Movements in Parivritta Parsvakonasana

In our human anatomy theory lessons, we have covered the musculoskeletal system. The Musculoskeletal system is divided into two systems: The Skeletal System and The Muscular System. Together, the musculoskeletal system provides us with a basic body frame to support our body and the ability to move our body.
An educated yoga practioner or teacher should be able to apply what he/she learnt about the muscoskeletal system into yoga speak and be able to easily share with people from beginners to likeminded yogis “what moves” and “where” the insides of our body has enabled us to achieved a certain asana.
We would refer the “what moves” as the description of where our skeletal joints are moving and “where” as to what muscles are involved in the movement.
Below is an Asana example and how I would explain the “what moves” and “where” to a beginner and an experienced yogi:
In Beginner Lingo:
What moves:
1. Head
– Neck rotates to the direction of the front foot
2. Upper Body
–  Shoulder rotates to the direction of front foot
– The elbow nearest front foot flex to rest on the front thigh
– The other elbow flexes too to have both palms meeting each other in a prayer position
3. Lower Body (Front and Back leg)
Front Leg
– Hip moves upwards away from your body (Imagine the degree of your hip and body increasing)
– Knee flex at 90 degrees, Ankle flex to lift the arch
Back Leg
– Knee fully extended
– Ankle flex to lift the arch with toes pointed
Where:
Neck, Upper back and Middle Back
Thighs of Front Leg
Thighs, Back and Shin of Back leg
 
In Experienced Yogi Lingo:
What moves:
1. Spine

– Axial rotation of the spine

2. Upper Limbs

– Downward rotation of Scapular

– Internal rotation of Shoulder

– Extension of Elbow

– Pronation of Forearm

– Flexion of Hand and Finger

3. Lower Limb

– Front Leg ; Flexion of Hip and Knee, Dorsiflexion of Ankle

– Back Leg ; Extension and Adduction of Hip, Extension of Knee, Dorsiflexion of Ankle, Flexion of Toe

 Where: 
Upper Body – Rhomboids, Latissimus Dorsi, Erector Spinae (underneath latissimus dorsi)
Lower Body – Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Tibialis Anterior
I hope the picture below provides you a better idea of where the muscles are located.
Pari vritta
– Charlie Tan
200hr Weekday TTC Sep 2015