If your neck is chronically tense and tight, and if the muscles in your upper back and shoulders often feel as hard as a rock, you’re not alone. In our high-stress, hurried, 24/7 world—filled with work deadlines, financial pressures, “terror alerts,” and sleeplessness—many of us feel the weight of the world on our shoulders. Add to this emotional tension the postural stress of spending most of our days sitting, typically doing activities that round our bodies forward—such as computer work, driving, and reading—and all too often, the result is a serious pain in the neck.

Yoga is increasingly being recognized as powerful way to relieve neck pain, and this book is designed to empower you with safe, effective yoga self- care strategies that offer relief on many levels. Physically, yoga postures can stretch tight muscles and strengthen weak ones, cultivating flexibility, stability, and ease of movement. Yoga also teaches proper alignment, which helps you learn how to sit and stand with good posture, easing strain on your neck and shoulders. Psychologically, yoga is a potent stress reliever that teaches you how to relax and connect to an inner sense of peace. Energetically, yoga breathing helps enhance vital energy and recharges your entire system.

This book is based on my work with countless yoga students and yoga therapy clients, as well as my own struggles with neck pain. Over time, I have virtually eliminated my own neck pain, and feel grateful to be able to share the myriad gifts of yoga with you