Physiology of Yoga

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In yoga, amongst other practices, focusing on a particular point is recommended in order to improve concentration.

For example, if the aim of a practitioner is to relax and to gain optimum physical benefit, it is necessary to concentrate the mind on a specific region of the body, or on the breath, to experience the full effect of a particular practice, and to intensify the benefits.

Sometimes psychic centers, body channels or regions are used as the object of focus for spiritual concentration.

Physically, chakras are associated with the major nerve plexuses and endocrine glands in the body.

Many asanas have a particularly powerful and beneficial effect on one or more of these nerve plexuses and glands.

For example, sarvangasana exerts a strong pressure on the throat region, the location of the thyroid gland in the body, which is associated with vishuddhi chakra. The thyroid is given a good massage and its functioning is greatly improved.

However, if the concentration is directed to this chakra while performing the asana, the beneficial effects will be increased.

According to modern science, our body is divided into different systems, the nervous system, endocrine system, digestive system etc. Similarly, according to the physiology of yoga, our body is divided into different systems.

Together these systems form the essence of the physical, psychological and spiritual sheaths of a human being.

• Koshas: annamaya kosha, pranamaya kosha, manomaya kosha, vijnanamaya kosha and anandamaya kosha
• Tridoshas: sattwa, rajas, tamas
• Pranas & Vayus: prana, samana, apana, udana, vyana
• Nadis: ida, pingala, sushumna
• Chakras: muladhara, swadishthana, manipura, anahata, vishuddhi, ajna, sahasrara