First published 2012
William J. Broad combines his roles as a New York Times science correspondent and devoted yoga practitioner to investigate what yoga actually does for the human body and mind. He spent five years examining scientific studies, historical records, and medical research to separate fact from fiction in yoga's promises about fitness, healing, creativity, and emotional health. His investigation takes him from Calcutta archives to modern laboratories, from traditional ashrams to contemporary studios. Broad reveals which yoga benefits have scientific support and which remain wishful thinking. He also exposes dangerous practices that can injure or kill practitioners. The book maps yoga's transformation into a global industry populated by genuine researchers, devoted believers, and opportunistic promoters. Broad destroys common misconceptions while revealing unexpected advantages the practice offers. He presents a clear-eyed assessment of yoga's genuine risks and legitimate rewards, offering readers a practical understanding of how this ancient discipline can be practiced more safely and effectively.
Genres: science, non-fiction, health, alternative-medicine
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: investigative-journalism
298 pages · Hardcover · Simon & Schuster