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Science of Yoga

summary ofScience of YogaBook by Ann Swanson

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You’ll learn

  • The hidden link between breath and heart health
  • Why yoga might be the key to weight loss
  • Asanas that fortify back health and fertility
  • Secrets behind yoga's boost to immune health

first KEY POINT

Yoga influences both the body and emotional well-being

Thinking about the benefits of yoga, we believe that it affects only our musculoskeletal system. As it turns out, yoga is much more than that, since it influences all the body, including the brain. People who do yoga are more likely to have a normal level of serotonin, a hormone responsible for our mood. This ancient practice also helps to reduce the level of cortisol, a stress hormone. In general, yoga improves the health of our neurons, making us function and feel better.Our brain grows new connections throughout our lives, and these connections help us maintain good intellectual shape. Research has proven that yoga practices positively influence the hippocampus, a part of the brain that develops new links between neurons. That’s how we get improved memory after exercise.Yoga has also been noticed to affect human metabolism. Since you become calmer after the exercises and meditation, your thyroid, responsible for metabolism regulation, slows it down a bit. That’s how your body will be able to process more useful substances with less product consumption. As a result, yoga can help you lose weight.

Not only will your muscles be fit after yoga practice, but your brain will be too.

Breathing plays an important role in yoga as well. Yogis believe that by exercising pranayama, regulating your inhales and exhales, people become more relaxed and focused. They pay special attention to extended exhalation since, when a person exhales, their heart is more relaxed than during inhalation.This summary will help you learn more about the influence of yoga practices on your body and mind. You are holding the key to stress reduction and improved health.Did you know? Our skeleton contains 206 bones.

second KEY POINT

Yoga strengthens the immunity and boosts the work of the brain

What if someone told you that yoga could even improve your immune response to diseases? Of course, it doesn’t mean that you won’t need to visit a doctor and take medicine as per their prescriptions; yoga isn’t a universal pill. But what it can do is reduce inflammation in your body. When we get sick, our body produces cytokines, proteins that signal about germs in our organism, making the immune system respond immediately. However, an abundance of cytokines may cause chronic inflammation. So, it’s nice to have a yoga mat at home to take control over your cytokines now and then.As mentioned above, not all focus in yoga practices is on exercising. Apart from pranayama techniques, pay attention to so-called belly breathing. But don’t be deluded by its name — you don’t need to breathe in your belly. Using this approach, you let your belly move while inhaling to make more space for the diaphragm, a muscle below the lungs that expands the chest.Filling your blood with more oxygen through the proper breathing techniques will help your heart function better. Yoga is known for improving your heart rate variability (HRV) and lowering blood pressure. Since many people suffer from hypertension — heightened blood pressure — yoga allows them to take care of their cardiovascular system without much investment. However, you should consult your doctor before getting involved in specific physical activities.

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first KEY POINT

Asanas and their effects on your body

second KEY POINT

Standing asanas and their effects

third KEY POINT

Yoga is favorable for your back and neck muscles

fourth KEY POINT

Mindfulness is a key to stress tolerance

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Ann Swanson merges science with the art of yoga, offering insights grounded in her vast experience. A trailblazer in holistic health, she guides readers to a deeper understanding of their bodies.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Science of Yoga: Understand the Anatomy and Physiology to Perfect Your Practice about?

Science of Yoga: Understand the Anatomy and Physiology to Perfect Your Practice, authored by the renowned yoga expert, is a comprehensive guide that delves into the anatomical and physiological principles underlying yoga practice. It aims to enhance your understanding of how the body functions during yoga, ultimately improving your physical and mental practice.

What are the key takeaways from Science of Yoga: Understand the Anatomy and Physiology to Perfect Your Practice?

Key takeaways from Science of Yoga include insights on proper alignment, injury prevention, and the physiological effects of various asanas. The book also emphasizes the importance of understanding your body's unique structure to maximize the benefits of your yoga practice.

Is Science of Yoga: Understand the Anatomy and Physiology to Perfect Your Practice worth reading?

Yes, Science of Yoga is worth reading for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of yoga's physical foundations. The author provides evidence-based insights that cater to both novices and experienced practitioners, making it a valuable addition to any yoga library.

How many pages is Science of Yoga: Understand the Anatomy and Physiology to Perfect Your Practice and when was it published?

Science of Yoga has approximately 250 pages and was published in 2021. This concise volume offers a wealth of information suitable for an engaging read on yoga anatomy.

Who is the author of Science of Yoga: Understand the Anatomy and Physiology to Perfect Your Practice?

The author of Science of Yoga: Understand the Anatomy and Physiology to Perfect Your Practice is Julie Gudmestad, a respected figure in the yoga community known for her expertise in anatomy and therapeutic applications of yoga.