Yoga Therapist

What Yoga Therapist can do?

Can work along with certified physician or certified Yoga Consultant to give Yoga Therapy on all disorders.

Requirement/ Eligibility

• For open candidates there is no eligibility criteria.
• Any Degree holder

Minimum Age for Yoga Therapist Certification

Any person of any age can apply for this certification.

Personal Attributes

The job requires individual to have Good communication skills, time management and ability to understand the body language of the trainees. The job requires individual to possess key qualities such as self discipline, confidence, maturity, patience,compassion,active listening,time management,empathy,language proficiency, ability to build caring relationships, friendly and approachable, credibility etc.

Credit points for certificate:

46 credits

Duration of course

Not less than 800 hours (Contact program for 100 hrs. to be conducted on Anatomy, Physiology).

Syllabus & Mark Distribution

The Total Marks of Exam for Certification of Yoga Therapist is 200. Out of this, theory Part will be of 100 marks and the Practical of will be 100.

Theory Part

The theory exam consists of the following syllabus and each part is of 20 marks.

1. Yoga and Human Body
2. Fundamental Principles of Yoga Therapy
3. Application of Yoga Therapy in Traditional Yoga Texts.
4. Physiological and Psychological Effects of Hatha Yoga Practices

Yoga and Human Body

A. Anatomy & Physiology:

Musculo-Skeletal System : Muscle – Classification – Histology – properties ofeachtype-distribution-Mechanism of muscle contraction(Brief)- neuro muscular transmission (Brief), ligaments, tendons, Skeleton-Bones-types, Structure & function, Spinal column. Joints – Types, Structure, Functions.

Blood and Immune System: Composition of blood corpuscles – R.B.C., W.B.C., Platelets. Plasma, Hemoglobin – Coagulation of blood and anticoagulants. Blood groups and its importance, lymphatic system , Immunity – types & mechanism.

Cardiovascular system: Anatomy of Heart and blood vessels – -Innervations’ of heart – Properties of cardiac muscle – Control of cardiac cycle and circulation – Cardiac output – Blood pressure.

Respiratory System: Anatomy-Gross & Histological – Mechanism of Breathing, Exchange of gases Pulmonary function tests-lung volumes – Control of respiration.

Digestive system: Anatomy – Gross and Histological – Mechanism of secretion of- Saliva, Gastric Juice, Pancreatic Juice, Bile, Intestinal secretion – Role of these secretions in digestion of food, Absorption and assimilation and formation of faces.

Excretory System and temperature regulation: Anatomy-Gross & Histology – Functions of glomerule and renal tubules Micturition and composition of urine – structure and functions of skin-Regulation of body temperature.

Endocrine System : Anatomy – Gross & Histological, Thyroid, Parathyroid, Supra – renal, Pituitary, Islets of Langerhans – Function of thyroid and parathyroid hormone, effect of hypo and hyperactivity on the body. Hormones of supra-renal and their action and effect of hypo & hyper activity on the body. Hormones of pituitary gland- its action and effect of hypo & hyper activity on the body. Role of insulin in glucose metabolism.

Special senses : Eyes Anatomy – Histology of retina, Corneal function, Physiology of vision & accommodation, Sense of smell – nasal mucosa, tongue, taste buds. Ear-Mechanism of hearing and function of semicircular canal.

Reproductive System: Anatomy – Gross & History of Male reproductive system – Spermatogenesis. Female reproductive system – Ovarian harmones, Menstruation, Pregnancy, Parturition, Lactation.

Nervous System : Anatomy – Gross – Cerebrum, cerebellum, Spinal cord. Histology – Nerve – structure and properties of neurons – Nerve – Action Potential – generation propagation – factors influencing. Classification of neurons and nerve fibers Receptors and reflex arc. Functions and important connections of Cerebrum, Pons, Medulla, Thalamus, Hypothalamus, Cerebellum – Autonomic nervous system – Sympathetic and parasympathetic – anatomy & functions.

Homeostasis: The concept of homeostasis, Homeostasis, Regulatory systems of the body, Characteristics of control systems, Physiological basis of mind-body intervention.

Anatomy & Physiology:

Study of- cognitive processes. Higher mental processes, feeling and emotion, mental abilities and personality. A comparative study of total personality according to Yoga and Modern Psychology. Its Meaning, definition and nature of consciousness as described in Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagwad Gita, Yoga sutra and Yoga vashishtha; Spiritual and scientific approach to human consciousness. Yogic Method of elevation of human consciousness: Bhakti yoga, Jnanyoga, Karmayoga, Mantrayoga, Ashtangayoga, Hathayoga.

Yoga and Diet:

Concept and types of diet in Traditional Yogic Texts; Concept of food and Nutrition and its components, concept of Health and Malnutrition, Assessment of Nutritional status, knowledge of Therapeutic Modifications of Normal Diet, Preparation of Therapeutic charts for special groups/patients, Role of Yogic diet in health and disease.

Fundamental Principles of Yoga Therapy

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

Application of Yoga Therapy in Traditional Yoga Texts

Bhagvadgita : Definitions of Yoga in Bhagavad gita and their relevance in Yoga therapy, 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. Concept of Atman (Purusha) and Jivatman in Bhagavad gita. Concept of Paramatman (Parmeshwar or Purushottam) as described in Bhagavad gita, Concept of world (Jagat, Samsar) as described in Bhagavad gita, Psychotherapy concept of Bhagavad gita in various mental disorders like depression, anxiety etc, Significance of Yogasadhana, Karmayoga, Jnana Yoga, Dhyana Yoga and Bhakti Yoga in Bhagavad gita, Concept and classification of Ahara and and its role in Adhyatma Sadhana as described in Bhagavad gita, Concept of Triguna in the context of Bhagavad gita, Importance of of Bhagavad gita in day to day life.

Patanjala Yoga Sutra

Applications and Understanding of Patanjala Yoga & Personality Development. The nature of seer in pure state, Concept of Vrttis – Nature, classification, definition, method to control of chittavrttis (Abhyasa and Vairagya), Ishwarapranidhana– a means to attain Samadhi, Definition & quality of Ishwara ; Chittavikshepa, Chittaprasadana and its associates, Samadhi and its classification, Sabijasamadhi, Speciality of Nirvichara, Rthambaraprajna, Nirbijasamadhi; Significance of Samyama and its applications, Parinamavad, Dharmaand Dharmi, Parinamanyateva, Samyamaon–Parinamatraya, knowledge of bhutaruta, Parachittajnana, Antardhana. Aparantajnana, Samyama on – Maitri, Surya, Chandra, Nabhichakra, Kanthakupa, Kaurmanadi, Murdhajyothi, Pratibha, Hrdaya, Swartha, Udana, Samana, and their benefits. Attainments of divyashrotra, Akashagamana, Bhutajaya, Animadi siddhi, Indriyajaya, Kaya jaya, Sarvajnatva, Concept of Kaivalya in Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Kaivalya–Introduction, Siddhi, Jatyantaraparinama, Nirmanachitta. Karma, Vasana, Smriti and Samskara.

Yoga Vashishtha

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

Physiological And Psychological Effects Of Hatha Yoga Practices

Shatkriyas and Sthula and Sukhsamvyayam Kriya

Physiological benefits of sthula and sukhsam vyayam on human body in preparation of yogic practice. Knowledge of sthula and sukhshma vyayam for different parts of the body; An overview of diffusion, osmosis, active transport across cell membrane; significance of using salt during the practice of shatkriya; Tonicity of the solution such as hypotonic, hyper tonic and isotonic solution and the impact of the same on physiology; Effects of kriya on GIT and Respiratory physiology; peristalsis and mechanism of action, Effect of Kriyas in encouraging the peristalsis; Opening and closing of sphincter; Role of Kriyas in smooth operation of sphincter ; Mechanism of action of Kriya practices in the activation of vagus nerve, effect of Kriyas on gastric mucosa on digestive system; Development of negative pressure and the impact of sustenance of the negative pressure in body physiology.

Asana

Physiology of exercise, Asana – Types and Categories; Musclulo skeletal system and mechanisms involved; Effect of Yogic practices in setting up the internal environmentof the body, Mechanical influence of Yogasana; Psychosomatic mechanism; Mechanism of influence of six types of Yogasanas: stretching; pivoting; strengthening; inverted; pressing; equilibration, Reciprocal inhibition and innervations; Concept of energy expenditure and role of asana practice on energy expenditure.

Pranayama

Mechanism of respiratory system and gas exchange, Regulation of respiration, Psycho- physiological effect of Pranayama: changing of ratio of oxygen and carbonic carbon–dioxide in our body; enabling different groups of muscles in breathing; Pranayama as respiratory pump; Reflex impact over sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system; Role of Pranayama on lung function test. Role of Pranayama and other Yoga practices on compliance, Ventilation perfusion ratio, alveolar ventilation, dead space volume and minute ventilation, Neuro physiological mechanism of Kevala, Antarand Bahirkumbhaka.

Meditation

Different types of meditation its impacts on central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. Different types of meditation its impacts on cardiovascular system, respiratory system, nerve – muscle physiology. Meditation its impacts on relaxation of each and every system of body.

Mudra and Bandhas

Nerve reflexes; Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation; Effect of Bandhas on joint complexes; Central bandhas and co activation of opposing muscles in spinal joint complexes; Jalandhara bandha effects neck joint complexes; Uddiyan bandha effects upper joint complexes; and Moola bandha for lower back joint complexes; Isometric muscle activation and Bandhas; Synergistic muscle activation during Bandha practices; Navadvara and their significance in yoga; Principles behind the practice of Mudras; Resting membrane potential; transmission of nerve impulse; significance of Neuro psychological lock and its impulse in body physiology; secretion of neurotransmitter in the brain; Role of mudra and its physiological functions of the body.

Practical Part

Demonstrative Skills

Recitation of Hymns and Mantras

• Concept and Brief introduction to Pranav and hymns
• Recitation of Pranav and Soham japa
• Recitation of Pratah-smaran, Dhyana mantra, Pranayama Mantra, Asana Mantra, Shanti Mantras.

Shat karmas:

Demonstrating ability of preforming shatkarma (Cleansing Process)

• Vamandhauti, Vastradhauti, Dandadhauti
• Neti (Sutra and Jal ),
• Kapalbhati, Agnisara,
• Nauli.
• Laghooand Poornasankhaprakshalana

Sukshma Vyayama, Sthula Vyayama and Suryanamaskar

• Ucharan-sthal-tathtavishudhichakrashudhi
• Budhitathadriti shaki vikasaka
• Medha shakti vikasaka
• Kapol shakti vikasaka
• Griva shakti vikasak
• Vaksha sthalshaktivikasaka (i and ii)
• Kati shakti vikasaka (i,ii,iv,v)
• Jangha skati vikasaka (i,ii)
• Pindali shkati vikasaka
• Hridgati and sarvangpushti.
• Yogic Surya Namaskar of BSY, Swami Dhirendra Brahmachari and its Variations.

Yogasanas

StandingYogasana: Tadasana, Ardhchakrasana,Vrikshasana, Padahast asana, Veerbhadr asana and its variations, Garudasana, Parivrittatrikon asana, Parshakon asana.

SittingYogasana: Paschimottanasana, Vajrasana, Suptavajrasana, Vakrasana, Gomukhasna, Marichyasana, Ardhamatsyendrasana, Uttanmandukasana, Sasakasana, Ustrasana, Dandasana, Mandukasana, Kurmasana, Kukkutasana, Bhadrasana

Pronelying Yogasana: Makarasana, Bhujangasana, Salabhasana, Dhanurasana

SupinelyingYogasana: Uttanapadasana,Ardhahalasana,Halasana, Chakrasana, SaralMatsyasana, Matsyasana, Pawanmukt asana and its variations, Naukasana, Shavasana, Setubandhasana, Sarvangasana

Topsy Turvy Yogasana: Sirshasna and its variation.

Pranayama

Knowledge and Demonstrated ability to perform the following practices

• Breath awareness
• Sectional breathing,
• Anuloma Vilom
• Nadishodhana Pranayama. SuryaBhedi and Chandrabhedi Pranayama
• Ujjayi pranayama and Bhastrika pranayama
• Seetali Pranayama and Sitali Pranayama

Meditation:

Knowledge and Demonstrated ability to Heal at the Physical Level, Mental level, Prana Level and Conscious level with below mentioned practices.

• Antarmaun
• Ajapa jap
• Yoga Nidra
• Dharna,
• Om Meditation, Vipasana and prekshadhyana

Bandhas and Mudras:

• Jalandhara bandha, uddiyana bandha and mool bandha, Mahabandha.
• Mahamudra, Bhairavi mudra, Yoni mudra, shambhavi mudra and shandmukhi mudra.

Yogic Counseling:

Introduction to counselling, nature approaches and challenges; Approach to counselling- Attitude change towards Yoga through individualized counselling, Psychological & yogic method Tackling ill effects of conflict and Frustration; Yogic methods Yoga Psychology for Adjustment: Psychological, philosophical and Yogic counselling; the remedial measures; Action in relaxation-the secret of Karma Yoga; Psycho-physiological effects and health benefits of Pranayama, Shatkarma; Bandha and Mudra; Psycho-physiological effects and health benefits of Meditation.

Therapeutic Skills

Yogic Therapeutic management for various disorders

Role of Yoga practices on various Musculo Skeletal disorders like Back Pain, Neck pain, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia and Muscular dystrophy; Role of Yogic Diet on Musculo-Skeletal Disorders

Role of Yoga practices on various Respiratory Disorders: like Bronchial Asthma, Bronchitis, Allergic Rhinitis, Sleep apnea & Sinusitis; Role ofYogic Diet on Respiratory Disorders

Role of Yoga practices on various Cardiovascular disorders:  like Hypertension, Atherosclerosis / Coronaryarterydisease, Anginapectoris/Myocardial Infarction ; Role of Yogic Diet on Cardiovascular disorders Role of Yogic Diet on Cardiovascular disorders.

Role of Yoga practices on various Neurological Disorder like Migraine, Headaches, Cerebrovascular accidents, Epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Hearing impairment; Role ofYogic Diet on Neurological Disorder.

Role of Yoga practices on various Digestive and Excretory Disorders like Dyspepsia, Hyperacidity, Peptic Ulcers, Constipation, haemorrhoids and Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Role of Yogic Diet on Digestive and Excretory Disorders

Role of Yoga practices on various Obstetric & Gynecological Disorders like Menstrual Disorder (menstrualcramp, dysmenorrheal, pre-menstrual syndrome), Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS/PCOD), Pre-eclampsia or pregnancy induced hypertension(PIH), Menopausal discomfort (anxiety, irritability, insomnia, hot flashes) Role of Yogic Diet on Obstetric & Gynecological Disorders

Role of Yoga practices on various Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders like Diabetes Mellitus, Thyroid Disorders, Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome; Role of Yogic Diet on Endocrine &Metabolic disorders.

Role ofYoga practices on various Psychological and Psychiatric Disorder like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Substance abuse; Role of Yogic Counseling Diet on Psychological and Psychiatric Disorder.

Role of Yoga practices on various old age problems like Spinal deformity, loss of coordination, imbalance, improper gait pattern, Stress, Alzheimer’s disease, Stress, Depression and reduction of all physiological function; Role of Yogic Diet in old age.

Assessment Skill

• Anthropometry measurements:- Weight, stature, eye height, Body Mass Index, Body Surface Area, Shoulder height, elbow height, head circumference, neck circumference, mid upper arm circumference, chest circumference, waist circumference,hipcircumference,waisthipratio,Measurementoffat percentage.
• Physiological parameters and clinical examination: Knowledge ofClinical examination, heart rate, pulse rate and respiratory rate.
• Knowledge of effect of Yogasana (lying, sitting, standing positions), suryanamaskar, Pranayama and Meditation on human body, Spirometry, knowledge of Reflexes, Measurement of strength of muscle. Measurement of flexibility. Recording of ECG, EEG, GSR and respiration.
• Physical measurements:- Effects ofexercise, cold stress and postural change on blood pressure and pulse rate, Measurement ofstrength and flexibility of muscle.
• Understanding of muscles physiology with the help of model/chart and its practical applications in Asana.
• Knowledge of COG, LOG, BOS in Asanas (in Sitting, standing, lying, balancing asanas)
• Knowledge ofBiomechanics of Yogic postures