Therapeutic Yoga Consultant

Therapeutic Yoga Consultant (ThYC)

What Therapeutic Yoga Consultant can do?

Therapeutic Yoga Consultant Can practice Yoga for treatment of diseases in medical setups or independently. He should be a registered medical practitioner in any stream with Yoga Therapy.

Requirement/ Eligibility

Medical Professional or Masters in Yoga.(For Yoga professional medical knowledge is required and vice versa)

Minimum Age for Therapeutic Yoga Consultant (ThYC)

Any person of any age can apply for this certification.

Credit points for certificate:

92 credits.

Duration of course:

Not less than 1600 hours (Contact program for 100 hrs. to be conducted on Anatomy, Physiology )

Syllabus & Marks Distribution

The Total Marks of Exam for Therapeutic Yoga Consultant is 200. Out of this, theory Part will be of 140 marks and the Practical of will be 60.

Theory Part

The theory exam consists of the following syllabus and each part is of 35 marks.

1. Therapeutic Approach of Yoga Therapy in Classical Yogic Texts
2. Principals of Yoga Therapy
3. Anatomy, Physiology and Psychology Foundations
4. Yogic Concept for Management of Diseases

Unit 1 Therapeutic Approch of Yoga Therapy in Classical Yogic Texts

Bhagavad Gita as a Therapy

1. Definitions of Yoga in Bhagavad gita and their relevance in Yoga therapy.
2. Concept of Samkhya Yoga in Bhagavad gita, Significance of Bhagavad gita as a synthesis of Yoga, Concept of Sthita Prajna, stages and characteristic of it.
3. Concept of Atman (Purusha) and Jivatman in Bhagavad gita. Concept of Paramatman (Parmeshwar or Purushottam) as described in Bhagavad gita
4. Concept of world (Jagat, Samsar) as described in Bhagavad gita.
5. Concept of Bhagavad gita in various mental disorders like depression, anxiety etc
6. Significance of Yogasadhana- Karma Yoga, jnana Yoga, Dhyana Yoga and Bhakti Yoga in Bhagavad gita.
7. Concept and classification of Aharaand and itsrole in Adhyatma Sadhana as described in Bhagavad gita.
8. Concept of Triguna in the context of Bhagavad gita, Importance of Bhagavad gita in day to day life.

Ashtang Yoga as a Therapy

1. Personal and Social Discipline through five Yamas ( don’ts) and five Niyama (do’s).
2. Significance of Yogasana & Pranayama ; Mastery over mind through pratyahara; Concentration, creative skills and clear thinking; Creativity; through Pratyahara, Dharana, Chitta Vritti Nirodha, Chittaprasadanam; mastery over emotions to prevent, anger, fear, through Ishwara Pranidhana (Surrenderance to the supreme).
3.  Kriya-Yoga and its benefits; classification of klesha and methods to control kleshas, karmasaya; Concept of Heyaswarupa, Heyahetu, Drsya and Drasta. Sama Yoga-Nature & cause, Hanaswarupa, Hanopaya. Vivekakhyathi.
4. Applications and Understanding of Patanjali Yoga & Personality Development. Yoga – Meaning, Definition, Aim, Objects, Concepts, Misconceptions. The nature of seer in pure state, Vrttis – Nature, classification, definition, method to control of cittavrttis; Ishwara pranidhana– a means to attain Samadhi, Definition & quality of Ishwara, Chittavikshepa, Chittaprasadana and its associates.
5. Samyama on – Maitri, Surya, Chandra, Nabhichakra, Kanthakupa, Kaurmanadi, Murdhajyothi, Pratibha, Hrdaya, Swartha, Udana, Samana, and their benefits.
6. Spiritual Level: Kriya-yoga and its benefits; classification of klesha and methods to control kleshas, karmasaya.

Hatha Yoga as a Therapy

1. Therapeutic approaches of Hatha Yoga Practices given in different Hatha Yoga Texts (Hatha pradipika, Gheranda Samhita, Shiva Samhita and Vasistha Samhita): – their relevance for achieving positive Health and implementation in various common disorders; Application and importance of shatkarma, Asana, Pranayama, Mudra and Bandha and Nadanusandhana.
2. Greatness of Hathayoga, Hathayogiparampara, Importance of Hatha and its secrecy. Place of Hathayoga practice, Destructives (Badhak Tattva) and constructive (Sadhak Tattva) of Hathyoga, Yama and Niyama.
3. Asana- techniques, benefits and precautions. Mitahara, Pathya and Apathya, Pranayama (Kumbhalas)–Techniques, Benefits and Precautions of Pranayama, Nadi shuddi, Duration and time for Pranayama practice, gradation of Pranayama.
4. Satkriyas, Gajakarani, Hatha yoga siddhilakshanam, Kundalini as base for all Yoga. Results of Kundalini Prabodhana, Synonyms for Sushumna.
5. Mudras and Bandhas-Techniques, benefits and precautions of Practices. Kandaswarupa. Methods of Samadhi Practice, Synonyms for Samadhi, Rajayoga, Relationship between Hatha Pradipika and Rajayoga, Shambhavimudra, Unmani, Manonmani Nada and Nadanusandhana, Four stages of Nadanusandhan.

Yoga Vashishtha

1. Concept of Yoga: Introduction and Highlights of Yoga Vasishtha, Definitions of Yoga and their relevance in Yoga Vasishtha.
2. Concept of Mind:World is the projection of Mind; Manah Prashamanahupayah Yoga: Mind control through abhyasa (practice) and vairagya (detachment).
3. Concept of Jnana: Jnana Sapta bhumika, importance of knowledge and types of knowledge, Management of Mind and emotions-enhancing the power of discrimination (Viveka).
4. Prana and Pranayama: Control of breathing; the story of Kakabhushanda, Understanding ofthe Concept of Adhi and Vyadhi; concept of Prana & Pranayama.
5.  Concept of Samadhi and Moksha: Good Association; Self Enquiry; Development of Satvaguna (Good virtues), Eight Limbs of Meditation.

UNIT 2 Principals of Yoga Therapy

1. Concept of Health in Indian Systems of Medicine i.e. Ayurveda, Naturopathy and Siddha Systems of Medicine, Utility and Limitations of these systems in health concept of Yoga;
2. Yogic Concept of Health: Meaning and definitions, Concept of Adhi and Vyadhi, role of Yoga in preventive health care – Heyamdukhamanagatam Tapatrayas and Kleshas, Anatryas.
3. Concepts of Trigunas, Pancha-mahabhutas, Pancha-prana , Pancha Koshas.
4. Role of Yogic Positive Attitudes (Maitri, Karuna, Mudita and Upeksha) for Healthy Living, Concept of Bhavas and Bhavanas with its relevance in Health and well-being
5. Concept ofAahara, Vihara, Aachara and Vichara
6. Role of Shuddhi Prakriyas in preventive -Health, Karma Shuddhi (Yama, Niyama), Ghata Shuddhi (Shat-karma), Snayu Shuddhi (Asana), Prana Shuddhi (Pranayama), Indriya and Mano Shuddhi (Pratyahara), Mana, Buddhi, Ahamkar and Chitta Shuddhi (Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi).

UNIT 3. Anatomy, Physiology and Psychology Foundations

1. Musculo Skeletal system :- Classification and function of bone and joints, types of muscles, structural organization of different type of muscles, knowledge of Neuro-muscular junction, Nerve –Muscle physiology, Mechanism ofaction potential, Electromyogram and muscle endurance, concept of haemostasis, Mechanisms to maintain milieu environment. Positive and Negative Feedback mechanism.
2. Digestive system:- Anatomy and Physiology of digestive tract , Functions of each part of digestive tract, Functions of gastric juice secretion, glands and hormones involved in digestive tract. Mechanism of absorption of different Biomolecules in digestive tract.
3. Respiratory and Cardiovascular system:-Anatomy and Physiology of respiratory and cardiovascular system, Mechanism of breathing process; Exchange and transport of respiratory gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide). Lung function test, Ventilation, Regulation of respiration. Mechanism of cardiac cycle, Electrocardiography. Vector, Arrhythmia, Electrolyte concentration change in heart.
4. Nervous system and Special Senses:- Classification of Nervous System, Anatomy and Physiology of central nervous system; Peripheral nervous system: Autonomic nervous system-Sympathetic and Para sympathetic nervous system, Somatic nervous system; Special senses- Structure and function of eye, ear, nose, tongue and skin.
5.  Excretory and Reproductive system:- Anatomical Structure and Physiology of Kidney, Functions of different organs of excretory system, Urine formation, Concentration of Urine, Acidification of Urine, Micturition, Role of other organs on excretion in humans. Acid-base balance, Structure and function of male and female reproductive organs, Menstrual cycle. Ovulation, Menopause, Gametogenesis, Fertilization, Pregnancy, Infertility.
6. Human Psychology:- Definition of psychology, mental health, mood, cognition, behaviour, and personality, knowledge ofcommonly occurring mental health conditions, role of psychological counselling in various mental health related problems. Concept of conflict and frustration. General effects of Yogic practices for mental health.

UNIT 4 Yogic Concept for Management of Diseases

1. Musculo-Skeletal Disorders:- Back Pain (Lumbago, sciatica, disc herniation; Intervertebral disc prolapse (IVDP), Arthistis, Lumbo sacral strain), Neck pain (Cervical Spondylosis);Yoga practice module for Musculo skeletal disorders: Precautions and Contra-indications of Yogic practices.
2. Respiratory Disorders-:- -Bronchial Asthma, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Allergic Rhinitis, Sleep apnea, Sinusitis Yoga practice module for Respiratory disorders, Precautions and Contra-indications of Yogic practices
3.  Cardiovascular Disorders:- Hypertension, Atherosclerosis / Coronary artery disease, Ischemic Heart disease – Angina pectoris / Myocardial Infarction.Yoga practice module for Cardiovascular disorders, Precautions and Contra-indications of Yogic practices.
4.  Gastro intestinal and Excretory Disorders :- Dyspepsia, Hyperacidity, Peptic Ulcers, Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Renalstones and haemorrhoids.
5. Yoga practice module for Gastro intestinal and Excretory system; Precautions and Contra-indications of Yogic practices.
6. Neurological Disorders:- Migraine, Headaches, Cerebro vascular accidents, Epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease. Yoga practice module for Neurological Disorders; Precautions and Contra-indications of Yogic practices.
7. Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders:-Diabetes Mellitus, Thyroid Disorders, Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome. Yoga practice module for Endocrine & Metabolic disorders; Precautions and Contra-indications of Yogic practices.
8. Obstetric & Gynaecological Disorders: Menstrual Disorder (menstrual cramp, dysmenorrhea, pre-menstrual syndrome),Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS/PCOD), Pre-eclampsia or pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), Menopausal discomfort (anxiety, irritability, insomnia, hot flashes.) Yoga practice module for Obstetric & Gynaecological disorders; Precautions and Contra-indications of Yogic practices.
9. Psychological and Psychiatric Disorder:-Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Stress, insomnia, Depression, Anxiety, Mental retardation, Schizophrenia, Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Substance abuse.Yoga practice module for Obstetric & Gynaecological disorders; Precautions and Contra-indications of Yogic practices.

Practical Part

UNIT 1 Demonstration Skills

Introduction to Hymns and Mantras:-

1. Concept and Brief introduction to Pranav and hymns
2.  Recitation of Pranav and Soham japa
3. Recitation of Pratah-smaran, Dhyana mantra, Pranayama Mantra, Asana Mantra, Shanti Mantras.
4. Recitation of Selected Slokas of Hathayoga Texts
5. Recitation of Selected Sutras of Patanjala Yoga Sutra
6. Recitation of Selected Slokas of Bhagwadgita

 

Shatkarma, Bandha and Mudra

1. Demonstrating ability of preforming shatkarma(Cleansing Process) Vamandhauti, Neti (Sutra and Jala), Kapalbhati, Agnisara,
2. Jalandhara bandha, Uddiyana bandha Mulbandha and Mahabandha
3. Mahamudra, Bhairavi mudra,Yoni mudra, Shambhavi mudra and shandmukhi mudra.
4. Demonstrating ability of preforming shatkarma(Cleansing Process)Laghoo and Poornasankhaprakshalana, Vastradhauti, Dandadhauti, Nauli.

Sukshmavyayama, Sthulavyayama and SuryaNamaskar

1. Ucharan-sthal-tathtavishudhichakrashudhi
2. Budhitathadritishakivikasaka
3. Medhashaktivikasaka
4. Kapolshaktivikasaka
5. Grivashakti vikasak
6. Vakshasthalshaktivikasaka (i and ii)
7. Katishaktivikasaka (i,ii,iv,v)
8. Janghaskativikasaka (i,ii)
9. Pindalishkativikasaka
10. Hridgati and sarvangpushti
11. Yogic Surya Namaskar of BSY, Swami Dhirendra Brahmachari and its Variations

Yogasana

1. Knowledge of the five spinal movements – inverted, forward, backward, lateral twist and lateral bend and neutral positions of the spine.
2. Veerbhadrasana and its variations, Garudasana, Natrajasana, Parivrittatrikonasana, Parshakonasana, Tittibhasana
3. Paschimottanasana, Suptavajrasana,Vakrasana, Akarnadhanurasana, Gomukhasna, Suptavajrasana, Marichyasana, Ardhamatsyendrasana,
4. Makarasana, Bhujangasana, Salabhasana, Dhanurasana Poornadhanurasana, Urdhvamukhosvanasana Uttanapadasana, Halasana, Chakrasana, Matsyasana, Shavasana, Setubandhasana, Sarvangasana, Chakrasana
5. Ekpadkaandrasna, Trivikaramasana, Sirshasna and its variation.

Pranayama

1. Knowledge and Demonstrated ability to perform Breath awareness Pratyahar, Dharana and dhyana
2. Sectional breathing,
3. Anuloma Viloma pranayama
4. Nadishodhana Pranayama.
5. SuryaBhedi and Chandrabhedi Pranayama
6. Ujjayi pranayama and Bhastrika pranayama
7. Seetali Pranayama and Sitali Pranayama

Practices leading to Meditation

Knowledge and Demonstrated ability to perform following practices:-

1. Antarmaun
2. Ajapa japa
3. Yoga Nidra
4. Dharna
5. Vipasana and prekshadhyana
6. Allied practices likeJapa Mala, Yoga Nidra and Om meditation.

UNIT 6 Assessment Skills

Clinical Assessment

1. Measurement of Weight, stature, height, Body Mass Index, Body Surface Area
2. Shoulder height, elbow height, circumference measurement for neck, mid upper arm circumference, chest circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist hip ratio.
3. Heart rate, blood pressure, Respiratory rate, Measurement of strength and flexiblity of muscle

Biomechanics

1. Analysis of COG, LOG, BOS in Asana (in Sitting, standing, lying, balancing Posture)
2. Analysis of Biomechanics of Postural alignment.

Source: Yoga Certification Board Website

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Helpful Books

Books Update in response to the comment on this post.

In addition to the books required for 3rd Level Certification – Yoga Teacher and Evaluator, I think you should also go through the anatomy and physiology to correlate it with the therapeutic principles of yoga. In this context, I hope that the following books will help you to cover the syllabus of Therapeutic Yoga Consultant.

1. Science of Yoga: Understand the Anatomy and Physiology to perfect your Practice. This book is a wonderful introduction to the anatomy and physiology of yoga poses. This book explains the various areas of yoga practice in terms of not only muscles but also blood vessels, nerves and brain, with references to scientific support. If you do not belong to medical background, it is very simple to understand.  However, there is another book which can help you anatomical features of yoga – Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff. There is another book titled Anatomy of Hatha Yoga by H.David Coulter, which is very comprehensive book.  Anatomy and Physiology of Yogic Practices by Dr.M.M.Gore. Dr. Gore has wonderfully explained the concepts in this book. This is also a must buy book for all yoga therapists.

2. For purely anatomy and physiology understanding, you may go through Anatomy & Physiology Made Incredibly Easy, but it is expensive at amazon, so you can try to get it from your nearest library, if available.  There is another book specially meant for Paramedical Professionals, i.e. Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness.

3. Another book is Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy, which can help you clear the Ayurvedic concept in relation to yoga.

4. Yogic Management of Common Diseases and Practices of Yoga for Digestive System: Both books are of Bihar School of Yoga (BSY) Publications. All the BSY books are must buy and are available at low prices. Yoga Nidra is another book that you should go through in order to inculcate healing at the subconscious level of the mind. Similarly, BSY has also published books on management of diseases like Cancer, Asthma and Diabetes, Hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases.

5. As Swami Kuvalayanandaji has said, “Every Therapy has it’s own limitations so too is the case of Yoga applied as Therapy”. So, one book – Yoga As Therapy Medical View – by Kaivalyadham publication which reviews yoga therapy analytically and scientifically and explains what type of patients can be treated with Yoga and what type you should not ventre to treat. Kdham has also published book on Yogic therapy titled “Yogic Therapy – Basic Principles and Methods“.  Similarly, there is another book, but in kindle or pdf edition, by the same author, Yoga Therapy for Selected Diseases. This is also should-have book for improving yoga therapy knowledge.

6. There are other books on therapeutic aspects of yoga by Dr. H.R.Nagendra of SVYASA University, Bangalore. These should never be missed to get very scientific clear understanding. These books are cheap and very useful:

Yoga for Hypertension and Heart Diseases
Yoga for Digestive Disorders
Yoga For Bronchial Asthma
Yoga for Diabetes
Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy for Positive Thinking

7. There is another book on Yoga Therapy by Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhawana (MBBS, DPC, DSM, PGDY), Chairman, International Centre for Yoga Education and Research (ICYER) at Ananda Ashrama, Pondicherry – Yoga Chikitsa : Application of Yoga as a Therapy.

8. You can also go through Yoga Therapy and Integrative Medicine: Where Ancient Science Meets Modern Medicine, if you want to therapeutic framework for Yoga therapy’s application as a complimentary treatment approach in addition to alternative therapies. But it is slightly expensive book. Similarly, there is another book based on Holistic approach of Yoga, i.e. Yoga as Medicine by Timothy McCall which covers management of almost all sorts of diseases in the book.

9. In addition, there are several books on yoga therapy for individual disorders/ diseases that are sold by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, these books are not available at any online store, hence you shall require to contact them to procue these books:

1.Yogic Management of Arthritis Rs. 50/-
2 Yogic Management of Respiratory Disorders Rs.100/-
3 Yogic Management of Gynecological Disorders Rs.80/-
4 Yogic Management of Geriatric Disorders Rs. 80/-
5 Yogic Management of Neurological Disorders Rs. 80/-
6 Yogic Management of Psychiatric Disorders Rs. 80/-

These books are booklets that mention about the respective diseases in concise but explained manner followed by complete protocol of yoga therapeutics.

As regards biomechanics, you can go through the Slideshare PPT for Biomechanics and 2nd Slideshare PPT for Biomechanics and alignment reference.