This chapter takes a look at various studies that have explored human physiology in relation to asana.
As intra-thoracic, intra-abdominal pressure-volume changes affect internal organs and systems, it is plausible that asanas produce changes through mechanisms both local as well as general. Hathayoga Pradipika emphasises that asana helps bring about stability in health and suppleness of body.
Asana (posture) is usually defined as a body posture held with stability and ease by Patanjali.
