores styles of yoga, principles, breathwork, and mindfulness to name a few. She also frequently recommends finding a yoga teacher to help lead and support. Not only does she address depression, but also trauma and anxiety.
“A body-oriented treatment model speaks the language of these areas of the brain–sensation, perceptual experience and somatic responses. Cognitive restructuring is, of course, important, but the healing process must also include bodily experience.”
As a practitioner and instructor of yoga, I found this book to go a bit deeper into the subject matter than I would have preferred. I think it could be quite overwhelming for a newcomer. I feel it is better suited for someone who has a significant background of yoga and is either interested in using her recommendations to manage the symptoms or the population they work with. This book isn’t as accessible for a newbie. By reading this book, you can tell that all of what she recommends comes from an authentic place.
Read this book if:
- You are interested in using yoga as a complement for mood management
- You are a yoga instructor who works with this specific population