Tips for Studying & Teaching Anatomy
Anatomy & Physiology
Overview
In this lesson, we introduce best practices for approaching the general subjects of anatomy and physiology as they relate to yoga teaching.
Objective
Become familiar with priorities and guidelines for studying and utilizing knowledge of anatomy and physiology in teaching.
What You'll Get
Define “anatomy,” “physiology” and “biomechanics.” Provide guidelines for effectively utilizing knowledge of anatomy in teaching, and a trick to help you stay conscious of your words. Explain specific ways to help ensure you’re being clear when referencing anatomy-related teachings and how developing your understanding of anatomy can make you a stronger teacher. Be aware of common teaching mistakes and of best practices for sharing anatomy teachings with students.
Terminology
- Anatomy = the study of the shape, structure and relationship of parts of living things (source)
- Physiology = the study of functions and activities of life forms (at the organ or cellular level) (source)
- Biomechanics = as it relates to people, biomechanics often refers to the study of how the skeletal and musculature systems work under different conditions (source)
Terminology related to each topic is contained within the specific sections: Nervous System, Respiratory Anatomy, Musculoskeletal System and so on.
Objectives & Priorities
The very deep teaching support on Anatomy & Physiology for Yoga Teachers was developed with these objectives in mind:
- Clearly communicate fundamental and relevant principles of anatomy and physiology — focusing primarily on the application of such principles in teaching. Do not provide mountains of anatomy factoids; instead, focus on teaching concepts with context and relevance.
- Consult multiple expert sources of different backgrounds, lineages, and approaches. Point out differing approaches for consideration.
- Provide a progressive curriculum and organized resource library for structured learning and research. Help teachers to efficiently find what they’re looking for and to more easily “know what they don’t know.”
- Include references and quick links for verification and further study.
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