Physiology of Yoga With CE Exam, The

The package components are as follows:

• The Physiology of Yoga text
• Continuing education exam (accessed online)

The Physiology of Yoga With CE Exam separates speculation from fact by examining how the body responds and adapts to yoga within many systems of the body: musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, endocrine, reproductive, and digestive. Straightforward explanations guide you in sorting through conflicting information about what yoga can help your clients achieve and in evaluating whether certain yoga methods provide benefits to any or all of those systems.

You can experiment with concepts through Try It Yourself sidebars, which focus on mindful movement, meditation, and breathing. The 14 Myth or Fact sidebars explore popular claims about yoga, such as whether a shoulder stand can stimulate the thyroid or if twists can detoxify the liver. You’ll get the most current research to determine the validity of various claims so you can avoid practices that could be harmful or counterproductive to your clients.

Finally, experience firsthand how yoga affects physiology by exploring specific yoga poses and four sequences. Each sequence explains which of the physiological principles from the earlier chapters may be most prevalent in that sequence.

Upon completing the book, certified professionals can take the companion CE exam to earn continuing education credits.

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, you will be able to do the following:

• Describe yoga’s influence on the body’s systems.
• Explain the support and stability provided by the musculoskeletal system.
• Identify the benefits of a yoga practice on the nervous system.
• Describe the role breath plays within the respiratory system.
• Understand how yoga may impact the function of the heart and other parts of the cardiovascular system.
• Discuss yoga’s influence on the endocrine system.
• List the ways in which yoga can be beneficial to the endocrine system.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of pre- and postnatal yoga considerations.
• Explain yoga’s relationship to the digestive system.
• Compare evidence of scientific findings with long-held popular claims about yoga.
• Create mindful yoga practices that benefit the whole body.

Audience

Yoga instructors, personal trainers, strength and conditioning professionals, and other certified fitness professionals.

Chapter 1. Musculoskeletal System
Bone
Joints
Muscles
Cartilage
Tendons, Ligaments, and Aponeuroses
Fascia
The Science of Stretching and Flexibility
Injuries and Conditions of the Musculoskeletal System

Chapter 2. Nervous System
Cells of the Nervous System
Central Nervous System
Peripheral Nervous System
Conditions of the Nervous System

Chapter 3. Respiratory System
Anatomy and Physiology of the Respiratory System
The Biomechanics of Quiet Breathing
All About the Diaphragm
Forced Exhalation and Inhalation
Atmospheric Air and Expelled Air
Good, Wholesome Oxygen?
Ujjayi Breathing
Nose Breathing and Mouth Breathing
The Psychological and Physiological Effects of Pranayama and Slow Breathing
Conditions of the Respiratory System

Chapter 4. Cardiovascular System
Blood
Heart
Circulation
Role of the Cardiovascular System in Maintaining Homeostasis
Resting Heart Rate and Cardiac Output
Heart Rate Variability
Blood Pressure
Conditions of the Cardiovascular System

Chapter 5. Lymphatic and Immune Systems
Lymphatic System
Conditions of the Lymphatic System
Immune System
Conditions of the Immune System

Chapter 6. Endocrine System
What Is a Hormone?
Cortisol: The Master Hormone
Insulin
Thyroid Hormones
Endorphins: Our Body’s Morphine
Dopamine
Conditions of the Endocrine System

Chapter 7. Reproductive System
Female Reproductive System Anatomy
Female Reproductive System Physiology
Male Reproductive System
Conditions of the Reproductive System

Chapter 8. Digestive System
Anatomy and Physiology of the Digestive System
Diet and the Digestive System
Conditions of the Digestive System

Chapter 9. Practice With Confidence
Strong, Dynamic Practice
Slow Hatha Practice
Chair Yoga Practice
Restorative Yoga Practice

Andrew McGonigle has been practicing yoga and meditation for over 15 years and teaching yoga since 2009. He teaches anatomy and physiology in many yoga teacher training courses and leads his own international workshops.

Although McGonigle studied anatomy in great detail during medical school, he learned to look at it from a different angle and create ways to make it relevant to yoga. He enrolled in hands-on dissection classes focused on fascia and spent his spare time rereading anatomy books, listening to podcasts, and talking about anatomy with anyone who would listen.

McGonigle previously contributed a monthly article to Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine (“360° Yoga With Doctor Yogi”) and wrote two chapters for Yoga Teaching Handbook: A Practical Guide for Yoga Teachers and Trainees. He is also the author of Supporting Yoga Students With Common Injuries and Conditions. McGonigle resides in Los Angeles.

Matthew Huy (pronounced “hooey”) has been teaching yoga since 2005. He teaches anatomy and physiology in many teacher training courses in addition to providing mentoring and professional development workshops to yoga teachers.

While studying biology in college, Huy discovered the joy of movement when he enrolled in a dance class and then a yoga class. A few years later, he changed tack and went on to complete a bachelor of arts degree in dance from California State University at Long Beach and completed teacher training courses in yoga, Pilates mat work, TRX, and Thai yoga massage. In 2021, he completed a master of science degree in sport, health, and exercise science at Brunel University at London, where he focused on exercise physiology and pain science. His master’s research centered on the impact of yoga teachers’ language on their students. Huy resides near London in the United Kingdom.