Anatomy and Yoga: A Guide for Teachers and Students is a valuable resource for yoga practitioners who are curious about what happens in the body as they practice yoga. Structures of the body--muscles, bones, joints, nerves and connective tissue--are described in a user-friendly style, with short, interactive practice sessions to bring the information alive in the moment. The rapidly growing yoga community needs this essential knowledge of biomechanics, especially in yoga teacher training programs. This book presents anatomical information in a progressive and practical sequence, with chapters on each major body part that contain illustrations, yoga references, innovative exercises, therapeutic tips and study questions. Throughout the book, anatomical details are balanced with the holistic perspective of yoga as an integrative, transformational lifelong practice.

Author Biography

Ellen Saltonstall began her study of human anatomy in her twenties while studying and performing modern dance with artists who included Merce Cunningham and Twyla Tharp. Her path led her to meditation and hatha yoga, opening her to a consideration of the body as a temple for spiritual study. Her yoga education stems from the Iyengar and Anusara traditions, with many master teachers over 35 years. Ellen's body knowledge took a giant leap forward through the experiential bodywork method that she developed from her study and practice of Kinetic Awareness(R), the work of Elaine Summers. Called Bodymind Ballwork, Ellen's method employs rubber balls of various sizes and textures to massage and realign the body and refine proprioception. Her formal study of anatomy included professional massage training, workshops and independent study. Ellen's writings have appeared in Yoga Journal, Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation and the International Association of Yoga Therapists' Journal of Yoga Therapy. Currently she teaches yoga, anatomy, yoga therapeutics and Bodymind Ballwork to students and teachers internationally, inviting them to discover and explore the majesty and mystery of the human form. Please visit her website, www.ellensaltonstall.com.