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. The book combines modern medical knowledge with the principles of Iyengar Yoga. Through this approach, it presents complex physiological processes in an accessible and practical way.

• respiratory system
• cardiovascular system
• digestive system
• urinary system
• reproductive system
• immune system
• 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. It demonstrates how these 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. Their connections are presented in a clear and systematic way. A concluding chapter written by Claudia Böhm broadens this perspective by presenting physiology through the lens of Āyurveda.

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. He brings together scientific knowledge and decades of practical experience in Iyengar Yoga.

Specifications:

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