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📚 Published Books

Books on Yoga by Payam Mehr Yoga Institute

🧘‍♂️ Pranayama: Vital Energy in Yoga

Authors: Maya Machawe & Saed Ahmadi
First Edition: 2011 (1390 SH)
Print Run: 3,000 copies
ISBN: 978-600-9191-3-2

 

🔍 Overview:

Calmness, health, and growth are among the core goals of yoga — and in today’s fast-paced 21st century, these three precious qualities are more essential than ever. Yoga, as a deeply transformative practice, offers powerful tools for relieving physical and emotional stress. The growing global interest in yoga, reflected in the publication of numerous books, scientific seminars, and the expansion of yoga classes worldwide, underscores this need.

In yogic philosophy, Pranayama is understood to go far beyond simple breathing exercises. According to ancient yogic sages, pranayama is the art of regulating and directing the life force (prana) within the body — and breath is merely the tool through which this energy is consciously channeled.

Put simply, breath is the outer expression of prana. Prana is an invisible, subtle force flowing through all living beings, connecting and energizing every part of their bodies. It permeates the entirety of existence. Through regular pranayama practice, one can intentionally guide prana to specific areas of the body, contributing to greater vitality and healing.

Pranayama techniques are essentially tools for managing the body’s vital energy economy, offering both physiological and mental benefits.

 

📘 What This Book Covers:

This book offers a detailed exploration of:

  • The foundations and philosophy of Pranayama

  • The correct techniques and step-by-step guidance for each breathing practice

  • The benefits and limitations of each method

  • The therapeutic applications of pranayama in managing various physical and psychological conditions.

📞 To order a copy of this book, please contact the Payam Mehr Yoga Center.

📘 Yoga and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Based on the latest research from books, academic articles, and medical sources
Authors: Maya Machawe & Saed Ahmadi
First Edition: 2011 (1390 SH)
Print Run: 5,000 copies
ISBN: 978-6000-91391-3-2

 

🧠 Understanding MS and the Power of Yoga

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common disorders of the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. MS is a progressive disease that involves damage to the protective sheath (myelin) that surrounds nerve fibers. This fatty white substance functions like the insulation on electrical wires, allowing smooth signal transmission.

The content of this book is based on the latest findings from scientific research, medical literature, and professional practice.

In this book, readers will find:

  • A clear explanation of MS and its neurological effects

  • A selection of gentle yoga movements suitable for those with MS

  • Techniques for deep relaxation and stress relief

  • An overview of the role of nutrition in supporting MS management

 

🌿 A Holistic Perspective

We believe that every human being is a complex and powerful creation, with vast untapped potential. When placed in the right physical, mental, and emotional conditions, the body has an extraordinary capacity to adapt, recover, and thrive — even in the face of chronic illness.

Gradual physical strengthening, inner peace, compassionate communication, and proper nutrition are essential to creating this supportive foundation.

We wholeheartedly recommend the practices and insights of this book as a complement to medical treatment for anyone living with MS.

📘 Cyclic Yoga: A Scientific Approach to Asanas

A Revolutionary Step in Hatha Yoga — For the First Time in the World
Authors: Maya Machawe & Saed Ahmadi
First Edition: 1998 (1377 SH)
Print Run: 5,000 copies
ISBN: 964-6188-25-7

 

🔍 About the Book

Cyclic Yoga is a research-based publication derived from years of clinical observation, practical experimentation, and feedback from yoga practitioners. This book represents a scientific and modern approach to the physical practice of yoga, developed with the goal of bringing structure, precision, and intentional sequencing to yoga training.

The need for this approach emerged from key questions frequently asked by students and teachers alike:

  • Where should one begin when practicing yoga poses?

  • Is there a proper system or logic to follow?

  • Is randomly performing 8 to 10 poses per day enough to achieve the full benefits?

  • On what basis should yoga sequences be selected?

  • Does the order of postures matter?

  • Can poses be performed in any sequence, or should their combined effects be taken into consideration?

Recognizing the diverse levels of complexity in yoga postures — from simple to highly advanced — the authors sought to develop a cyclical system that respects the tradition of yoga while incorporating a structured, medically-informed framework for modern practice.

 

🌀 The Innovation of Cyclic Yoga

With great respect for yoga masters worldwide and awareness of the varied — and sometimes conflicting — methodologies within Hatha Yoga (including asanas, pranayama, and mudras), the authors introduce the Cyclic Yoga Method.

This approach:

  • Integrates the best of various styles

  • Applies medical and therapeutic logic to sequence design

  • Emphasizes systematic flow and structure

  • Adds supportive (facilitating) movements to enhance safety and accessibility

  • Begins and ends each session with a specific program, rather than arbitrary movement selection

Designing each yoga cycle is an intensive, collaborative effort requiring deep physical and psychological insight, time, resources, and teamwork. The result is a method that is not separate from other traditions, but distinguished in its sequencing, precision, and therapeutic coherence.

The project also includes efforts to systematize breathwork and meditation into similar cycles — making instruction more concrete, consistent, and accessible for practitioners.

 

🎓 Educational Pathway

The Cyclic Yoga educational program, as currently implemented at the Payam Mehr Yoga Institute, includes a structured curriculum in three progressive levels, each lasting approximately 2.5 months:

  1. Beginner

  2. Foundation Level 1

  3. Foundation Level 2

During these stages, students learn:

  • Orthopedic basics

  • Correct execution of yoga postures

  • Muscle-breath coordination techniques

  • Anatomy and nutrition fundamentals

  • Key principles of physical and mental hygiene

Upon completing these stages, students are introduced to specific yoga cycles tailored to their level. A personalized daily practice plan is provided to help students experience the holistic benefits of asana practice in a safe and systematic way.

📙 The Art of Yoga

A Fully Illustrated Self-Guided Manual for Yoga Postures
Authors: Maya Machawe & Saed Ahmadi
First Edition: 2010 (1389 SH)
Print Run: 3,000 copies
ISBN: 978-600-91391-0-1

 

🌿 Overview

Yoga is an ancient science and art for living well. At the heart of its teachings lie the asanas — physical postures that support health, balance, and inner awareness.

The Art of Yoga is a comprehensive, fully illustrated self-teaching guide that introduces yoga through step-by-step instruction and visual clarity, making it ideal for beginners, intermediate, and advanced practitioners alike.

 

📖 What You’ll Find Inside This Book:

  • ✅ Precise instructions for performing key yoga postures safely and correctly

  • 🧘 Step-by-step visual demonstrations, progressing from beginner to advanced levels

  • 🌱 Detailed explanations of each posture’s benefits, therapeutic applications, and precautions

  • 📜 A brief history of yoga from its ancient roots to modern developments

  • 🔍 An overview of popular styles of yoga

  • 🥗 Insights into yogic nutrition, detoxification, and internal cleansing techniques

  • 🎨 Over 488 full-color images of yoga postures, thoughtfully organized for clarity and learning

This book is designed in an original and user-friendly format, making it a valuable resource for self-practice, teaching reference, or as a foundation for further yoga education.

📘 Mastering Negative Thoughts, Stress, Anxiety, and Fear

Authors: Saed Ahmadi & Maya Machawe
First Edition: 2012 (1391 SH)
Print Run: 2,000 copies
ISBN: 978-60092760-5-9

Dedicated to all those who are suffering — and seeking practical paths to liberation.

 

🧠 Overview

This book is the result of many years of clinical experience in counseling and psychotherapy. For the first time, it presents a systematic and practical introduction to 14 actionable techniques for gaining control over negative thought patterns.

In addition to the core framework, the book offers a collection of effective strategies, along with simple, hands-on exercises to help readers overcome:

  • 🌪️ Negative thinking

  • 😰 Stress

  • 😟 Anxiety

  • 😨 Fear

 

📖 Key Topics Covered:

  • What is negative thinking?

  • Symptoms of obsessive thoughts

  • What is stress? How to measure your stress susceptibility

  • Definition and signs of anxiety

  • Essential techniques for mastering negative thoughts

  • The role of purpose and motivation

  • …and dozens of other powerful insights

📄 For a full table of contents, please refer to the preview file or contact the publisher.

📘 Addiction Psychology Based on DSM-5

Authors: Dr. Saed Ahmadi & Amir Masoud Rostami
First Edition: 2014 (1393 SH)
Print Run: 1,100 copies
ISBN: 978-964-224-672-4

 

🧠 Overview

This groundbreaking publication is the first book in the field of addiction psychology written in accordance with the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5, 2013).

The book offers a comprehensive and clinically aligned overview of addiction-related disorders, framed within modern psychological diagnostic standards.

 

💡 Key Features:

  • Aligns directly with DSM-5 criteria and terminology

  • Covers the psychological underpinnings of addiction and its manifestations

  • Includes detailed treatment chapters

  • Features a dedicated chapter on smoking cessation through hypnotherapy, offering step-by-step, practical guidance — a unique and innovative approach rarely found in similar texts

 

This book is an invaluable resource for mental health professionals, counselors, psychologists, and students of clinical psychology, providing both theoretical foundations and practical applications for addiction treatment.