Yoga Anatomy

Yogi BloggerYoga anatomy: a big role

Knowledge of yoga anatomy can play a major role in asana practice: It helps to better understand how the various yoga postures work, minimize the risk of injury, and perform the asanas in such a way that they harmonize with the anatomical conditions of the body and can fully develop their benefits.

Yoga anatomy and alignment

In the practice of asana, it is not just about getting the body into the respective form of the yoga posture "somehow", but the HOW is always important too - the subtleties of the physical alignment in the postures as well as in the transitions, i.e. when finding our way into a yoga posture and when dissolving it, are decisive for whether the posture is good for us or whether it places one-sided strain on certain physical structures or otherwise places unfavorable strain on them and can perhaps even lead to injuries. Trained yoga teachers are aware of these subtleties and take them into account in their instructions. In-depth knowledge of the anatomy of the human body is the basis for a good understanding of alignment - that is why yoga anatomy is an important subject in yoga teacher training and should not be neglected. Thanks to their familiarity with yoga anatomy and their well-developed powers of observation, experienced yoga teachers have an eye for when someone has a disharmonious alignment and can correct accordingly. They know which details to pay attention to when performing the respective asanas so that the postures are safe and can produce the desired effects.

Yoga anatomy and specific objectives in asana practice

What happens in the body during an asana, which parts of the body are involved in which way, where stretching and strengthening are carried out, is not only exciting but also valuable to know. This is because yoga practice can be designed in such a way that certain areas of the body are particularly addressed, and objectives such as mobilization and building strength can be effectively implemented with this knowledge. In recent years, knowledge from the field of yoga anatomy has also been expanded to include many new findings on the subject of fascia, so that asana practice can now also be consciously designed in such a way that it has a regenerating, "unsticking" effect on the fascia tissue .

In addition to specific goals, individual needs can also be better taken into account against the background of yoga anatomy, and personal yoga practice can take these into account very well.

Yoga anatomy and individually adapted yoga practice

Even though we all share the same basic anatomical features and every human body has the same basic structure, every person is unique and everyone has their own anatomical requirements. For example, while one yoga student has great mobility in the hips but little mobility in the thoracic spine, it may be the opposite for another. Some have supple tendons but a lot of muscle hardening and tension. Some have very well-developed muscles, others have less. Yoga anatomy teaches us that all of these individual circumstances should be taken into account in asana practice. They explain why certain asanas are child's play for some, while others can only do them with effort or not at all. In addition, these circumstances also require a sensible selection of asanas or a harmonious modification . For example, for someone who has hyper-flexibility in the tendons but little muscle strength, a focus on strengthening exercise sequences may be advisable. If postures with intensive stretching are practiced under such conditions, this can lead to unwanted stretching of the tendons and ligaments in the long term. This is just one example of why a compilation of asana practice based on yoga anatomy can be recommended.

Individual physical limitations - whether due to injuries or illnesses or due to permanent one-sided strain - should also be mentioned in this context. In order to protect previously strained or injured parts of the body, the yoga practice should always be adapted with knowledge.

Many asanas can be customized to meet specific needs. Sometimes, for example, there are variations that result in less stretching or place less weight on a particular joint, etc. Often, aids such as yoga blocks or yoga straps can be useful for this.

Anyone who wants to practice yoga based on the anatomy of the yoga should definitely familiarize themselves with the various tools available in the yoga accessories range. You can read about the types of yoga equipment and how you can use them in the article Yoga Equipment . You can also find more information in our product descriptions.

Recognize progress

Those who have a strong body awareness and a good understanding of yoga anatomy will notice particularly quickly and clearly how regular yoga practice leads to changes. Even if some of the physical conditions that we bring with us cannot be changed, effects such as greater mobility in certain areas of the body and increased strength soon become apparent through the practice of asanas.

Yoga anatomy is more extensive than you think

When most people think of yoga anatomy, they first think of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and fascia. But in addition to the musculoskeletal system, the organs are also part of the anatomy and are also relevant for yoga practice. This additional area also belongs to the diverse field of yoga anatomy.

Textbooks on yoga anatomy

There are some good specialist books on the subject of yoga anatomy on the yoga book market, which many yoginis and yogis find very helpful and which can also serve as valuable reference works for yoga teachers. Our impression is that the various standard works complement each other, so it can definitely be worthwhile to purchase several anatomy books that complement each other.

For example, the books on yoga anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff are popular and are particularly valued for their illustrations: these show the anatomical structures in the various asanas. Another standard work on yoga anatomy is the book Anatomy of Hatha Yoga by H. David Coulter, which was published in German by Yoga Verlag a few years ago and was very well received and enthusiastically received in the German-speaking yoga scene.

Conclusion: Yoga anatomy is exciting and worthwhile!

Humans are a true miracle - and the closer you look, the more this is reflected in their anatomy. The way everything in the body interlocks, works together and interacts perfectly is astonishing and anything but dry learning material. Many people therefore study anatomy with great curiosity and passion. Even those who cannot share this pure joy in the anatomical can still benefit from knowledge of yoga anatomy for their asana practice.