This article explores the modern evolution of yoga, emphasizing its role as a means of reducing suffering rather than a form of exercise or performance.
Articles & Downloads
Here are some recent articles I've written.
Yoga and the Mereological Fallacy
Mereology: the study of the relationship of parts to the whole.
Stomachs don’t eat lunch, mouths don’t talk and eyes don’t see… We would never use this kind of language because we know it doesn’t really make sense. However it is not unusual in an anatomy class to be told that a bicep flexes the elbow. These parts play a role in the functions described but they can’t elicit these actions on their own. This kind of thinking falls prey to the ‘mereological fallacy’, yet it runs deep in our study of anatomy – and nowhere is it more evident than in yoga anatomy books; often beautifully illustrated books showing exactly which muscle does what action, on a perfectly clean skeleton. Just in case there is any doubt, the origin, insertion, innervation and function are usually described on the same page.
Thinking about disc problems and their relationship to yoga practice
There is a lot of discussion in yoga about what constitutes safe practice in regards to disc problems, particularly of the lumbar spine. To help make sense of the diverse opinions on the subject it is worth reviewing the anatomy and physiology of the disc, and also the history of the ideas around the causation of disc herniation and prolapse.
The anatomy
Most yoga practitioners are familiar with the basic anatomy of the disc, which consists of a collagenous outer layer called the annulus fibrosus, and an inner more fluid/gel centre called the nucleus pulposus. The tough collagen fibres of the annulus are arranged in layers and at alternating angles. This makes the annulus resilient in regards to both internal pressure and external forces acting upon it. The internal pressure comes from the fact that the inner nucleus is hygroscopic in nature, meaning that it absorbs fluid from the surrounding area. This keeps discs plumped up and resistant to the compressive forces of gravity.
On responsiveness
The balance between life and death is a fragile one, and the ability to maintain a life is frankly astonishing. It is an interesting exercise to reflect on how it is done.
On responsiveness
Moving away from the structural model…
It’s an interesting thing, the structural model – or what is sometimes called the biomechanical model. It’s neat and clean and full of satisfying solutions. It works really well with machines, such as cars…
Moving away from the structural model and embracing biology
Sensation, perception and response through structure
Bodies respond to the way they are used; more than anything, they are adaptive.
Sensation, perception and response through structure
Teaching yoga to people with chronic pain
Some useful things to help navigate the often disconcerting situations we can find ourselves in teaching people who are in pain.
Teaching yoga to people with chronic pain
Theories of movement
An article I wrote to support a lecture I give on movement.
Theories of movement
Precautions and prohibitions in Yoga?
An article I wrote with Christine McHugh discussing illness, health and homeostasis in yoga practice.
Precautions and prohibitions in Yoga?
Spectrum: The Evolution of Yoga
An article written for Spectrum, the British Wheel of Yoga magazine, discussing recent claims that yoga practice can cause injuries.