Asana Physiology and it’s benefits
Physiology of Sitting Asanas
- All sitting asanas bring elasticity to the hips, knees, ankles, and muscles of the groin.
- These poses remove tension and hardness in the diaphragm and throat. Making breathing smoother and easier.
- They keep the spine steady, pacifying the mind and stretching the muscles of the heart. Blood circulation increases to all parts of the body.
Physiology of standing asanas
- Standing asanas strengthen the leg muscles and joints, and increase the suppleness and strength of the spine.
- Owing to their rotational and flexing movements, the spinal muscles and inter-vertebral joints are kept mobile and well aligned.
- The arteries of the legs are stretched, increasing the blood supply to the lower limbs, and preventing thrombosis in the call muscles.
- These asanas also tone the cardio-vascular system.
- The lateral wall of the heart is fully stretched, increasing the supply of fresh blood to the heart.
Forward bends
- In forward bends, the abdominal organs are compressed.
- This has a unique effect on the nervous system as these organs relax, the frontal brain is cooled, and the flow of blood to the entire brain is regulated. Stress is removed from the organs of perception and the senses relax.
- The adrenal glands are also soothed and function more efficiently.
- Since the body is in a horizontal position in forward bends.
- The heart is relieved of the strain of pumping blood against gravity and blood circulates through all parts of the body easily.
- Forward bends also strengthen the Para spinal muscles, inter-vertebral joints and ligaments.
Physiology & benefits of Twisting Asanas
- These asanas teach us the importance of a healthy spine and inner body in twists, the pelvic and abdominal organs are squeezed and flushed with blood.
- They improve the suppleness of the diaphragam, relieve spinal, hip and groin disorders.
- The spine also becomes more supple and this improves the flow of blood to the spinal nerves and increases energy levels.
Physiology & benefits of backward bending Asanas
- All back bends stimulate the central nervous system and increase its ability to bear stress.
- They help to relieve and prevent headaches, hypertension and nervous exhaustion.
- These asanas stimulate and energize the body and are invaluable to people suffering from depression.
- In Urdhva Dhanurasana and Vipartia Dandasana the liver and spleen are fully stretched and can therefore function more effectively.
- Yoga can help solve the problems of any receptive individual, whether these problems be of a physical, mental or spiritual nature and thereby, eventually, also help solve the problems of a group, society and even a nation.