Wilfred Barlow

Frederick Matthias Alexander was born in 1869 in Tasmania and died in London in 1955. During his lifetime he formulated and developed a theory which has become known as the Alexander Principle. This Principle, which is increasingly being accepted by medical, educational and psychiatric workers, states that a great deal of modern man's illness can be traced to the way in which he uses and carries his body; muscles are tense when they should not be; backs are "humped", vertebrae contracted together, the neck is sunk down into the chest; stomachs are allowed to slip forward out of the pelvic girdle, instead of being retained under proper muscular control; legs are constantly crossed and toes turned in, tensing and straining all the muscles from the hips. Is it, therefore, any wonder that we suffer with arthritis, pain in the back, slipped discs, rheumatism, fibrositis, hypertension and an enormous variety of nervous diseases. which are considerably aggravated by the muscular tension that we produce in ourselves by the way we use our bodies.

Dr Barlow studied under Alexander and now teaches the Principle to future teachers at an institute which is recognised by the Inner London Education Authority. He combines this with his work as a specialist in the National Health Service.

The Alexander Principle covers every aspect of the subject in a clear and meticulous style. The Principle itself is explained and exemplified with many precise references to the mis-use of our bodies. The way in which our stance affects our health is fully discussed and illustrated; and methods of teaching (and learning) the proper use of muscles and limbs are elucidated in a way which is neither too technical nor too simplified.

Jack Santa Maria

We live in a consumer society in an age of consumption.

We have to eat to live and should, therefore, make the most of it. Instead, we make a brief indulgence of eating which does nothing to provide us with any spiritual nourishment.

Vet the Hindu scriptures clearly indicate that our regular habits of eating and drinking can be practised in a better way. The act of consuming and all this implies covers areas of our lives that are rich in their potential for practicing awareness and meditation.

Our minds and bodies are formed by what is taken in (Chandogya Upanishad) and Indian religious practice acknowledges food as potential power, potential embodiment, in this world. The universe itself is said to have emerged from an egg, thus all things find their origin in a basic source of food. From this central awareness of Brahman as the source of life has evolved the uniquely Indian spiritual attitude to food that Jack Santa Maria explores in this book.

Anna Yoga shows how Indian thought, as expressed through sacred writings and contemporary life, may be practically incorporated into daily life to nourish, enlighten and attune us with cosmic harmony.

The Wisdom in Native American Herbalism

Stephen Harrod Buhner, Brook Medicine Eagle

Healing fats are required, together with other nutrients, to prevent and reverse so-called "incurable" degenerative disease: heart disease, cancer, and Type lI diabetes. Healing fats help reverse arthritis, obesity, PMS. allergies, asthma, skin conditions, fatigue, yeast and fungal infections, addictions, certain types of mental illness, and many other conditions. Good fats also enhance athletic performance, skin beauty, longevity and energy levels.