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.
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