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

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. CONTENTS......Page 6 Preface......Page 8 HUMAN ANATOMY......Page 10 Cell to system......Page 12 Skeletal system......Page 14 Muscular system......Page 20 Nervous system......Page 24 Endocrine system......Page 30 Respiratory system......Page 32 Cardiovascular system......Page 36 Lymphatic system......Page 38 Digestive system......Page 40 Urinary system......Page 42 Reproductive system......Page 43 THE ASANAS......Page 44 SEATED ASANAS......Page 46 Accomplished Siddhasana......Page 48 Bound Angle Baddha Konasana......Page 52 Cat Marjaryasana......Page 56 Cow Bitilasana......Page 58 Cow Face Gomukhasana......Page 62 Side Bend Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana......Page 66 Seated Twist Ardha Matsyendrasana......Page 70 Child’s Pose Balasana......Page 74 Camel Ustrasana......Page 78 King Pigeon Eka Pada Rajakapotasana......Page 82 STANDING ASANAS......Page 86 Mountain Tadasana......Page 88 Forward Fold Uttanasana......Page 92 Chair Utkatasana......Page 96 Crescent Lunge Anjaneyasana......Page 100 Warrior II Virabhadrasana II......Page 104 Warrior III Virabhadrasana III......Page 108 Tree Vrksasana......Page 112 Dancer Natarajasana......Page 116 Triangle Trikonasana......Page 120 INVERSION ASANAS......Page 124 Downward-Facing Dog Adho Mukha Svanasana......Page 126 Headstand Sirsasana......Page 130 Half Shoulderstand Ardha Sarvangasana......Page 134 Bridge Setu Bandhasana......Page 138 Wheel Urdhva Dhanurasana......Page 142 FLOOR ASANAS......Page 146 Crow Bakasana......Page 148 Plank Kumbhakasana......Page 152 Side Plank Vasisthasana......Page 156 Cobra Bhujangasana......Page 160 Locust Salabhasana......Page 164 Supine Leg Stretch Supta Padangusthasana......Page 168 Supine Twist Supta Matsyendrasana......Page 172 Q&AS......Page 176 Joints and flexibility......Page 178 Spinal care......Page 180 Life stages......Page 182 Meditation......Page 186 Savasana......Page 188 Stress......Page 190 The brain and mental well-being......Page 194 Chronic pain......Page 196 Yoga therapy......Page 198 Transformation......Page 200 On the frontiers of science......Page 202 Cautions......Page 204 Glossary......Page 208 Index......Page 210 Bibliography......Page 216 About the author and acknowledgments......Page 218 Discover the Benefits of Exercise as Meditation“Let me say it simply. Someone should have written this book a long time ago.” —Shinzen Young, meditation teacher, neuroscience research consultant, founder of Unified Mindfulness, author of Meditation in the Zone and The Science of EnlightenmentAward-winning Finalist in the “Health: Diet & Exercise” category of the 2022 International Book Awards #1 New Release in Sports Health & Safety, Other Eastern Religions & Sacred Texts, Cycling, Sports Psychology, Walking, Theravada Buddhism, and MeditationTransform movement and meditation into the powerful practice of mindful movementExercise can be meditation. What do you think of when you hear the word meditation? A quiet room filled with monks? An Instagram influencer? What about moving meditation? Yoga? Tai Chi? For too long, meditation in books has focused on specific periods of meditation, rather than mediation through fitness or daily activities. What if lifting weights, dancing with your love, or walking across a room counted? What if you could use exercise as meditation? What if you could make every move a meditation?Let's combine the two. In Make Every Move a Meditation, award-winning author, meditation leader, and mental health advocate Nita Sweeney shows us fitness can be mindfulness. She teaches us how to bring meditation and mindfulness into any activity by incorporating centuries-old techniques. Studies show that both exercise and meditation reduce anxiety, stabilize blood pressure, improve mood and cognition, and lead to a deeper self-relationship and wisdom. Movement is medicine, and meditation is medicine.Inside you'll learn to:Turn exercise into a meditation toolMake any activity a mindful practiceEnjoy the benefits of meditation while getting fitIf you like meditation books and best sellers such as Think Like a Monk, Practicing Mindfulness, or Breath, you'll love Make Every Move a Meditation. Explore the biomechanics of 30 key yoga poses, in-depth and from every angle, and master each asana with confidence and control. Did you know that yoga practice can help treat age-related memory loss better than brain-training games, or that the correct way to breathe throughout a sun salutation is influenced by what is happening to your organs as you move? Recent scientific research now backs up what were once anecdotal claims about the benefits of yoga to every system in the body. Science of Yoga reveals the facts, with annotated illustrations that show the mechanics, the angles, how your blood flow and respiration are affected, the muscle and joint actions working below the surface of each pose, and much more. With insight into variations on the poses and the specific benefits of different styles of yoga, such as kundalini and bikram, look no further than Science of Yoga to achieve technical excellence in your practice and optimize the benefits of yoga to your body and mind. Explore the biomechanics of 30 key yoga poses, in-depth and from every angle, and master each asana with confidence and control. Did you know that yoga practice can help with age-related memory loss, or that the correct way to breathe throughout a sun salutation is influenced by what is happening to your organs as you move? Recent scientific research now backs up what were once anecdotal claims about the benefits of yoga to every system in the body. Science of Yoga reveals the facts, with annotated artworks that show the mechanics, the angles, how your blood flow and respiration are affected, all the muscle and joint actions working below the surface of each pose, and much more. With insight into variations on the poses and the specific benefits of different styles of yoga, such as kundalini and ashtanga, look no further than Science of Yoga to achieve technical excellence in your practice and optimise the benefits of yoga to your body and mind. Explore the physiology of 30 key yoga poses, in-depth and from every angle, and master each asana with confidence and control. Did you know that yoga practice can help lower your blood pressure, decrease inflammation and prevent age-related brain changes? Recent scientific research now backs up what were once anecdotal claims about the benefits of yoga to every system in the body. Science of Yoga reveals the facts, with annotated artworks that show the mechanics, the angles, how your blood flow and respiration are affected, the key muscle and joint actions working below the surface of each pose, safe alignment and much more. With insight into variations on the poses and and a Q&A section that explores the science behind every aspect of yoga, look no further than Science of Yoga to achieve technical excellence in your practice and optimise the benefits of yoga to your body and mind.