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.

Engineering Health: Introduction to Yoga and Physiology

Engineering Health: Introduction to Yoga and Physiology



Instructors: Alexandra Seidenstein
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Access provided by American University of Bahrain
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539 reviews
What you'll learn
Identify the role, structure, and function of human physiological systems
Identify the the conditions and presentation of normal and abnormal functioning of human physiological systems
Examine underlying physiological mechanisms that connect healthy functioning to yoga practice
Practice yoga that targets therapy, prevention, and overall wellness
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There are 14 modules in this course
What's included
2 videos1 reading1 assignment
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 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.
What's included
4 videos3 readings5 assignments1 discussion prompt
4 videos• Total 43 minutes
- Cell Health• 10 minutes
- Cell Signaling and Stress• 12 minutes
- 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
- Practice Breakdown• 1 minute
- Reflection• 30 minutes
- Reflection• 30 minutes
- The Cell and Homeostasis Summary Quiz• 30 minutes
- Module Feedback: The Cell and Homeostasis• 5 minutes
1 discussion prompt• Total 120 minutes
- [OPTIONAL] Research on Yoga and Homeostasis• 120 minutes
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.
What's included
7 videos5 readings6 assignments1 discussion prompt
7 videos• Total 60 minutes
- Introduction to Genetics• 6 minutes
- Genes in Action• 5 minutes
- Field of Epigenetics• 7 minutes
- 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
- Practice Breakdown• 30 minutes
- Reflection• 5 minutes
- Reflection• 1 minute
- Reflection• 2 minutes
- Genetics Summary Quiz• 30 minutes
- Module Feedback: Genetics• 5 minutes
1 discussion prompt• Total 120 minutes
- [OPTIONAL] Research on Yoga, Genetics and Epigenetics• 120 minutes
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
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
- How to Read and Interpret the Research Summary Quiz• 10 minutes
- Module Feedback: How to Read and Interpret the Research• 5 minutes
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.
What's included
10 videos4 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt
10 videos• Total 68 minutes
- 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
- Practice Breakdown• 1 minute
- Reflection• 30 minutes
- The Nervous System Summary Quiz• 30 minutes
- Module Feedback: The Nervous System• 5 minutes
1 discussion prompt• Total 120 minutes
- [OPTIONAL] Research on Yoga and Nervous System Health• 120 minutes
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.
What's included
5 videos4 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt
5 videos• Total 32 minutes
- Introduction to the Respiratory System Module• 3 minutes
- What is Breathing?• 4 minutes
- Functions of Respiration• 6 minutes
- Yoga Practice: Breathing Exercises for Your Yoga Practice• 10 minutes
- Yoga Practice: Alternate Nostril Breathing• 9 minutes
4 readings• Total 16 minutes
- Anaerobic vs. Aerobic Respiration• 5 minutes
- 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
- Practice Breakdown• 1 minute
- Reflection• 2 minutes
- The Respiratory System Summary Quiz• 30 minutes
- Module Feedback: The Respiratory System• 5 minutes
1 discussion prompt• Total 120 minutes
- [OPTIONAL] Research on Yoga and Respiratory System Health• 120 minutes
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.
What's included
6 videos4 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt
6 videos• Total 52 minutes
- 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
- Practice Breakdown• 1 minute
- Reflection• 30 minutes
- The Cardiovascular System Summary Quiz• 30 minutes
- Module Feedback: The Cardiovascular System• 5 minutes
1 discussion prompt• Total 120 minutes
- [OPTIONAL] Research on Yoga and Cardiovascular System Health• 120 minutes
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.
What's included
5 videos3 readings5 assignments1 discussion prompt
5 videos• Total 30 minutes
- Introduction to the Lymphatic System• 5 minutes
- Functions of the Lymphatic System• 4 minutes
- Introduction to the Immune System• 6 minutes
- 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
- Practice Breakdown• 1 minute
- Reflection• 30 minutes
- Reflection• 2 minutes
- The Lymph and Immune Systems Summary Quiz• 25 minutes
- Module Feedback: The Lymphatic and Immune Systems• 5 minutes
1 discussion prompt• Total 120 minutes
- [OPTIONAL] Research on Yoga and Lymphatic and Immune Systems Health• 120 minutes
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.
What's included
8 videos5 readings7 assignments1 discussion prompt
8 videos• Total 75 minutes
- 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
- 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
- Module Feedback: The Musculoskeletal System• 5 minutes
1 discussion prompt• Total 120 minutes
- [OPTIONAL] Research on Yoga and Musculoskeletal System Health• 120 minutes
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.
What's included
4 videos3 readings5 assignments1 discussion prompt
4 videos• Total 45 minutes
- Introduction to the Renal System• 10 minutes
- Basic Structure of Kidneys• 4 minutes
- 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
- Practice Breakdown• 1 minute
- Reflection• 30 minutes
- Reflection• 30 minutes
- The Renal System Summary Quiz• 30 minutes
- Module Feedback: The Renal System• 5 minutes
1 discussion prompt• Total 120 minutes
- [OPTIONAL] Research on Yoga and Renal System Health• 120 minutes
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.
What's included
3 videos4 readings5 assignments1 discussion prompt
3 videos• Total 40 minutes
- An Overview of the Digestive System• 12 minutes
- Digestive System Pathologies• 2 minutes
- 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 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.
What's included
6 videos4 readings5 assignments1 discussion prompt
6 videos• Total 39 minutes
- An Introduction to the Endocrine System• 6 minutes
- Functions of the Endocrine System• 4 minutes
- The Endocrine Glands and Organs• 4 minutes
- 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
- An Introduction to the Reproductive System• 2 minutes
- Practice Breakdown• 1 minute
- Reflection• 4 minutes
- The Endocrine and Reproductive Systems Summary Quiz• 30 minutes
- Module Feedback: The Endocrine and Reproductive Systems • 5 minutes
1 discussion prompt• Total 120 minutes
- [OPTIONAL] Research on Yoga, Endocrine and Reproductive Systems Health• 120 minutes
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.
What's included
5 videos3 readings6 assignments1 discussion prompt
5 videos• Total 53 minutes
- Cell Stress• 3 minutes
- Stress and the Physiological Systems• 13 minutes
- An Introduction to Stress and Chronic Pain with Dr. Marshall Hagins• 13 minutes
- Yoga Practice: Managing Sympathetic Down-Regulation• 13 minutes
- Yoga Practice: Loving-Kindness Meditation• 11 minutes
3 readings• Total 30 minutes
- 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
- 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
- Module Feedback: The Affect of Chronic Stress on Human Physiology• 5 minutes
1 discussion prompt• Total 120 minutes
- [OPTIONAL] Research on Yoga and Chronic Stress• 120 minutes
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
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
- Practice Breakdown• 2 minutes
- Reflection• 30 minutes
- Summary Quiz• 20 minutes
- Module Feedback: Summary• 5 minutes
Instructors
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We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.



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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.
Reviewed on Oct 25, 2020
Excellent course, it tied together the physiology and yoga very well, the videos that showed how to do the poses and then reminded you what that pose was doing physiologically was very helpful.
Reviewed on Apr 3, 2020
Really great and thorough course. As someone who is into yoga it was nice to do a deeper dive into a lot of the science behind why it feels so good.
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