The Physiology of Yoga

The physiological basis for the effects of yoga on the body and mind is often unknown or misunderstood. Understanding these concepts can help deepen your yoga practice. The Physiology of Yoga examines how the body responds and adapts to yoga within many systems of the body, providing straightforward explanations and exploring popular claims about yoga. It also offers firsthand experience through specific yoga poses and four sequences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: Human Kinetics Publishers

Yoga is a practice that has gained popularity for its ability to enhance feelings of well-being. However, the physiological basis behind its effects on the body and mind remains largely unknown or misunderstood. Understanding these physiological concepts can deepen one's yoga practice and provide valuable insights.

The Physiology of Yoga examines how the body responds and adapts to yoga across various systems, including musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, endocrine, reproductive, and digestive systems. Clear explanations guide individuals in sorting through conflicting information about the potential benefits of yoga and evaluating the effectiveness of different yoga methods.

The book offers practical experimentation through "Try It Yourself" sidebars, focusing on mindful movement, meditation, and breathing. These sidebars provide opportunities for individuals to explore concepts and apply them in their practice. Additionally, the "Myth or Fact" sidebars delve into popular claims about yoga, such as the stimulation of thyroid function by shoulder stands or the detoxification of the liver through twists. The book provides the most current research to determine the validity of these claims, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about their yoga practice.

To further enhance the understanding of yoga's physiological impact, the book includes specific yoga poses and four sequences. Each sequence explains which physiological principles from earlier chapters may be most prevalent in that sequence. This allows individuals to experience firsthand how yoga affects their physiology and tailor their practice accordingly.

With The Physiology of Yoga, practitioners and students can navigate the diverse perspectives and opinions surrounding yoga and gain a deeper understanding of how to practice yoga while fully enjoying the benefits of mindful movement. By embracing the physiological concepts outlined in this book, individuals can deepen their yoga practice and reap the numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits that yoga offers.

Weight: 632g
Dimension: 178 x 253 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781492599838