Everyday activities such as using the computer, driving, or even curling up with a good book can create tension in the neck and shoulders. It's no wonder that so many of us have persistent discomfort and pain in these areas. Healing Yoga for Neck and Shoulder Pain presents simple, yoga-based practices that you can do at work and at home to release muscle tension for immediate relief. After suffering from chronic neck pain for years, author and yoga therapist Carol Krucoff developed the unique self-care program found in this book. Now you, too, can free yourself from neck pain by practicing simple yoga exercises to stretch tight muscles and strengthen weak ones and by learning to properly align your body when performing everyday activities that may be contributing to your pain. This fully illustrated, easy to follow guidebook also addresses common problems that may accompany neck tension, including headaches, upper back pain, and stress. "In this wonderful, easy-to-read-and-use book, Carol Krucoff has gracefully and intelligently integrated several important healing traditions in order to bring relief to those suffering from neck and shoulder pain and the pain of stress. I recommend it enthusiastically as a friendly vehicle anyone can use to explore and experience the amazing power and healing potential of these human bodies." —Jeffrey Brantley, MD, director of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program at Duke Integrative Medicine, and coauthor of Five Good Minutes® in Your Body "Unlike modern medicine, which often does little more than suppress the symptoms of neck problems with painkillers, yoga can get at the root causes of pain. In this wonderful book, Krucoff demonstrates safe, gentle, and effective strategies to lessen neck and shoulder discomfort. Be careful, though—yoga’s side effects include peace of mind, improved mood, and better sleep. You could get hooked!" —Timothy McCall, MD, medical editor of Yoga Journal and author of Yoga as Medicine "What a gift Krucoff has given us! These practices guide us in both postural and emotional healing of the neck and shoulders by allowing the energy to flow freely, uniting head to body and head to heart. This brings about a sense of balance and ease, reminding us of our joyful nature." —Nischala Joy Devi, author The Healing Path of Yoga and The Secret Power of Yoga In Healing Yoga for Neck and Shoulder Pain , Duke Integrative Medicine yoga therapist and personal trainer Carol Krucoff offers readers effective yoga stretches, postures, and mind-body techniques for eliminating neck and shoulder pain and tension. Carol Krucoff, RYT, is a yoga therapist at Duke Integrative Medicine in Durham, NC, where she creates individualized yoga practices for people with health challenges. An award-winning journalist and fitness expert, Krucoff served as founding editor of the health section of The Washington Post . Her articles have appeared in numerous national publications, including Yoga Journal, The New York Times, Prevention , and Reader's Digest . She is certified as a personal trainer by the American Council on Exercise, earned a second-degree black belt in karate, and sits on the peer review board for the International Journal of Yoga Therapy. Krucoff has practiced yoga for more than thirty years. Foreword writer Tracy W. Gaudet, MD, is executive director of the Duke Center for Integrative Medicine at the Duke University School of Medicine. The author of the highly acclaimed Consciously Female , Dr. Gaudet is a practicing, board-certified OB/GYN and the founding executive director of Dr. Andrew Weil's Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. She lives with her son Ryan in Durham, NC. Carol Krucoff, E-RYT, is a yoga therapist at Duke Integrative Medicine in Durham, NC, and codirector of the Therapeutic Yoga for Seniors teacher training. An award-winning journalist and fitness expert, Krucoff served as founding editor of the health section of The Washington Post , where her syndicated column, Bodyworks, appeared for twelve years. A frequent contributor to Yoga Journal , she has written for numerous national publications, including The New York Times , Prevention , and Reader's Digest , and is creator of the home practice CD, Healing Moves Yoga . Krucoff is certified as a personal trainer by the American Council on Exercise. She also has earned a second-degree black belt in karate and sits on the peer review board for the International Journal of Yoga Therapy . She has practiced yoga for more than thirty years. Foreword writer Tracy W. Gaudet, MD, is executive director of Duke Integrative Medicine and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the Duke University Health System. Author of the highly acclaimed Consciously Female , Gaudet is a practicing, board-certified OB/GYN and was the founding executive director of Dr. Andrew Weil's Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. She lives