The following sources will give the user a brief overview of yoga, and the entries should offer a good starting point for those who have little or no prior knowledge of the subject. Often, these sources have cross-referencing to lead the user to other entries that discuss aspects of yoga. It is beneficial to start by looking for an index in the back of each source under “yoga” to find the various places the subject can be found throughout the text.
 

Bliss, Shepherd, Ed. The New Holistic Health Handbook: Living Well in a New Age. Lexington: Stephen Greene Press, 1985.
[Davis: RA 776.5 N48 1985—8th floor]

In general, this reference source places holistic health within a historical context as well as an alternative movement towards the future. An overview of yoga is discussed with respect to health benefits, basic postures, breathing techniques and forms of meditation. The handbook offers a quick, concise way for someone new to yoga to gain some basic knowledge about the subject.
 

Micozzi, Marc S., Ed. Fundamentals of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Philadelphia: Churchill Livingstone, 2001.
[HSL Ref: WB890 .F981 2001—1st fl]

This source contrasts traditional healing methods with western medicines. The treatment of yoga consists of an 8 page section devoted to the topic. Different schools of practice are discussed in a clear, succinct manner, and the coverage of yoga background and history delves further into more spiritual aspects than some of the other reference sources included in the pathfinder. A “Research on Yoga” section discusses yoga’s role in contemporary health care, and the topic of yoga also appears in other sections dealing with the social and cultural context of alternative medicine systems. The forward was written by C. Everett Koop, the former U.S. Surgeon General.
 

Wood, Ernest. Yoga Wisdom. New York: Philosophical Library, 1970.
[Davis: B132 .Y6 W594 1970—3rd floor]

Yoga Wisdom serves as a great supplementary tool, especially if one encounters complex vocabulary  in any of the other sources about yoga. The definitions are clearly stated, and cover religious and philosophy terms with respect to such topics as meditation and mysticism.
 

“Yoga.” A Dictionary of Mind and Body: Therapies, Techniques and Ideas in Alternative Medicine, the Healing Arts and Psychology. Watson, Donald. London: Andre Deutsch Limited, 1995.
[Davis Ref: R733 .W377 1995—1st floor]

The yoga entry in this dictionary addresses the spirituality aspect of the subject as well as the psychological effects of the controlled breathing and meditation associated with the practice. Throughout the entry, several words are highlighted, directing the user to more information in other entries. Overall, the source provides easy-to-read information about terms associated with the mind-body relationship and alternative remedies.

“Yoga.” The Encyclopedia of Healing Therapies. Woodham, Anne and David Peters. New York: DK Publishing Inc., 1997.
[Davis Ref: R733 .W65 1997—1st floor]

This grass-roots encyclopedia simplifies the complexities of alternative and complementary medicine. It includes a well-being questionnaire and aids the user in choosing appropriate activities and alternative therapies. Each entry has a section indicating therapy ratings with respect to evidence, medical opinion, self-help possibilities and compatibility with conventional medicine. The yoga entry covers the main health benefits of the practice, as well as an overview of the theory behind yoga. Other features include a frequently asked questions section, color photographs, and testimonials from those who practice yoga.
 

“Yoga.” The Alternative Health and Medicine Encyclopedia. Eds. Marti, James and Andrea Hine. Detroit: Gale Research Inc., 1995
[HSL Ref: WB890. M378a 1995—1st floor]

This easy-to-read reference source provides broad coverage of newly accepted alternative medicine treatments. The yoga entry addresses a brief history then discusses the advocacy of yoga practice by medical doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists. Also, yoga’s relationship to topics like cancer treatment, heart disease reversal, high blood pressure, pregnancy, and headaches is discussed. Summaries are stated at the end of each entry, and a glossary and bibliography are included.