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

by Ann Swanson

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781465479358
Publisher:	DK
Publication date:	01/08/2019
Series:	DK Science of
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	50,000
Product dimensions:	7.70(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Ann Swanson, MS, C-IAYT, LMT, E-RYT500
Ann is a mind-body science educator. She holds a Master of Science in yoga therapy from Maryland University of Integrative Health, where she went on to become an adjunct faculty member. With years of experience tutoring and teaching anatomy and physiology in colleges, massage therapy schools, and yoga teacher training programs, she has refined the ability to make complex scientific concepts simple to understand. Ann uniquely applies cutting-edge research practically to yoga while maintaining the heart of the tradition. She believes that there is no one "right" alignment or way to do a yoga pose or practice; if you can breathe, you can do yoga. In her private practice, she makes yoga therapy, qigong, and mindfulness meditation accessible with personalized modifications. Her convenient online classes help busy people worldwide relieve pain and manage stress effectively. For more about Ann, head to www.AnnSwansonWellness.com or www.scienceof.yoga

Table of Contents

Contents 4

Foreword 8

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 and immune systems 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 IB

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

Halt 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 Bhujangssana 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