Yoga and the Digestive System Flashcards
Name the two categories of organs within the Digestive System.
Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT) and 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 asanas which are beneficial for digestion.
Vajrasana, Virasana, Forward Bends
Name some digestive related conditions which will contra-indicate asana.
Diarrhoea and severe constipation, Crohn’s disease, ulcers
Which Vayus are related to digestion?
Samana Vayu - digests and distributes nutrients
Apana Vayu - eliminates waste
What are the physiological processes/steps of digestion?
- Ingestion
- Secretion/Propulsion
- Mechanical breakdown
- Chemical digestion/breakdown
- Absorption
- Defecation
Name the 2nd and 6th step of digestion.
- Secretion/Propulsion
6. Defecation
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?
It is essentially breaking down the 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, bringing vitality back to the organ.
