Yoga is one of the most popular fitness, health and wellbeing pursuits in the world. With this book, the millions of yoga practitioners worldwide who practise the sport will benefit from seeing what happens inside their bodies when they assume yoga poses. "Anatomy of Yoga for Posture and Health" focuses on the benefits of yoga for improving posture and general health, and introduces the reader to a range of techniques chosen with these goals in mind. Its premise is the fact that good posture and spine strength lie at the core of the body's health, and this book will help you to achieve that through a better understanding of how your body works. The book is divided into five sections, each of which describe a different set of essential yoga poses targeting different areas of the musculoskeletal system. Each pose is illustrated with a detailed anatomical drawing showing exactly what is happening to the muscles and the skeleton during the move. Sure to be a valuable reference for yoga practitioners at every level, this book features everything readers need to know to use yoga to improve their posture and health, and to learn about its effects on their body.

The best-selling anatomy guide for yoga is now updated, expanded, and better than ever! With more asanas, vinyasas, full-color anatomical illustrations, and in-depth information, the second edition of YogaAnatomy provides you with a deeper understanding of the structures and principles underlying each movement and of yoga itself. From breathing to inversions to standing poses, see how specific muscles respond to the movements of the joints; how alterations of a pose can enhance or reduce effectiveness; and how the spine, breathing, and body position are all fundamentally linked. Whether you are just beginning your journey or have been practicing yoga for years, Yoga Anatomy will be an invaluable resource—one that allows you to see each movement in an entirely new light. With Yoga Anatomy, Second Edition, authors Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews, both internationally recognized experts and teachers in anatomy, breathing, and bodywork, have created the ultimate reference for yoga practitioners, instructors, and enthusiasts alike.

The Concise Book of Yoga Anatomy is the definitive guide to the study of yoga anatomy--a perfect companion book for any yoga teacher or practitioner seeking to understand the biomechanics of the body as it applies to yoga practice. The book is visually designed in quick reference format to offer useful information about the main skeletal muscles that are central to yoga, with asanas to demonstrate the particular muscles and muscle groups. Over 230 full color illustrations detail each muscle's origin, insertion, and action in order to clearly reveal how the muscles come into play in the movements and postures of yoga. Knowledge of yoga anatomy is paramount to the ability to teach or practice with no injury to oneself or others. With this foundation in place, it is possible to focus on the spiritual element of yoga as well as the physical. Yoga is a union of the two, so where appropriate, the more profound side of the practice is mentioned as it relates to the body. The Concise Book of Yoga Anatomy illustrates the form and function of the muscles first, then interlays the muscles into the yoga posture for full understanding in a clear and integrated way, explaining the technique of the asanas, as well as other important aspects of yoga: pranayamas, the bandhas, and chakras. Table of Contents About This Book 1 Anatomical Orientation 2 Muscles of Respiration 3 Muscles of the Face and Neck 4 Muscles of the Spine 5 The Deep Core and Pelvic Floor 6 Muscles of the Shoulder and Upper Arm 7 Muscles of the Forearm and Hand 8 Muscles of the Hip 9 Muscles of the Knee 10 Muscles of the Ankle/Foot Resources General Index Index of Muscles

A full-color illustrated exploration of the body in motion during yoga practice • Examines anatomical patterns and body mechanics in specific asanas, such as forward bends, twists, external hip rotations, arm balances, and back bends, to inspire confidence in students, deepen practice, and prevent injury • Provides detailed images and photos overlaid with anatomical diagrams, allowing you to see clearly what is happening within each asana discussed • Explores how various yoga postures interrelate from the perspective of functional anatomy In this full-color illustrated guide, David Keil brings the anatomy of the body in yoga asanas to life. Writing in an accessible, conversational tone, he outlines how practitioners and yoga teachers alike can utilize a deeper understanding of their anatomy and its movement and function to deepen their yoga practice, increase confidence, prevent injury, and better understand their students and their challenges. Providing detailed images and photos overlaid with anatomical diagrams, allowing you to see clearly what is happening within each asana discussed, Keil shows how the muscles, joints, tendons, and structure of the body work together to support integrated movement. He discusses the basics of functional anatomy, exploring the workings of the foot and ankle, the knee, the hip joint, the pelvis and SI joint, the spine, the shoulder, and the hand, wrist, and elbow. He examines anatomical patterns and body mechanics in specific asanas, such as forward bends, twists, external hip rotations, arm balances, and back bends, such as, for example, how a wide-legged forward bend shifts the position of the femur and the pelvis, allowing students with tight hamstrings to accomplish a deep forward bend--something they struggle with when the legs are together. Keil also shows how various yoga postures interrelate from the perspective of functional anatomy. Revealing in detail how everything in the body is connected and how your anatomy functions holistically during yoga practice, this book helps you to understand the body better and connect and integrate yoga postures in a completely new way.

Embodied Posture Methodology, or EPM, empowers you to align yoga postures to best suit your uniqueness. Through over 25 years of studying the human body and teaching yoga, Stacy Dockins developed this innovative approach that integrates bio-individuality and long-term, sustainable functional wellness. Combining body awareness, science, and exploration, Stacy provides practical information you can immediately apply on your mat to get the most out of your practice.Each posture is presented as a collection of movement actions, enabling you to skillfully deconstruct and reconstruct them for your maximum benefit. Clear, brilliant photographs, combined with detailed anatomical illustrations, show the inner workings of the poses. Discussions of possible structural limitations and common injuries, as well as helpful modifications, are included. Plus, Stacy's exploratory cues will guide you to experience various sensations available in the postures.Whether you are a student or a teacher, EPM will show you how to critically approach postural alignment. Yoga poses will be more accessible and effective than ever before. Most importantly, you will cultivate the tool of Embodiment, the ability to tune in to what is arising from within your own body.

Get an inside look at the body's muscles at work during yoga Anatomy for Yoga provides an in-depth tour of muscles as you progress through yoga exercises. The detailed four-color anatomical illustrations depict exactly what happens to the body's muscles and skeletal system while performing these incredibly spine-intensive movements. This book is divided into sequences, 10 to 20 poses each, and involve specific stretches/mobilizing for that particular postural imbalance as well as strengthening. The sequences cover an entire routine, which could last from 30 minutes to an hour or longer. In addition, there is a breathing practice and a related meditation practice. You will be able to use the basic skills in the early chapters and, as your abilities develop, apply them to more advanced techniques featured later in the book. Full-color anatomical illustrations that detail the muscles engaged. Gives you the information you need, and shows you exactly what's going on with their body as they exercise. Build a routine custom to their abilities. Topics include: How to Use the Book; Anatomical Definitions and Terminology; Systems of the Body; Body Planes and Regions; Anatomical Terms; Joint Movements; Posture and Muscle Balance; The Spine; Overview of Postural Problems; How Can Yoga Improve Posture?; The Biomechanics of Breath; Meditation and its Benefits; The Chakras; The Practice; Sun Salutation; Kyphosis Posture; Longitudinal Mobilizations; Horizontal Mobilizations; Moving Cats; Shoulder Opener (1-4); Seated Twist; Locust Pose; Back Bridge; Camel Pose; Half Shoulderstand; Corpse Pose; Breathing Practice; Meditation Practice Lordosis Posture; Forward Bend; Yogic Squat; Front Thigh Stretch; Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch; Warrior 1 Variation 1; Hero Pose; Child's Pose; Plank; Leg Drop; Corpse Pose; Breathing Practice; Meditation Practice; Flat Back Posture; Expanded Leg Forward Bend; Intense Side Stretchl Extended Straight Leg Stretch; Warrior 1 Variation 2; Supine Toe Pose; Boat Pose; Moving Cats; Cobra; Locust Pose; Reclining Twist; Corpse Pose; Breathing Practice; Meditation Practice; Sway-Back Posture; Down Dog; Half Splits; Triangle Pose; Revolved Triangle Pose; Gate Pose; Seated Forward Bend; Boat Pose; Side Plank; Locust Pose 3; Crocodile Pose; Upward Facing Spread Foot Pose; Corpse Pose; Breathing Practice; Mindfulness of Breathing Meditation

his book combines the perspectives of a dedicated yogi with that of a former anatomy professor and research associate at two major American medicine schools. He has set himself the ambitious goal of combining the modern scientific under- standing of anatomy and physiology with the ancient practice of hatha yoga. The result of an obvious labour of love, the book explains hatha yoga in demystified, scientific terms while at the same time honouring its traditions. It should go a long way in helping yoga achieve the scientific recognition it deserves. Useful as both a textbook and a reference work, this is a book that all serious yoga teachers and practitioners will want on their shelves.

A ground-breaking series featuring amazing computer-generated 3D anatomical images highlighting key muscle groups.

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 a Q&A section that explores the science behind every aspect of yoga, this easy-to-understand, comprehensive book is an invaluable resource to achieve technical excellence in your practice and optimize the benefits of yoga for your body and mind.

Written by physiotherapists and yoga teachers, this book is a unique text on the science of hatha yoga and yoga therapy, explaining the effects of yoga on each part of the body. This comprehensive text includes hundreds of photographs, diagrams and tables, making it a useful and informative guide for teaches and students of all styles of yoga.