Scientific Keys

Through full-color, three-dimensional illustrations of the skeleton, major muscles, tendons, and ligaments, Dr. Ray Long describes the science behind yoga. A board certified orthopedic surgeon who has studied yoga for more than 20 years, Dr. Long combines his knowledge of anatomy with his understanding of yoga to present the anatomic structures that are key to your practice of this discipline. The book balances art, science, and spirituality as it traces the forces at work throughout your musculoskeletal system during yoga practice. Stunning illustrations reveal the role that each muscle plays in the practice of yoga. With an understanding of these structures, you can learn to break through blockages, optimize your experience, and avoid injuries. Designed for use on the mat, this book is an indispensable guide for anyone who wishes to fully integrate the body and mind during yoga practice.

Using detailed, full-color illustrations of the human muscu-loskeletal system, orthopedic surgeon and founder of Bandha Yoga, Dr. Ray Long, reveals the anatomical and physiological truths at the core of 55 fundamental poses of yoga. He examines the form of these poses from an anatomical perspective to reveal their unique function in the practice of yoga. With a stunning combination of graphic and textual information, Dr. Long illustrates the specific groups of muscles that work together to create optimal form in a given pose. By activating these muscles, you can learn how to deepen and stabilize a pose to obtain greater functional benefit. Demonstrating how muscles operate in the various categories of poses, the author helps you influence unconscious physiological responses with conscious biomechanical actions. Experience muscle awakening and in-creased body awareness as you engage more and more of your muscle groups during your yoga practice. This book will become your practice companion, as you integrate the science and art of yoga poses for maximum physical and spiritual benefit.