The Concise Book of Yoga Anatomy: An Illustrated Guide to the Science of Motion

The Concise Book of Yoga Anatomy: An Illustrated Guide to the Science of Motion

Jo Ann Staugaard-Jones

Language: English

Pages: 192

ISBN: 1583949836

Format: PDF / Kindle (mobi) / ePub


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

Feeding the Bump: Nutrition and Recipes for Pregnancy

The Essence of Yoga: Essays on the Development of Yogic Philosophy from the Vedas to Modern Times

Prana And Pranayama

Restoring Flexibility: A Gentle Yoga-Based Practice to Increase Mobility at Any Age

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Svanasana (see Chapter 6). 5 The Deep Core and Pelvic Floor In Chapter 4 the spine was discussed as the center of the body’s universe. The connection of the spine to the pelvis through the sacrum adds the central basin, and the two together become our center of gravity, or core. The Superficial Versus Deep Core The surface core is the focus of many exercise programs. The muscles targeted are usually the anterior abdominal muscle group, including three of the four abdominal muscles—the rectus

even sit in a chair if the hips are tight. This pose is contraindicated if there are shoulder, hip, or knee problems. Counter Pose: Repeat on the other side, then do a gentle twist in Baddha Konasana (see Chapter 8). Elbow Joint Structure Technically called the “humeroulnar joint,” the elbow joint is composed of the humerus (upper arm bone), radius, and ulna. The last two are the forearm bones, with the ulna being the most medial (pinky side). At the distal end of the humerus are the trochlea

object, such as a low fence. See “Tensor Fasciae Latae” for movements that may injure the gluteus medius, and also for asanas. GLUTEUS MINIMUS Greek, gloutos, buttock. Latin, minimus, smallest. This muscle is situated anteroinferior and deep to gluteus medius, whose fibers obscure it. Origin Outer surface of ilium, between anterior and inferior gluteal lines. Insertion Anterior border of greater trochanter. Action Abducts, medially rotates, and may assist in flexion of the hip joint.

Basic functional movement Example: Walking along a straight line. Common problems when muscles are chronically tight/shortened/fatigued Groin pulls. Asanas that heavily use this muscle Strengthening: Parsvottanasana (Pyramid Pose). All standing asanas using the adductors as stabilizers. Stretching: Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose). Supta Konasana (Reclined Straddle Pose) to Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby). Upavistha Konasana (Wide-leg Straddle). Prasarita Padottanasana. Parsvottanasana

central core and affects the interior of the body. Do more gently if pregnant or menstruating, or if there is a hiatal hernia or there are cardiovascular issues. This asana can be performed at any time during the practice, but seems most effective at the beginning or midway point, when warmth is needed. Counter Pose: Tadasana (see Chapter 3). INTERCOSTALES EXTERNI (External Intercostals) Along with the scaleni and intercostales interni, the intercostales externi are part of the accessory

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