Yoga and Anatomy

Dr Nandgirikar  Vaishali

  • As an anatomy teacher for more than 20 years and yoga practioner for more than 10 years, this topic always fascinated me.
  • Anatomy and yoga poses are deeply connected; they have a vital impact on the body, mind and soul.
  • Homoeopathy too as a holistic science emphasize on trio of life.
  • This concept is now widely accepted by whole world including modern medicine.
  • In spite of being in the field of anatomy for so many years i always believed in the realm beyond physical.
  • Human body is a premium product gifted to us by nature with not a single mistake in its assembly.
  • Human body as a tool can be used effectively when we synchronize body, mind and soul with the right yogic postures.
  • Many anatomical systems are involved in practice of yoga postures.

Skeletal system

  • Knowledge of bony skeletal framework of the body enables us to get deep insight in our daily yoga practice
  • Bones act as lever for movements in our day to day life; this is true for yoga practice too.
  • Axial as well as appendicular skeleton are equally important.
  • Ligaments joining the bones and their flexibility matters too in practice of yoga.
  • Articulation of bones forms joints. Flexibility of which is of utmost importance.

Muscular system

  • Knowledge of muscular system enables yogi to go in to the posture, maintain it and hold it.
  • Also the yogi becomes aware of micro adjustments occurring while holding the postures.
  • Activation of various groups of muscles while going in to the posture is pleasurable experience if u has the knowledge of human body.

Nervous system

  • The master/ cpu of the whole body.
  • Controls and responsds to stress,strain, movements and pleasure.
  • The cerebrum,cerebellum,medulla,spinal cord all play crucial roles in this practice.

Respiratory system:

  • Oxygenation is crucial while performaing any physical activity.
  • Demand if o2 increases when we are doing any physcial activity.
  • Lungs, intercostals muscles, diaghphram play dey role in yogic practices.

Circulatory system
Heart and circulatory system are integral part of any muscular and physical activity. increase in heart rate is a good exercise for heart as well as body. increase in heart rate is a pointer towards calorie consumption.

Types of yoga

  • Hatha yoga
  • Vinyasa yoga
  • Restorative yoga
  • Power yoga
  • Medical yoga

Benefits of yoga

Physical benefits

  • Flexibility and Balance
  • Strength and toning
  • Improved posture
  • Weight management
  • Cardiovascular health
  • Hormonal balance

Mental benefits

  1. Connection to inner self
  2. Stress release
  3. General feeling of well being
  4. Releases feel good hormones
  5. Spiritual growth

Therapeutic benefits

  1. Chronic pain management
  2. Improved immunity
  3. Improved cardiac –respiratory health
  4. Control over sphincters.
  5. Regulation of menstrual cycles,fertility and reduce symptoms of menopause.

Here are few  yoga poses in corelation with anatomy

Yoga poses in relation to anatomy.

Yoga is a journey and not destination.

Lets  begin this blissful journey together with help of little bit of insight of the Anatomy.

Dr Nandgirikar  Vaishali. D M.D (Hom)
Associate Professor /HOD (Anatomy Department)
LSFPEF’S LHMC, Chinchwad, Pune

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