This course gives you access to an exploration of physiological systems from the perspective of overall health and wellness. In particular, a focus on yoga, meditation and mindfulness as a therapeutic intervention in chronic illness and long term treatment. This course is intended for yoga practitioners and teachers, as well as college students and medical practitioners looking for a deeper understanding of the physiological benefits of yoga. The value of taking this course is to understand the impact that yoga can have on reducing stress, and aiding in healing or preventing physiological pathologies. Throughout this course, we will learn about different physiological systems and highlight yoga practices that can influence different systems and reduce pathology. Reading material will include analysis of scientific studies that have successfully utilized yoga practice as a tool for treatment of various illnesses such as: hypertension, stress, diabetes, insomnia, chronic pain and PTSD. In order to understanding these conditions, lectures will provide a complete understanding of the correlating physiological system. The weekly course assignment will include physiology lectures, a weekly yoga practice, suggested readings, and optional discussions for a total of 3-5 hours per week. The course will provide a tremendous amount of information and hands on experience for those interested in alternative health perspectives and a more in depth scientific understanding of this ancient healing method.
What's included
2 videos1 reading1 assignment
Show info about module content
2 videos•Total 9 minutes
Welcome and Introductions•5 minutes
Course Roadmap, Expectations and Considerations•4 minutes
1 reading•Total 5 minutes
Suggested Readings•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
Let's learn about you!•10 minutes
The Cell and Homeostasis
Module 2•5 hours to complete
Module details
The focus of this module is to provide a basic understanding to the workings of the trillions of cells that make up our body. The lecture provides an overview of the functioning components of the cell, energy production and signaling network of our cells. This gives us the ability to understand how cells work, and their purpose to understand cell stress and related pathologies. The yoga component of this module introduces the basics to the practice to allows us to begin building healthier cell programming and reducing cellular stress.
Yoga Practice: Gentle Yoga for Mindfulness•8 minutes
Yoga Practice: Chair Yoga and Mindful Movement•12 minutes
3 readings•Total 25 minutes
Yoga and our Cells System: Practice Breakdown•10 minutes
Summary: Yoga to Create Cell Health•10 minutes
Suggested Readings•5 minutes
5 assignments•Total 96 minutes
Module Feedback: The Cell and Homeostasis•5 minutes
Practice Breakdown•1 minute
Reflection•30 minutes
Reflection•30 minutes
The Cell and Homeostasis Summary Quiz•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 120 minutes
[OPTIONAL] Research on Yoga and Homeostasis•120 minutes
Genetics
Module 3•5 hours to complete
Module details
This module defines the basics of genetics in exploration of contributing factors to healthy chromosomes and genetic regulation. By explaining the role that stress can have on cells and chromosomal wellbeing, we provide a foundation for understanding how epigenetics can be affected by repetition and being to help to promote new regulatory factors.
An Interview with Dr. Bradley Aouizerat•15 minutes
Yoga Practice: Repetitive Yoga Practice for Healthy Living•9 minutes
Yoga Practice: Building on Repetition to Reset the Body•6 minutes
Yoga Practice: Setting New Patterns with Sun Salutations•11 minutes
5 readings•Total 20 minutes
Genetics and Epigenetics•10 minutes
Diving into Epigenetics with Dr. Aouizerat•1 minute
Yoga and Genetics: Practice Breakdown•6 minutes
Summary: Yoga and Genetics•2 minutes
Suggested Readings•1 minute
6 assignments•Total 73 minutes
Module Feedback: Genetics•5 minutes
Practice Breakdown•30 minutes
Reflection•5 minutes
Reflection•1 minute
Reflection•2 minutes
Genetics Summary Quiz•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 120 minutes
[OPTIONAL] Research on Yoga, Genetics and Epigenetics•120 minutes
How to Read and Interpret the Research
Module 4•1 hour to complete
Module details
In this module we break down a scientific article, so that we can better understand the components of a peer reviewed research paper. In understanding the sections of the paper, what they contribute to the scientific paper and discovery. In addition, the reader should be able to identify major conclusions and results from this research paper, and future studies.
What's included
8 readings2 assignments
Show info about module content
8 readings•Total 72 minutes
How to Read the Research•15 minutes
How to Interpret the Research•10 minutes
Title, Authors, and Abstract•10 minutes
Background, Materials, and Methods•10 minutes
Results•10 minutes
Conclusion and/or Discussion•10 minutes
Summary•5 minutes
Suggested Readings•2 minutes
2 assignments•Total 15 minutes
Module Feedback: How to Read and Interpret the Research•5 minutes
How to Read and Interpret the Research Summary Quiz•10 minutes
The Nervous System
Module 5•5 hours to complete
Module details
In this module we will explore the basic components of the Nervous system from a cellular to a physiological level. Particularly, we will focus on the components of the nervous system that are aided by yoga and mindfulness modalities. The yoga aspect of the module will focus on supporting proper posture and minimizing back pain.
Introduction to the Nervous System Module•1 minute
Nervous System Cells and Neurotransmitters•4 minutes
Functions of the Nervous System•3 minutes
The Central Nervous System and the Brain•5 minutes
Back Pain with Dr. Erich Anderer•8 minutes
An Interview with Dr. Anderer•10 minutes
Yoga and Nervous System Health•2 minutes
Yoga Practice: Building Core Strength and Promoting Spine Health•8 minutes
Yoga Practice: Building and Stabilizing the Posterior Chain•14 minutes
Yoga Practice: Building and Stabilizing the Posterior Chain•13 minutes
4 readings•Total 40 minutes
An Introduction to Back Pain and Dr. Anderer•10 minutes
Yoga and Nervous System Health: Practice Breakdown•10 minutes
Summary: Yoga and Nervous System Health•10 minutes
Suggested Readings•10 minutes
4 assignments•Total 66 minutes
Module Feedback: The Nervous System•5 minutes
Practice Breakdown•1 minute
Reflection•30 minutes
The Nervous System Summary Quiz•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 120 minutes
[OPTIONAL] Research on Yoga and Nervous System Health•120 minutes
The Respiratory System
Module 6•3 hours to complete
Module details
This module presents an overview of the respiratory system including both the molecular functioning as well as the overall mechanisms of breathing. In understanding how and why we breath, students will have a deeper understanding of the role that breathing has in stress reduction, physiological well being and overall health. The yoga component of this lesson will focus on different breathing techniques that can be utilized to optimize wellness.
Yoga and Respiratory System Health: Practice Breakdown•5 minutes
Summary: Yoga and Respiratory System Health•5 minutes
Suggested Readings•1 minute
4 assignments•Total 38 minutes
Module Feedback: The Respiratory System•5 minutes
Practice Breakdown•1 minute
Reflection•2 minutes
The Respiratory System Summary Quiz•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 120 minutes
[OPTIONAL] Research on Yoga and Respiratory System Health•120 minutes
The Cardiovascular System
Module 7•4 hours to complete
Module details
The focus of this module is to provide a basic understanding of the cardiovascular system. The lecture provides an overview of the main components of the system, as well as the mechanisms behind muscle contraction. In order to understand associated pathologies, blood pressure is also highlighted in the class. The module features an interview with Dr. Marshall Hagins, who discusses the role that yoga and meditation can have on cardiovascular pathology such as hypertension. The yoga component of this module focuses on movement to increase circulation and increase your heart rate.
Introduction to the Cardiovascular System Module•2 minutes
Function of the Heart, Veins and Arteries•16 minutes
Connecting Cardiovascular Health and Yoga•2 minutes
An Interview with Dr. Marshall Hagins•14 minutes
Yoga Practice: Jump backs - Movement for Cardiovascular Health•11 minutes
Yoga Practice: Jump Throughs and Cardiovascular System Health•8 minutes
4 readings•Total 22 minutes
Yoga and the Cardiovascular system with Dr. Hagins•5 minutes
Yoga and Cardiovascular System: Practice Breakdown•10 minutes
Summary: Yoga and Cardiovascular System Health•2 minutes
Suggested Readings•5 minutes
4 assignments•Total 66 minutes
Module Feedback: The Cardiovascular System•5 minutes
Practice Breakdown•1 minute
Reflection•30 minutes
The Cardiovascular System Summary Quiz•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 120 minutes
[OPTIONAL] Research on Yoga and Cardiovascular System Health•120 minutes
The Lymphatic and Immune Systems
Module 8•4 hours to complete
Module details
The focus of this module is to provide a basic understanding and introduction to the lymphatic and immune systems. The lecture provides an overview of the main components of the lymphatic system; vessels, glands and lymph components. In addition, an overview of the immune system focuses on the primary component. These two interconnected systems are highlighted in order to understand lymph circulation as well as pathologies, such as autoimmune diseases and inflammation. The yoga component of this module focuses on postures that have sweeping movement to increase lymphatic circulation, and ones that promote a calm and healthy immune system.
Yoga Practice: Movements for the Lymph System•8 minutes
Yoga Practice: Seated Poses for the Lymph System•6 minutes
3 readings•Total 25 minutes
Yoga in Lymphatic and Immune Systems: Practice Breakdown•15 minutes
Summary: Yoga for Lymphatic and Immune System Health•5 minutes
Suggested Readings•5 minutes
5 assignments•Total 63 minutes
Module Feedback: The Lymphatic and Immune Systems•5 minutes
Practice Breakdown•1 minute
Reflection•30 minutes
Reflection•2 minutes
The Lymph and Immune Systems Summary Quiz•25 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 120 minutes
[OPTIONAL] Research on Yoga and Lymphatic and Immune Systems Health•120 minutes
The Musculoskeletal System
Module 9•6 hours to complete
Module details
This module’s focus is to provide a basic understanding of the musculoskeletal system on both a physiological or macro level, as well as a micro level. In doing so, we will build an understanding of how yoga and meditation can help provide the foundation for a strong and health musculoskeletal system. In addition, this module features an interview with Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Michael Seidenstein, who will provide insight into how yoga can help treat and prevent orthopedic injury.
Introduction to the Musculoskeletal System•7 minutes
How Muscles Function•11 minutes
Muscle and Bone•6 minutes
Tendons, Ligaments and Common Injuries•5 minutes
An Interview with Dr. Seidenstein•16 minutes
Yoga Practice: Activating Types of Muscles through Small Movements•10 minutes
Yoga Practice: Strength through Balancing and Standing Postures•14 minutes
Yoga Practice: Standing Poses and Slow Twitch Muscles•6 minutes
5 readings•Total 38 minutes
Major Components of the Musculoskeletal System•10 minutes
An Introduction to Dr. Seidenstein•10 minutes
Yoga and Musculoskeletal Health: Practice Breakdown•10 minutes
Summary: Yoga and Musculoskeletal System Health•5 minutes
Suggested Readings•3 minutes
7 assignments•Total 127 minutes
Module Feedback: The Musculoskeletal System•5 minutes
Major Components of the Musculoskeletal SystemMajor Components of the Musculoskeletal System•1 minute
Practice Breakdown•1 minute
Reflection•30 minutes
Reflection•30 minutes
Reflection•30 minutes
The Musculoskeletal System Summary Quiz•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 120 minutes
[OPTIONAL] Research on Yoga and Musculoskeletal System Health•120 minutes
The Renal System
Module 10•5 hours to complete
Module details
The focus of this module is to provide a basic understanding and introduction to the renal system and highlight other excretory systems. The lecture provides an overview of the functioning components of the renal system, the nephrons. The ability to understand how nephrons work, and their purpose to understand pathologies, such as high blood pressure. The yoga component of this module focuses on forward and back bends that have the ability to promote kidney health.
Yoga Practice: Forward Bends for Kidney Health•16 minutes
Yoga Practice: Building a Practice for Renal Health•13 minutes
3 readings•Total 30 minutes
Yoga and Renal System: Practice Breakdown for Kidney Health•15 minutes
Summary: Yoga and Renal System Health•10 minutes
Suggested Readings•5 minutes
5 assignments•Total 96 minutes
Module Feedback: The Renal System•5 minutes
Practice Breakdown•1 minute
Reflection•30 minutes
Reflection•30 minutes
The Renal System Summary Quiz•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 120 minutes
[OPTIONAL] Research on Yoga and Renal System Health•120 minutes
The Digestive System
Module 11•4 hours to complete
Module details
This module focuses on the overall purpose and structure of the digestive system organs, and the role of their accessory organs in digestion. We will explore yoga practices that can aid in promoting healthy digestion through movement. In addition, an overview of some pathologies associated with the digestive system, and how yoga can help enhance treatment.
Yoga Practice for Digestive System Health•25 minutes
4 readings•Total 35 minutes
Basics of Digestion•10 minutes
Yoga Practice for Digestive System Health: Breakdown•10 minutes
Summary: The Digestive System•5 minutes
Suggested Readings•10 minutes
5 assignments•Total 38 minutes
Practice Breakdown•1 minute
Reflection•2 minutes
The Digestive System Summary Quiz•30 minutes
Basics of Digestion Quiz•0 minutes
Module Feedback: The Digestive System•5 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 120 minutes
[OPTIONAL] Research on Yoga and Digestive System Health•120 minutes
The Endocrine and Reproductive Systems
Module 12•4 hours to complete
Module details
The focus of this module is to provide a basic understanding of the endocrine and the reproductive system. The lecture provides an overview of the main components of the endocrine system; hormones, glands and tissues/organs that are affected. In order to understand associated pathologies, specific hormones are highlighted in the class. In addition, the module goes over impact of long term stress with an in depth description of the HPA Axis. The yoga component of this module focuses on relaxing movement to decrease stress and promote a healthy endocrine system.
Hypothalamus, Pituitary and Adrenal Axis (The HPA Axis)•3 minutes
Stress and Feedback Loops•4 minutes
Yoga Practice: Restorative Poses for Endocrine Balance and Health•18 minutes
4 readings•Total 40 minutes
An Introduction to the Reproductive System•10 minutes
Yoga and the Endocrine Systems: Practice Breakdown•10 minutes
Summary: Yoga, Endocrine and Reproductive Systems Health•10 minutes
Suggested Readings•10 minutes
5 assignments•Total 42 minutes
Module Feedback: The Endocrine and Reproductive Systems •5 minutes
An Introduction to the Reproductive System•2 minutes
Practice Breakdown•1 minute
Reflection•4 minutes
The Endocrine and Reproductive Systems Summary Quiz•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 120 minutes
[OPTIONAL] Research on Yoga, Endocrine and Reproductive Systems Health•120 minutes
The Affect of Chronic Stress on Human Physiology
Module 13•5 hours to complete
Module details
The focus of this module is to provide a physiological understanding of the stress response. The lecture provides an overview of stress as controlled by the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA axis. This gives us the ability to understand how stress can impact our bodies on a cellular, as well as, systems level and discuss related pathologies. This module is enhanced by an interview with Dr. Marshall Hagins who discusses the impact of stress on general health as well as pain. The yoga component of this module introduces breathing and meditation techniques to decrease chronic stress, and improve our overall health.
Yoga and our Cells System: Practice Breakdown•15 minutes
Summary: Yoga and Chronic Stress on Health•10 minutes
Suggested Readings•5 minutes
6 assignments•Total 98 minutes
Module Feedback: The Affect of Chronic Stress on Human Physiology•5 minutes
An Introduction to Stress and Chronic Pain with Dr. Marshall Hagins•2 minutes
Practice Breakdown•1 minute
Reflection•30 minutes
Reflection•30 minutes
The Affect of Chronic Stress on Human Physiology Summary Quiz•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 120 minutes
[OPTIONAL] Research on Yoga and Chronic Stress•120 minutes
Summary
Module 14•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this module we will integrate everything we have learned in the previous modules to enhance our overall health and wellness. The focus of this module is on practicing a short but complete practice, that can be done on a daily or weekly basis. This yoga practice was designed as part of a hypertension and yoga study, where it was able to reduce hypertension. Being able to integrate this complete practice into your daily lives is a perfect practical summary of everything that has been practiced.
What's included
1 video4 readings4 assignments
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 34 minutes
Yoga Practice: Tying it all Together•34 minutes
4 readings•Total 40 minutes
Summary•15 minutes
Posture Breakdown of the Comprehensive Practice•15 minutes
Next Steps•5 minutes
Suggested Readings•5 minutes
4 assignments•Total 57 minutes
Module Feedback: Summary•5 minutes
Practice Breakdown•2 minutes
Reflection•30 minutes
Summary Quiz•20 minutes
Instructors
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Learner reviews
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540 reviews
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86.11%
4 stars
11.29%
3 stars
1.11%
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0.37%
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S
SG
5·
Reviewed on Aug 14, 2024
It is an amazing course, even as a yoga instructor, I enjoyed the information that was shared and I will implement it as I grow in my career.
H
HM
5·
Reviewed on Oct 30, 2019
One of the best courses I have ever done. Edie's book as an additional support, very good one too, I'm miles forward now with my teaching,thank you guys.xxx
H
HR
5·
Reviewed on Feb 15, 2021
Really interesting and well put together. Great way for anyone interested in exploring the medical and anatomical side of their yoga practice.
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