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

by Ann Swanson

Overview

Did you know that yoga benefits every system in the body, from joints to hormone response, digestion, and brain function?

Science of Yoga uncovers the facts and explains how to get the most from your practice. Each asana is demonstrated with artworks that reveal the muscle and joint actions below the surface, safe alignment, and much more.

This expanded edition features therapeutic sequences tailored to help relieve common problems, such as back pain, arthritis, and anxiety, including poses that can be performed in a chair.

In addition, a new focus on breathwork shows how optimal breathing both improves yoga performance and provides a coping tool for life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593844335
Publisher:	DK
Publication date:	01/07/2025
Series:	DK Science of
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	9.10(w) x 7.60(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Ann Swanson MS, LMT, C-IAYT, E-RYT500 holds a Master of Science in Yoga Therapy and a license in massage therapy. After studying yoga in India and tai chi in China, she assisted in a cadaver lab and taught college anatomy. Ann is also the author of the DK book Meditation for the Real World, a YouTube creator, and an international speaker. AnnSwansonWellness.com

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