The demand to learn this ancient discipline continues to grow at an extraordinary rate. This handbook, with its beautiful, specially commissioned photography plus authoritative text, is ideal for anyone wishing to practise health-giving yoga safely and effectively at home. The Yoga Handbook demonstrates in clear, colour photographs 60 of the most important asanas (poses), each common to the main schools of yoga. It shows how to build up to the poses through gentle and gradual practice, and also describes the health benefits of each one. It explains how to devise a personal yoga session, from warm-up through a selection of asanas to final relaxation. It includes a special section on pranayama (breathing exercises), as well as advice on props and surroundings for home practice. This is a practical, inspirational guide to achieving health, serenity and focus through the practice of this ancient art.