Though small, this is one of the most thorough studies of mood changes pre- and post-yoga intervention to date.  Of the 17 completers, all diagnosed with unipolar depression in partial remission, who took 20 Iyengar yoga classes, 11 were in complete remission after the intervention.  Significant reductions were shown for depression, anger, anxiety, neurotic symptoms and low frequency heart rate variability.  Senior Iyengar teacher Marla Apt designed the yoga protocol.  The authors of the study, senior researchers at UCLA, included David Shapiro, Ph.D. and Ian Cook, M.D., and a team of investigators who studied direct measurements of depression, emotional and physical fitness, and autonomic nervous system functioning, including blood pressure, heart rate and vagal tone.  The authors state that the overall remission rate of 65% "compares favorably with other CAM interventions: 43% Sam-e; 20% Omega-3 fatty acids; 19% folic acid; 25% aerobic exercise."  ."  To read the article in advance of its publication, contact David Shapiro at dshapiro@ucla.edu

David S. Shannahoff-Khalsa is a research scientist and Kundalini Yoga teacher who has contributed to the field of evidence-based yoga research for many years.  This book is the culmination of that research and the author's clinical observations in working with students who have suffered from a wide range of psychiatric disorders.  For professionals, open to the inclusion of Kundalini meditation techniques that include sound (mantra), breath (pranayama and kriya), and mudra (hand gestures) in their work, Kundalini Yoga Meditation is a valuable resource.  Shannhoff-Khalsa does not deviate from the protocols taught to him by Yogi Bhajan.  There is no attempt to "Westernize," or make more "accessible" what to some clients may appear esoteric or exotic.  By the same token, the author doesn't "popularize" or simplify the research.  Rather he presents the numerous research citations in clear but professional language. 

In my own experimentation with these protocols, I have been impressed with the ways in which my experience and the experiences of my students and clients have dovetailed with the predicted effects.   Anyone willing to chant Sanskrit syllables and who feels comfortable teaching her clients to do likewise will have a new tool kit of strategies to address addictions, depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and a host of other diagnostic categories.  Each category includes a discussion about the diagnosis from both an allopathic and Kundalini Yoga perspective, case studies drawn from Shannahoff-Khalsa's clinical practice and detailed descriptions of the specific Kundalini Yoga Meditation protocol recommended.  The trouble is that for the greatest effect, most of these protocols require the patient to commit to an hour of daily practice.

The author addresses compliance issues clearly in his chapters on integrating these techniques into therapy.  He says that the majority of patients will "titrate their practice to the minimal dose to lessen their symptoms to an acceptable level of discomfort."  He therefore recommends that the therapist begin with a smaller "dose."  As the patient notices his own positive response, he is then more willing to add time and additional techniques to his practice.  Shannahoff-Khalsa recommends that the therapist practice the technique himself and fully endorse the protocol as a way to inspire his client. 

"LifeForce Yoga® to Beat the Blues is a blending of art, science, research and Amy's years of dedication to mastering the practice of Yoga. This is a DVD that I will enjoy, and continue to learn from, for years to come." - Richard Miller, PhD - President,The Center of Timeless Being; author, Yoga Nidra: The Meditative Heart of Yoga

· 75 minute video (DVD) practice, led by Amy Weintraub
· 12 Programmable Chapters shot in HD
· Original music by William Chapman + Music from Krishna Das, MJ Bindu Delekta
· Includes a Study Guide booklet
· Shot on-location in Tucson, AZ by Emmy- award winning Director of Photography, Dan Duncan.

Introduction
Joint Warm-ups
Centering Meditation
Breathing Exercises
Warm-up Poses
Cultivating Will: Standing Poses
Will and Willingness: Backbending Poses
Will and Surrender: Forward Bends and Twists
Surrender: Yoga Nidra

This unique DVD showcases the integrative practice of LifeForce Yoga® designed especially for mood management. Invite Amy into your home to lead you through comprehensive breathing techniques, toning, and postures to awaken your physical energy and calm your busy mind.

Shot on location in Tucson, Arizona, Amy invites practitioners into the loving embrace of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Kwan Yin, "she who hears the cries of the world." In the sacred space Amy creates, students begin to feel and safely experience their bodies and their emotions. The practice culminates with yoga nidra, or deep relaxation, in which participants integrate the experience and return to full wakefulness feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

For more information and to order, please visit Amy's web site: http://www.yogafordepression .com