What is Yoga Physiology
Physiology, a branch of biology that studies the standard functions and systems of living organisms, is called physiology. The physiology and function of Yoga are what we mean when we talk about Yoga.
It is important to realize that scientific research does not simply ask people if they feel better. Modern science has developed methods to measure physiological effects. While common scientific measurements include blood pressure and heart rate measurements, researchers also collect valuable information from a range of scans.
For studies on stress, blood tests might be used to measure the levels of many hormones and chemical markers. Some of the most tested markers are cortisol, catecholamines, glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides, cholesterol, prolactin, oxytocin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and interleukin – 6 and 8. Researchers who study inflammation will often monitor the inflammatory markers CRP, erythrocyte segregation rate (ESR), and plasma viscosity – although there are many other options.
These scientific details of physiology can be too complex to discuss in a blog or even a master’s program. This article will discuss the practical and functional effects that Yoga has on our physiology and the paths leading to them.
Yoga Philosophy and Physiology
Yoga philosophy provides lifestyle guidance that naturally impacts physical health and well-being. The Niyama (habits), for example, can lead to positive changes in diet, exercise, hygiene, sleep habits, and many other areas. These areas can lead to improvements in overall health and well-being.
This is because our health and well-being depend on our physiology. These are, in essence, the same thing. Better diet, exercise, and sleep will all improve our digestion, brain, muscles, and skeletal system function.
Yoga philosophy encourages mindfulness, gratitude, kindness, and generosity in mental health. Modern research has shown that yoga practices have a positive effect on brain health and lower brain dysfunctions like dementia. Although the exact mechanism behind these positive mental health strategies is still under investigation, it is clear that they have an effect on the structure of the brain and its function.
Yoga’s physical and philosophical practices and philosophy both contribute to its proven ability to break the cycle of chronic stress and promote holistic pathways to health and well-being.
Physical Yoga and physiology
Monks invented yoga asana to improve the function and health of their glands and organs. Yoga asana’s original purpose was to alter the physiology and health of those who practiced it. Asana was believed to improve the function of organs, glands, and blood flow by ancient practitioners. Modern science is slowly discovering the physiological pathways that lead to the long-recognized benefits of Yoga.
Yoga has many known benefits
Recent decades have seen a lot of research on the physiological effects and benefits of meditation, breathing exercises, and asana. Although many of these studies are small in scale, it is possible to combine the results from several smaller studies to provide stronger evidence.
Yoga has been shown to ease or reduce symptoms in many clinical studies.
osteoarthritis
menopause
Urological disorders
Pulmonary tuberculosis
Chronic back pain
rheumatoid arthritis
Chronic obstructive lung disease
Stress and its psychological consequences
Mood state
Depression, anxiety, and negative mood symptoms
Fatigue
sleep quality
Quality of Life and physical fitness for older adults
These results are due to the physiological effects of yoga practices that were used in the research.
The Physiology of Breathing Exercises
While pranayama is not the same as breathing exercises, they are both used in pranayama practice. Deep, slow diaphragmatic breathing is a common feature of many breathing exercises. This type of breathing has numerous physiological benefits, as evidenced by extensive research. The beneficial effects of slow exhalation are particularly evident.
Deep, slow breathing has the following physiological effects:
Reduce activity in the sympathetic “flight or fight” system.
The lungs are exposed to more air. This allows them to transport more oxygen into the bloodstream.
Sensitizing baroreceptors: These sensors are located in blood vessels close to the heart and send information about blood volume, pressure, and other relevant information to the brain. This allows our cardiovascular system to adjust blood pressure and heart rate more efficiently and smoothly.
This increases the blood flow back to the heart and the volume of blood being pumped each heartbeat. This reduces the workload of the heart due to the combination of these effects and increased oxygen in the blood.
The clustering of heartbeats in inspiration (with fewer heartbeats when exhaling) and the synchronization and harmonics of blood flow. Although the mechanisms involved are complicated, the end result is good – blood flow and heart become more efficient and work in the best way possible.
Brain scanning research has shown that brain activity increases are associated with better emotional control and psychological well-being.
Breathing exercises can have a direct effect on diaphragm movement and lung expansion. The diaphragm connects to the heart and supports it. The aorta (large blood vessels that leave and enter the heart) passes through the diaphragm. Studies on diaphragmatic breathing showed a better return of blood to the heart during slow respiration. This can be attributed to the movement of the diaphragm, which assists in the collapse of the inferior vena cava when blood is emptied into the heart.
Breathing exercises can also cause changes in the parasympathetic nervous system. Parasympathetic activity is increased by slow, diaphragmatic breathing. This activation triggers the body’s “rest and digest” mode for many positive changes.
It is clear that breathing patterns that emphasize exhalations and slowness, as well as deep and deep breathing, have a noticeable calming effect on the mind and body. However, it is important to remember that each person’s abilities and experience level will dictate how they practice breathing exercises. Overbreathing can cause dizziness or even fainting. This is because the body tries to balance blood gas levels. Alternately, slowing down your breathing to the point that you feel oxygen-deprived can also have negative consequences. You must do breathing exercises that are appropriate for you to reap the benefits of positive physiological effects.
Yoga’s Effects on the nervous system
The activation of certain areas of the nervous system is key to many of the benefits of Yoga. The nervous system is our body’s communication system. It transmits messages to control all processes in our bodies as well as the actions we choose to make.