Kirkness Karen - Spiral Bound: Integrated Anatomy for Yoga

Table of Contents

Karen Kirkness has written a highly individual and intensely interesting book. If you have not been exposed to the new anatomy, Karen will definitely expand your concepts about our unfolding life-long dance between stability and mobility.

Thomas W. Myers, Author of Anatomy Trains

I really enjoyed reading this book. It offers unique images to support very well-researched views, presented in a conversational tone that I know readers in fascia will not want to miss. Well done!

Prof. Dr. Andry Vleeming World Congress on low back and pelvic girdle pain

Karen approaches the interweaving of gross and subtle in a captivating way, highlighting the connections between ideas with such curiosity and openness. It has and will continue to change the way I look at movement.

Yashodha Govindaraju Yoga practitioner

This book builds a bridge between the outdated classical biomechanical anatomy and the concept of human posture and movement as a holistic manifestation of a self-organizing and shaping organism. The subtitle of this book rightly speaks of a new anatomy, a trans-anatomically oriented architectural anatomy, an integrated anatomy. With that, the book is not only an enrichment for yoga-oriented people but is warmly recommended for anyone who really wants to delve into what moves us. And that is spirit.

Jaap van der Wal Phenomenologist, Morphologist and Embryologist

In a clear, precise and conversational way, Karen guides us on a journey into our spiraling selves, shining a light on why this is of the utmost importance for any movement modality.

Rachel Tudor tudorpilates.com

Karens dynamic teachings are imbued with intelligence, humor, experience, and an infectious energy that I adore. Shes extraordinary!

Karyn Stillwell www.stillwellyogaonline.com

I recommend this book for serious yoga educators and practitioners, and all who want an in-depth illustrated manual of how the embryo becomes a living, spiraling manifested mystery.

Carol M. Davis DPT, EdD, MS, FAPTA, Professor Emerita, University of Miami School of Medicine; Myofascial Release Physical Therapist and Teacher; Author and Editor: Integrated Therapies in Rehabilitation/Evidence of Efficacy in Therapy, Prevention and Wellness

There is no other book like this out there, it takes you from the beginning, and it will forever change the way you look at your own movement and how you help your clients. Absolutely stunning work!

Olivia Kampe Pilates teacher https://kinuum.com

I am blown away by Karens gifted use of language and story-telling as she guides readers through the embryonic roots of spiral movement, leaving you in awe of the human form, where there are no individual parts, only a magnificent, ever spiralling and pulsing whole.

Eija Tervonen Yoga teacher, Somatics practitioner, Spiral Stabilisation trainer

Karen Kirkness has created a trailblazing paradigm of human anatomy that explains why yoga has such a profound impact on body, mind and spirit. She provides a brilliant new model of anatomy that will transform how you experience and view yourself. Reading this book will absolutely elevate your yoga practice.

Mercedes (Didi) von Deck MD Orthopaedic surgeon, Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery; Ashtanga Yoga Teacher (Director of Down Under Yoga Mysore Ashtanga Program); Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner

This is not just a yoga book but a clearly referenced anatomical journal of movement, which has now become my go-to book for all things fascia, embryology and their spiral connection. In simple terms ... After 30 years of involvement in exercise and movement anatomy ... This book answers questions that I didnt know had to be asked!

Mark Flannigan Neuromuscular therapist, Exercise scientist

The value of Karens work to our yoga teaching community shines an important light on how we can enliven the beautiful matrix within us through subtlety. Her depth of knowledge of the subjectmatter and her creative approach to bring this to life makes it an important book for our times.

Hayley Winter MSc, BWY Dip, E-RYT 500, YACEP Founder of the Institute of Yoga Sports Science

Karen is one of a rare breed of exceptional teachers who takes complex topics and delivers them in a simple, fun and enticing manner that leaves you craving more. Like all Karens teachings, this is a MUST HAVE book for all yoga teachers and practitioners.

Bruce Mackay Director, Yoga Alliance Professionals

Karens real skill, along with her incredible depth of knowledge and enthusiasm on all things anatomy and yoga-related, is her ability to communicate that knowledge and enthusiasm at all levels.

Joanne Merritt, Former Team GB cyclist, Yoga & Pilates practitioner

Spiral Bound will produce a better understanding of functional anatomy for everyone involved with the human form. The book is written in a colloquial language that pulls you in and explains complicated concepts in bite sized pieces.

Janet Philp Anatomy Fundamentals @anatomyfoundations

This book will be valued by all somatic practitioners. It expands the understanding of the human form, from its embryological foundations to how these inform our movement. For yoga practitioners, Karens detailed exploration of the Five Filaments supports the interconnection and continuity of a yoga practice reflecting yoga philosophy and Dhatu Siddhanta from Ayurveda.

Caroline Phipps-Urch Vice Chair, Yoga Scotland

Karen is a phenomenal anatomy and yoga teacher. Her work is particularly suited for anyone interested in putting the nuances of anatomy into motion thus enabling them to weave her teachings into their practice. Highly recommended!

Aimee Alexandra Schmidt Cranio-sacral therapist, Pilates practitioner & Yoga teacher

This book will shake you to the core. It is about anatomy and yoga but not in the way we usually think about them. This is no fusty list of time-honoured descriptions and impossible poses but a deep insight into the living body and how it moves the way it does.

Graham Scarr Author of Biotensegrity: The Structural Basis of Life

The discussion of the Five Filaments movement rubric in its simple, elegant form is perfection the way it is broken down into simple, practical language is so useful. A gift for yoga teachers and movement therapists to cue rotation in movement for every level of experience.

Nadine Watton Co-director of Meadowlark Yoga YTT programme

Sensitively written, with an admirable understanding of movement and body. This book provides clarity, it is insightful and engaging. Well done Karen!

Ana Outsubo MPT So Paulo, Brazil

Understanding the concept of spirality has been nothing short of a game changer both for my practice and for my teaching.

Kate Towers www.katetowersyoga.com

Human anatomy is often presented as mechanical and gross; Karen shows us that its essence is subtlety and interconnection. A tour de force of creativity and intellectual brilliance to reimagine anatomy in a way that is holistic and deeply embodied.

Paul Fox Yoga in Healthcare Alliance | Promoting Yoga in the UK & Internationally

This text offers a groundbreaking look at understanding around anatomy and beyond that is softer and more connected than the sometimes reductionist, linear traditional approach to the subject. This approach is mirrored in yoga culture as conversations around power dynamics, lineage and new ways of working evolve and it is therefore a relevant and timely addition to the field.