APPLIED ANATOMY: A NEW APPROACH WITH YOGA

Abstract

The concept and practice of teach human anatomy through body movement has been improving the comprehension of students and teachers. With the aim to offer an anatomical consistent knowledge to Yoga teachers, we have introduced since 2014 an extension course in our school, emphasizing the knowledge of muscle actions and the joint movement based on the Yoga practice. We believe that to learn more about the body anatomy could optimize understanding and makes movements safer, aligned and more stable. Yoga can be practiced in various ways through different techniques such as mantra, pranayama, meditation and poses called Asana. During the Asana practice is important to understand the anatomical parts of the body and how these parts are connected morphological and functionally, from an operating perspective, creating safe actions and movements. Then, the challenge is not only understand the muscles, bones and movements but how applying this anatomical knowledge to different yoga poses. With the aim to offer a consistent knowledge to Yoga teachers, we have introduced applied anatomy using Yoga as a tool. Our course was programmed with the purpose to provide anatomy real applicability to yoga teachers during Yoga practices. Indeed, the anatomical study from the Asanas to highlight the origins, insertion and actions of muscle groups of interest as well as vessels and nerves facilitates understanding. A total 210 Yoga teachers from many parts of Brazil took part of this. The course is divided into six modules: 1.basic histology, and five anatomical modules: 2.upper limbs, 3.lower limbs, 4.trunk and respiratory system, 5. perineum and pelvic floor and 6.movement control by the central nervous system. In each module, during the first hour, students received a practical Yoga class with the main concepts about anatomical terminology related to joint movements like rotation, abduction, adduction, flexion, extension related to the specific module. After this, theoretical and practical contents were developed simultaneously by the same teacher which is also a Yoga teacher, able to give many practical examples correlating Yoga and Anatomy. In the end of the period of each module, students were invited to demonstrate some Asanas and discussing with the group on kinesiology, joint alignment, and muscle actions, promoting scientific background to minimize traumas and optimize performance. Improvement in Yoga teacher's performance after course was measured by an online survey that showed an increase in anatomical comprehension and better performance in Asana. Applicability was reported in 100% of surveys. In spite of many students had not had prior knowledge of anatomy, the topics were satisfactorily assimilated by all of them and concepts were applicable in teaching Asana. Additionally, students reported feeling more confident after course allowing them to effectively maximize their job. As Yoga teachers, they have an opportunity to help yoga students learn about their bodies and how all their bones, joints, and muscles that work together in harmony to create yoga poses. Using the correct anatomical terminology can simplify and streamline this process immensely. We also note that teach anatomy directly related to students jobs favors the contents assimilation and makes professional practice more efficient. Support or Funding Information none Applied anatomy class to Yoga teachers - Knee Applied anatomy class to Yoga teachers - scapula Applied anatomy class to Yoga teachers This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.