Yoga and the Digestive System Flashcards
Name the two categories of organs within the Digestive System.
1) Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT)
2) The Accessory organs
Name the organs within the GIT.
Mouth Pharynx Esophagus Stomach Small intestine Large intestine Anus
Name the accessory organs for digestion.
Teeth Tongue Salivary glands Liver Gall Bladder Pancreas
Name postures which support digestion.
Vajrasana (Thunderbolt)
Virasana (Hero)
Forward Bends - (Parivrtta Uttanasana (revolved standing forward fold)
Baddha Virabhadrasana (humble warrior)
Name some digestive related contra-indications for asana & pranayama
Diarrhoea
Severe constipation
Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative Colitis
Energy Anatomy Q
Which Vayus are related to digestion?
Samana Vayu - digests & metabolizes cells and distributes nutrients
Apana Vayu - elimination of waste
What are the physiological steps of digestion?
- Ingestion
- Secretion/Propulsion
- Mechanical breakdown
- Chemical breakdown
- Absorption
- Defecation
Name the 2nd and 5th step of digestion.
- Secretion/Propulsion
5. Absorption
Name the 3rd and 4th step of digestion.
- Mechanical breakdown
4. Chemical digestion/breakdown
Where does mechanical breakdown occur?
The mouth and small intestine
Where does chemical digestion occur?
The small and large intestine.
Where does absorption occur?
Small and large intestine, where nutrients are moved into the blood stream.
What is the most basic aspect of the physiology of digestion?
Breaking down food to its most simple form.
Explain the squeeze and soak theory.
B.K.S. Iyengars theory, that when we compress (i.e. twist) we wring the organs out of any stagnant blood and waste products, and when we release (i.e. untwist) we allow fresh oxygenated blood with nutrients to flow to the organ, revitalizing it.
