Science of Yoga: Understand the Anatomy and Physiology to Perfect Your Practice

Description

Explore the biomechanics of 30 key yoga asanas, in-depth and from every angle, and master each pose with confidence and control. Introducing Science of Yoga - an all-encompassing science book to help you better understand yoga anatomy and the medical science behind yoga to perfect your practice and poses! Did you know that yoga practice can help treat age-related memory loss better than brain-training games? Recent scientific research now supports what were once anecdotal claims about the benefits of yoga to every system in the body. Science of Yoga provides a detailed insight into variations of key yoga poses and the specific benefits of different styles of yoga on the human body, system by system. Dive right in to discover - Specially commissioned CGI artworks show 30 asanas in depth and detail the physics of the pose - 16 spreads of clear, easy-to-understand scientific facts and research answering key questions around ancient and modern claims - Illustrated section on the benefits of yoga on the human body system by system - Easy-to-understand research is presented in an easy-to-understand format with illustrated pullouts, debunking the myths and explaining the scientific facts, from breathing techniques to mindfulness Science of Yoga is a riveting read, and reveals how your blood flow, respiration, muscles and joints work below the surface of each yoga pose, whilst teaching you to achieve technical excellence in your practice, from the comfort of your own home. The first yoga book on the market to combine detailed anatomical drawings, pose mechanics and key scientific research, Science of Yoga is a must-have volume for yoga beginners and professionals alike, seeking an accessible and easy-to-read guide on the effects of yoga on the human body from a scientific standpoint. Whether you’re looking to take up yoga this New Year, or your yoga poses are already perfect, this science book is the ideal fitness gift for the yoga lover in your life, and sets out to separate the facts of yoga from the myths, with proven scientific research. Preface 6 Human Anatomy 8 Cell to system 10 Skeletal system 12 Muscular system 18 Nervous system 22 Endocrine system 28 Respiratory system 30 Cardiovascular system 34 Lymphatic system 36 Digestive system 38 Urinary system 40 Reproductive system 41 THE ASANAS 42 SEATED ASANAS 44 Accomplished Siddhasana 46 Bound Angle Baddha Konasana 50 Cat Marjaryasana 54 Cow Bitilasana 56 Cow Face Gomukhasana 60 Side Bend Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana 64 Seated Twist Ardha Matsyendrasana 68 Child’s Pose Balasana 72 Camel Ustrasana 76 King Pigeon Eka Pada Rajakapotasana 80 STANDING ASANAS 84 Mountain Tadasana 86 Forward Fold Uttanasana 90 Chair Utkatasana 94 Crescent Lunge Anjaneyasana 98 Warrior II Virabhadrasana II 102 Warrior III Virabhadrasana III 106 Tree Vrksasana 110 Dancer Natarajasana 114 Triangle Trikonasana 118 INVERSION ASANAS 122 Downward-Facing Dog Adho Mukha Svanasana 124 Headstand Sirsasana 128 Half Shoulderstand Ardha Sarvangasana 132 Bridge Setu Bandhasana 136 Wheel Urdhva Dhanurasana 140 FLOOR ASANAS 144 Crow Bakasana 146 Plank Kumbhakasana 150 Side Plank Vasisthasana 154 Cobra Bhujangasana 158 Locust Salabhasana 162 Supine Leg Stretch Supta Padangusthasana 166 Supine Twist Supta Matsyendrasana 170 Q&AS 174 Joints and flexibility 176 Spinal care 178 Life stages 180 Meditation 184 Savasana 186 Stress 188 The brain and mental well-being 192 Chronic pain 194 Yoga therapy 196 Transformation 198 On the frontiers of science 200 Cautions 202 Glossary 206 Index 208 Bibliography 214 About the author and acknowledgments 216