YOGA ANATOMYYoga Teacher Training

© 2015 Robin Bennett 200 RYT

Part One - Prana

PRANA APANAPrana - Life Force - Breathe InApana - Waste - Breathe Out

Anatomy: from the Greek ἀνατέμνω - anatemnō, "cut up, cut open".A Story about Life

EASTERN TRADITIONHolistic Body - places little emphasis on anatomical structures, but is mainly concerned with the identification of functional entities

(which regulate digestion, breathing, aging etc.). While health is perceived as harmonious interaction of these entities and the outside world, disease is interpreted as a disharmony in interaction.

In the Eastern tradition our health is governed by the following:Mental health - New perspectives, Positive focus, Goal setting.

Spiritual health - Soul purpose, Intuitive guidance, Divine connection.Physical health - Good nutrition, Exercise, Healthy environment.

Emotional health - Releasing the past, Forgiveness, Catharsis.

Harmonious Interaction

PRANA AND HEALTHIll health - Prana is outside the body

Good Health - Prana is inside the body

LUNGSThe two lungs are located near the backbone on either side of the heart. Their principal function is to transport oxygen from the atmosphere into the bloodstream, and to release carbon dioxide from

the bloodstream into the atmosphere.

THE THORACIC DIAPHRAGMA dome-shaped sheet of muscle that separates the chest from the

abdomen.http://oldsite.anatomytrains.com/explore/galleries/show/id/21

PELVIC DIAPHRAGMThe pelvic diaphragm, or pelvic floor, separates the pelvic cavity above from the perineal region

(including perineum) below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3BBAMWm2Eo

BOTH DIAPHRAGMSThe diaphragms contain the inner organs between them, organs which can change shape, but cannot

change volume.

BREATHAction upon the abdominal cavity

MUSCLE ACTION OF THE DIAPHRAGMExcept in the case of paralysis, the diaphragm is always used in the action of inhaling and exhaling.

VOCAL DIAPHRAGMThe action of the breath and the use of ujjayi creates better

postural support in the body.

BANDHASThe valve created by the use of ujjayi breath develops a back pressure in the abdominal and thoracic

cavities leading to sthira or stability.