YOGA ASANA PHYSIOLOGY

About the Book

Yoga Asana Physiology provides a comprehensive understanding of how yoga asanas affect the organs and the physiological systems of the body. Combining modern medical knowledge with the principles of Iyengar Yoga, the book presents complex physiological processes in an accessible and practical way.

The book explores the effects of asanas on:

• the respiratory system

• the cardiovascular system

• the digestive system

• the urinary system

• the reproductive system

• the immune system

• the endocrine system

• and the nervous system.

Each chapter first explains the anatomy and function of the respective organs, their regulatory mechanisms, and the influence of the musculoskeletal system on them. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding how individual asanas and asana sequences affect physiological processes throughout the entire body.

More than 1000 specially created illustrations make even complex relationships easy to understand and help readers connect the content with their own asana practice. The book distinguishes between classical asanas and supported asanas using props, demonstrating how different approaches to practice can lead to different physiological effects.

With its accessible structure, the book is suitable for readers without prior medical knowledge as well as for experienced yoga teachers and professionals working in medical fields. Its unique contribution lies in bringing together the insights of modern physiology and the principles of Iyengar Yoga, presenting their connections in a clear and systematic way. A concluding chapter written by Claudia Böhm broadens this perspective by presenting physiology through the lens of Āyurveda.

Details

Title: Yoga Asana Physiology
Author: Dr. med. Hermann Traitteur
Foreword: Abhijata Iyengar
Language: English
Format: Paperback
Pages: 455
Dimensions: 210 × 300 × 35 mm
Year of Publication: 2026
Country of Publication: Germany

HOW TO ORDER YOGA ASANA PHYSIOLOGY?

If you would like to order the book please click here or visit https://iyengar-yoga-berlin.de/shop/physiology-book/.

About the Author

Dr. Hermann Traitteur is a physician with an orthopedic background, yoga therapist, and long-time Iyengar Yoga teacher. For decades, he has combined medical expertise with yoga practice and has taught anatomy and physiology in Iyengar Yoga teacher training programs. He is a co-founder of the Iyengar Yoga Institute of Berlin and a regular student of the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, India, where he continues to deepen his studies with the Iyengar family.

His first book, Yoga Asana Anatomy, established itself as a respected resource for understanding the musculoskeletal foundations of yoga practice. With Yoga Asana Physiology, Dr. Traitteur extends this work by exploring the effects of yoga on the body’s organs and physiological systems, bringing together scientific knowledge and decades of practical experience in Iyengar Yoga.

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For your home practice: IYENGAR YOGA SEQUENCES TO SUPPORT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Claudia and Hermann have put together two sequences which aim to support and boost your immune system.

The main focus of the sequences are forward extensions with head support, supported backward extensions as well as inversions. Aside from the stimulation of the Nervous and Lymphatic System, these Asanas support our Respiratory and Circulatory System.
The duration should be adapted according to the practicioners‘ level of practice (between 3 – 10 Min. per Asana).
We show you two different variations of each Asana.

The PDF download in english is availble here.

Iyengar Yoga for the respiratory System – Lois Steinberg, Ph.D.

Reading recommendation: “ Iyengar Yoga for the Respiratory System „ by Lois Steinberg.

The article provides you with a series of modified yoga postures that support the health of the respiratory tract. In the description of the individual postures of the sequence, Lois emphasizes that the lungs should be aligned so that not only the front side but also the back of the lungs can be optimally ventilated. Each posture, including the use of props, is described and illustrated in detail. In addition, the specific physiological effect of the postures on the respiratory tract and lungs is explained. Due to the generous use of props, the illustrations and the set-ups are particularly aimed at Iyengar Yoga teachers with the appropriate equipment. The article is also aimed at advanced Iyengar Yoga practitioners or Iyengar Yoga practitioners who already are familiar with other publications by Lois Steinberg. The individual postures can be practiced in a slightly modified way with a significantly reduced use of props. Lois also gives examples for the reduced use of props in the descriptions. To open the following pages (2-13) of the article please click here or double-click article.