Importance of studying anatomy in hatha yoga application
Anatomy:
Anatomy is the study of the structure of an organism. This involves the understanding of appearance, structure, location, organization of the various parts of the organism.
Importance of studying anatomy in yoga:
In Ashtanga Yoga, the practice of asanas and pranayama engages the entire body and physiological processes. They understand the right way to perform an asana the structure is needed to be clear which requires the understanding of bone and muscle alignment. An understanding of anatomy also gives the individual the efficiency to analyze the practice to create effective movement patterns. This effective practice will further aid and prevent the body from possible injuries. Furthermore, knowing one’s body helps in understanding one’s body better, bringing the focus of one’s awareness to the area of the body which requires more attention. In summary, it helps in being more tuned to one’s own body. In pranayama practice, anatomy helps in understanding the movement of prana (breath) within the body. Understanding where the breath is traveling during different pranayama practices. For example, the movement of the abdomen during abdomen breathing and movement of ribs/ chest during thoracic breathing. It facilitates the focus needed during pranayama.
Physiology: It is the study of the process of living organisms. Study of how the organism functions.
Cell: It is the smallest unit responsible for all life’s processes.
Systems in the Human Body:
- Locomotor System
- Blood Vascular System
- Digestive System
- Respiratory System
- Ductless System
- Urogenital System
- Nervous System
- Special Sense Organ System
- Excretory System
Locomotor System: It consists of parts of the body responsible for movement including the skeletal system, bones, cartilages, ligaments, muscular system, etc.
Blood Vascular System: It is the lymphatic or circulatory system, it consists of the heart, arteries, and veins. It is responsible for the circulation of nutrients, blood, oxygen, etc to various parts of the body. It is also responsible for removing waste from the blood and the lymph, it is responsible for fighting diseases and hence is important for immunity.
Respiratory System: It is a network of organs and tissues that function together to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. Releasing carbon dioxide and In taking oxygen. It consists of the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs.
Nervous System: It is a complex network of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, neurons, and other non- neuron cells and sensory receptors that are responsible for several functions including perception, sensation, movement, thinking, formation of memories, emotions, etc.
Courtesy To: Shrutika Mishra, RYT – 200 Hour