The science of yoga : the risks and the rewards

A lead science writer for The New York Times —and lifelong yoga practitioner—examines centuries of history and research to scrutinize the claims made about yoga for health, fitness, emotional wellbeing, sex, weight loss, healing, and creativity. He reveals what is real and what is illusory, in the process exposing moves that can harm or even kill. Five years in the making, The Science of Yoga draws on a hidden wealth of discovery, drama, and surprising fact to cut through the fog that surrounds contemporary yoga and to show—for the first time—what is uplifting and beneficial and what is delusional, flaky, and dangerous. At heart, it illuminates the risks and rewards. Broad describes yoga as a burgeoning global industry that attracts not only curious scientists but millions of true believers and charismatic hustlers. He takes the reader on a whirlwind tour of unknown yoga that goes from old archives in Calcutta to world capitals of medical research, from storied ashrams to spotless laboratories, from sweaty yoga studios with master teachers to the cozy offices of yoga healers. In the process, he shatters myths, lays out unexpected benefits, and offers a compelling vision of how the discipline can be improved. A lead science writer for The New York Times and lifelong yoga practitionerexamines centuries of history and research to scrutinize the claims made about yoga for health, fitness, emotional wellbeing, sex, weight loss, healing, and creativity. He reveals what is real and what is illusory, in the process exposing moves that can harm or even kill. Five years in the making, The Science of Yoga draws on a hidden wealth of discovery, drama, and surprising fact to cut through the fog that surrounds contemporary yoga and to showfor the first timewhat is uplifting and beneficial and what is delusional, flaky, and dangerous. At heart, it illuminates the risks and rewards. Broad describes yoga as a burgeoning global industry that attracts not only curious scientists but millions of true believers and charismatic hustlers. He takes the reader on a whirlwind tour of unknown yoga that goes from old archives in Calcutta to world capitals of medical research, from storied ashrams to spotless laboratories, from sweaty yoga studios with master teachers to the cozy offices of yoga healers. In the process, he shatters myths, lays out unexpected benefits, and offers a compelling vision of how the discipline can be improved. This book draws on more than a century of painstaking research to present the first impartial evaluation of a practice thousands of years old. It celebrates what's real and shows what's illusory, describes what's uplifting and beneficial and what's flaky and dangerous--and why. William Broad, a lifelong practitioner, illuminates how yoga can lift moods and inspire creativity. He also exposes moves that can cripple and kill. As science often does, this groundbreaking book reveals a fascinating body of evidence that raises questions about whether humans have latent capabilities for entering states of suspended animation and unremitting sexual bliss. The author takes us on a riveting tour of unknown yoga that goes from old archives in Calcutta to the world capitals of medical research, from storied ashrams to spotless laboratories, from sweaty yoga studios with master teachers to the cozy offices of yoga healers. Broad unveils a burgeoning global industry that attracts not only curious scientists but true believers and charismatic hustlers. In the end, he shatters myths, lays out unexpected benefits, and offers a compelling vision of how the ancient practice can be improved This book draws on more than a century of research to present an evaluation of a practice that is thousands of years old. It celebrates what's real and shows what's illusory, describes what's uplifting and beneficial and what's flaky and dangerous -- and why. William Broad, a lifelong practitioner, illuminates how yoga can lift moods and inspire creativity. He also exposes moves that can cripple and kill. As science often does, this book reveals a body of evidence that raises questions about whether humans have latent capabilities for entering states of suspended animation and unremitting sexual bliss. The author takes us on a tour of unknown yoga that goes from old archives in Calcutta to the world capitals of medical research, from storied ashrams to spotless laboratories, from sweaty yoga studios with master teachers to the cozy offices of yoga healers. Broad unveils a burgeoning global industry that attracts not only curious scientists but true believers and charismatic hustlers A lead science writer for The New York Times— and lifelong yoga practitioner—examines centuries of history and research to scrutinize the claims made about yoga for health, fitness, emotional wellbeing, sex, weight loss, healing, and creativity. He reveals what is real and what is illusory, in the process exposing moves that can harm or even kill. A New York Times bestseller. The Science of Yoga draws on more than a century of painstaking research to present the first impartial evaluation of a practice thousands of years old. It celebrates what's real and shows what's illusory, describes what's uplifting and beneficial and what's flaky and dangerous—and why. Broad unveils a burgeoning global industry that attracts not only curious scientists but true believers and charismatic hustlers. He shatters myths, lays out unexpected benefits, and offers a compelling vision of how the ancient practice can be improved. Contents List of Illustrations xiii Main Characters xv Styles of Yoga xxiii Chronology xxv Prologue 1 I Health 13 II Fit Perfection 47 III Moods 77 IV Risk of Injury 103 V Healing 137 VI Divine Sex 163 VII Muse 195 Epilogue 215 Further Reading 223 Notes 225 Bibliography 269 Acknowledgments 275 Index 279 Broad Takes Us On A Riveting Tour Of Yoga That Goes From Old Archives In Calcutta To The World Capitals Of Medical Research. He Unveils A Burgeoning Global Industry That Attracts True Believers-- And Charismatic Hustlers. Prologue -- Health -- Fit Perfection -- Moods -- Risk Of Injury -- Healing -- Divine Sex -- Muse -- Epilogue. Main Characters -- Styles Of Yoga -- Chronology -- Health -- Fit Perfection -- Moods -- Risk Of Injury -- Healing -- Divine Sex -- Muse. William J. Broad ; Illustrations By Bobby Clennell. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Examines the health claims of modern yoga, drawing on scientific and cultural research to offer advice on how to recognize authentic yoga practice and gain actual benefits Lead science writer for the New York Times scrutinizes the claims made about yoga for fitness, emotional wellbeing, sex, weight loss and creativity.