Understanding Human Anatomy Through Yoga

Anatomy is not merely structure. It goes beyond science. If we sit with it long enough, we find it utterly awe-inspiring.

The Marvel of the Human Body

Imagine explaining the human body to an alien species that has never seen us. How would we even start? Describing this intricate, moving, self-regulating system is no easy task. Muscle, bone, nerves, breath, and memory compose our overwhelming ecosystem, reflecting thousands of years of evolution. From Sully to barely sentient beings, our complexity could leave any alien visitor gobsmacked.

Because human anatomy isn’t just complex—it’s miraculous.

Anatomy is everything in our body that plays a role. Every structure that serves a purpose, from the bones keeping us upright to the heart that pumps without command. Cables of nerves send signals while muscles contract and release with precision. The best way to grasp this is through observation. A cadaver, a body donated to science, displays anatomy's full tapestry. When I had the rare opportunity to see one, I lacked words to convey my experience. What I witnessed there was anatomy in all its glory. Everything visible is anatomy, from the heart and lungs to the bones, muscles, and ligaments. They are all anatomy.

Anatomy, to me, is essentially dead tissue—devoid of life.

The Significance of Shavasana

A cadaver is akin to Shavasana—the corpse pose in yoga. Delving deeper, "Shava" doesn’t merely mean dead. It signifies devoid of life. This distinction is essential. A corpse suggests an endpoint. "Devoid of life," however, hints at potential—that life still holds a possibility.

In yogic philosophy, Shava isn’t just a lifeless body; it contrasts with Shiva. Shiva isn't merely a deity as we often envision. He symbolizes possibility, the highest expression of human potential. Shiva represents consciousness beyond movement, breath, and body. Yoga offers a choice: to remain Shava—an inert structure—or awaken the Shiva within. At its core, yoga is a bridge connecting those two states through slow movement guided by breath.

Breathing Life into Anatomy

Anatomy serves as our starting point, providing the map. However, without breath—without the vitality that flows through every synapse and vessel—it merely becomes tissue. It turns inert and meaningless. Just as Shiva is incomplete without his consort Parvati. She breathes life into him, and they complement one another. Likewise, anatomy lends meaning to physiology, and vice versa.

So how do we animate our anatomy? How does Shiva invite in Parvati?

Every time we take a deep breath, we absorb more than oxygen. We inhale remnants of ancient stars, molecules that have drifted for billions of years, waiting to contribute to something living. Each breath brings in sextillions of oxygen molecules, initiating a chain reaction. They illuminate our physiology—our brain and nervous system. These molecules nourish the brain, awaken nerves, and energize cells. Consequently, this physiology stirs our anatomy. Here is where we transition from lifeless to alive; from Shava to Shiva.

This essence embodies yogic breathing. It transcends techniques or mere relaxation. Yogic breathing is a ritual, a summons, a form of rebirth.

The Threshold of Transformation

The next time you find yourself in Shavasana, relax, eyes closed, body surrendered—don’t see it as just lying down. Instead, view it as being on the threshold between who you are and who you have the potential to become. As we breathe in those moments, we animate a lifeless body. We bridge the cosmic with the cellular. We breathe not only into our lungs but into the universe within our cells, breathing life into our anatomy. This, truly, is yoga.

In this context, if anatomy represents structure, then breath conveys meaning. Breathing consciously awakens the divine possibility within. This connection is why Shiva is often depicted as Ardhanarishvara—half Shiva and half Parvati (image below). They are unified blends of energies. This inspiration is why we have a murti in our studio—not solely as a religious artifact but a representation of our yoga practice.

Shiva cannot exist without Parvati, just as Parvati cannot exist without him. We cannot be separate from the universe. Philosophically, one could argue that the universe wouldn’t exist without us.

Deepening Your Practice

Are you interested in enhancing your yoga practice or teaching skills? Our online training courses are now available, filled with comprehensive content on anatomy, biomechanics, and yoga philosophy. These courses are tailored to support students and yoga teachers in their ongoing development.

We also provide in-house Yoga Teacher Training at our studio in Addlestone, Surrey, UK.

For more information about our online courses, mentoring, or to book in-house training, feel free to email Zahir.

Zahir@AkramYoga.co.uk