Anatomy of Hatha Yoga

This book describes the philosophy and postures of hatha yoga with an objective analysis correlating these postures with biomedicine. Using anatomically precise terminology, the book discusses the effects of hatha yoga on major body systems. The book provides a comprehensive overview of anatomy and physiology of hatha yoga with special emphasis on the musculoskeletal, nervous, and cadiovascular systems. The book exceeds the author's objectives and fills a void in the literature, bridging biomedicine and complementary medicine. Every yoga teacher as well as any health professional or layperson interested in exploring the anatomical and physiologic aspects of hatha yoga should own this unique publication. Dr. Coulter brings over 25 years' teaching experience in science and hatha yoga to this book. His writing style should satisfy and appeal to a range of disciplines and individuals at varying educational and professional levels. The author discusses the basic premises of hatha yoga with foundational material accepted in biomedical sciences, expressly avoiding comment on non-physical concepts such as prana and the chakras. All postures are discussed in detail and depicted in excellent quality black-and-white photographs. Steps in the postures are illustrated as well as terminal points of the positions. The book presents hatha yoga in scientific terms while at the same time respecting its principles. Marrying academic discourse with detailed and pictorial representations of postures, it is a premier book in the field.