Proposed identification of physiological classification and theoretical mechanisms of yogāsanas

J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2022 Apr-Jun;13(2):100484. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2021.06.024. Epub 2021 Dec 20.

Abstract

Yoga in the theoretical and practical form is now accepted all over the world, by the researchers as well as by the general population. Yogāsana or Yogic postures are one of the main foundations of practical yoga. Mechanisms of Mediation and Prānāyāma has already been established. In this article, the author is for the first time proposing physiological classification of Yogāsana i.e. (a) Stretch (b) Contraction (c). Neuromuscular Coordination (d) Sense Reduction (e) Spine Brain Activation. In support of this physiological classification author has proposed five hypothetical theories i.e. (i) Stretch Relaxation Awareness (ii) Contraction Relaxation Awareness (iii) Ballastic Contraction Relaxation Awareness (iv) Sensory Motor Function Awareness and (v) Vital Energy Flow Awareness to understand the underlying mechanisms of Yogāsana practice and to explain its benefits.

Keywords: Classification of Yogāsana; Mechanism of Yogāsana.