A Physiological Handbook for Teachers of Yogasana

by Mel Robin

This is a must for students of yoga who wish to make correlations between asana and modern biomedical science.Western doctors make quantitative, objective observations on the bodies and the minds of others. Eastern Yogis make qualitative, subjective observations of their own bodies and minds. This Handbook attempts to reconcile these two points of view, discussing many basic aspects of physiology and then applying these ideas to the practice of the yogasanas. We discuss questions such as, How can inversions lower blood pressure? Why are backbends energizing? If one has a heart condition, what is the best time of day to practice yogasana? How does yogasana practice blur the line between the conscious and the subconscious? How can one balance in yogasanas without leaning against the wall? Why must one turn the femur of the forward leg outward in trikonasana but inward in parsvottanasana? Answers to these and many other questions can be found in this handbook.

Softcover