This document outlines 14 steps for studying human physiology, beginning from informal observation starting at conception through to professional academic study. Key aspects of the study include observing signs and symptoms in patients; correlating observations from daily life with structural and functional abnormalities; applying principles of physics and chemistry to explain interactions in the human body; and using technology like microscopes to study cells and their membranes. Hypotheses are made and tested to deepen understanding of human physiology.
3. Our study of human physiology begins right from
the time of
conception, though unconsciously.
Consciously the study begins with learning of the
interactions amongst family members and the
living and non living surroundings. But this study
is informal or non-formal.
Formal and conscious learning of human
physiology begins when one starts going to
school. Here a variety of interactions in the
nature; are taught with respect to
4. their effects on human life. This knowledge is
sometimes categorized as human physiology and
sometimes not.
The professional or academic study of human
physiology begins when one enters a graduation
or professional course.
The foundation of the study of human physiology
is studying everything in nature with respect to
its interactions with human life and vice versa!
Thus we study physiology in following way.
5. 1. We observe signs and symptoms in patients
and correlate them with the
structural and functional abnormalities.
2. We use observations in day to day life and
correlate their cause and effect e.g. the effect of
day and night on sleep and wakefulness cycle.
3. We use the knowledge of physics, chemistry etc
and apply the principles involved to the human
body to explain the interactions in human body.
4. We use technology such as microscope to study
smaller structures such as cells,
their membranes etc.
6. 5. The actual events (phenomena) in the body
are compared with other observed events
(phenomena) such as electricity in the nature and
thus the nature of the body activities is defined.
6. The various control mechanisms in the
machines are correlated with body and the
nature of regulatory and control mechanisms in
the body are identified or hypothesized and
verified.
7. Experimentation such as ablation (removal) of
an organ and its effects are observed and
corresponding function is assigned to that organ.
7. 8. Stimulation or lesion experiments with
brain elicit functions of organs related to that
part of brain.
9. Observations of effects of practice of
pranayama, different exercises and other
alterations in the environment or diet add to our
knowledge of human physiology.
10. Various measurements such as hemoglobin,
pulmonary ventilation, blood
pressure add to our understanding
8. 11. Techniques such as electrocardiography,
electroencephalography,
electroretinography and
magnetic resonance studies give quantitative
perspective of corresponding structures
and their functions.
12. Based on these and other studies and
observations, one learns to make hypotheses and
to verify them and make the understanding of
human physiology deeper and more accurate.
13. Learning human physiology can not grow
without asking questions at every point.
9. 14. Learning human physiology requires (like
any other field) unprejudiced and realistic mind.
It is said that NAMASMARAN can be
practiced to develop crystal clear and unbiased
mind, which facilitates effective and more
complete learning of human physiology.
Dr. Shriniwas Kashalikar
