Yoga Asana Physiology

About the Book

Yoga Asana Physiology is a unique and comprehensive guide that brings together the worlds of physiology and yoga in a clear, practical, and accessible way. It is intended for yoga teachers, students, practitioners, and anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of how asanas influence the functioning of the human body.

The book explores the physiological effects of asanas on the body's major systems, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, reproductive, immune, endocrine, and nervous systems. Each chapter presents the anatomy and function of the relevant organs, the mechanisms that regulate them, and the influence of the musculoskeletal system on their performance. Particular attention is given to understanding how individual asanas and sequences affect physiological processes throughout the body.

More than 1,000 specially created illustrations help explain complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner, making them directly applicable to yoga practice. The book distinguishes between classical asanas and supported asanas using props, demonstrating how different approaches can influence the body's physiological responses.

Written in an accessible style, the book is suitable for readers without a medical background, as well as experienced yoga teachers, yoga therapists, and healthcare professionals. Its unique value lies in the integration of modern physiology with the principles of Iyengar Yoga, offering a systematic exploration of how yoga supports the health and function of the body's organs and systems.

The final chapter broadens this perspective by introducing physiology through the lens of Āyurveda, presenting a traditional Indian understanding of the body and its processes. The result is a holistic and insightful resource for anyone seeking to support their yoga practice or teaching with a deeper understanding of the human body.

About the Author

Dr. Hermann Traitteur is a physician with an orthopedic background, a yoga therapist, and a long-time Iyengar Yoga teacher. For decades, he has combined medical expertise with practical yoga experience and has taught anatomy and physiology in Iyengar Yoga teacher training programs.

He is a co-founder of the Iyengar Yoga Institute Berlin and a dedicated student of the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, India, where he continues to deepen his studies with the Iyengar family.

His first book, Yoga Asana Anatomy, became a respected reference for understanding the musculoskeletal foundations of yoga practice. With Yoga Asana Physiology, he expands this work to explore the effects of yoga on the body's organs and physiological systems, bringing together modern scientific knowledge and decades of practical experience in Iyengar Yoga.