Books

There's a vast cannon of yoga-related literature and texts out there - so much so, that the student or teacher can easily feel bewildered (though inspired) at the breadth and range of books waiting to be poured over.

Stretching and yoga are very far from the same thing - yet knowledge of the benefits of stretching is important for the yoga practitioner. Yoga teacher and sports science expert Sally Parkes reviews a new book, The Anatomy of Stretching.

Following hot on the heels of sister travel book, Body & Soul escapes, Body & Soul escapes Britain & Ireland is an essential reference book - or day-dreaming aid - for anyone interested in taking time out to re-balance and re-group.

Whether you call it chi as the Chinese do, ki like the Japanese or prana, as yogis do, most Eastern philosophies have a word to describe the invisible energy they believe is fundamental to our existence.

Dru Yoga, Stillness in Motion, is an accessible introduction to most aspects of yoga and holistic living, finds Lucia Cockcroft.