SvasthaYogaTherapyProgram Contents
Content
Svastha Yoga of Krishnamacharya: Therapy Program
In this professional program on yoga therapy, we aim to bring you the most effective aspects of traditional yoga and ayurveda combined with modern medicine. Specific guidelines for different conditions and general treatment principles will be detailed, empowering you to safely and effectively address disabilities and ill-health through yoga.
Program Structure
The program is delivered in 7 intensive modules (5 days for each module). Each module may be attended independently. Certificates will be issued for each module. Musculoskeletal System / Body 1: Low Back, Pelvis & Lower Limb 2: Cervical & Thoracic Spine, Upper Limb, Anatomy of Breath Internal Medicine & Breath 3: Anatomy, Physiology and Sequencing of the Breath, Respiratory and Cardiovascular Disorders 4: Pranayama, Ayurveda, Neurological/Digestive/Hormonal/Immune systems Yoga Psychology & Psychiatry / Mind 5: Depression, Addictions 6: Stress, Anxiety Integration / Completion Module 7: Holistic case studies, Assorted topics. Please visit www.svastha.net/yoga-therapy for more information on all dates and locations.
Faculty
Dr. Ganesh Mohan is a physician trained in both conventional medicine and ayurveda. Son of A.G. Mohan and Indra Mohan, he started practicing yoga as a child, in the tradition of Krishnamacharya. He is well-versed in traditional yoga studies. His work in therapeutic yoga centers around employing the most relevant methods from ancient and modern healthcare. He is the co-author of the Mohans’ book Yoga Therapy (Shambhala Publications, 2004) and Krishnamacharya: His Life and Teachings (Shambhala Publications, 2010). He is an advisor to the IAYT in the USA and the AAYT in Australia.
Low Back, Pelvis, and Lower Limb (1)
1. 2. 3. 4. Anatomy and function of the lumbar spine, pelvis, hip joint, knees, feet, gait and posture. Hands-on exploration of relevant functional anatomy in yoga asanas. Observation of the body structure and function. Systematic presentation of the different disorders of the lumbar spine, pelvis and lower limb, specially as relevant to yoga teachers: a. Most common disorders that a yoga teacher is likely to see in students b. Cause of disorders and their development c. Typical presentation of the important problems We will discuss the following disorders and more: a. Intervertebral disc problems b. Instability, facet joint problems c. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction d. Soft tissue related disorders (muscles, ligaments, tendons) e. Hip and knee arthritis f. Meniscal and ligament tears of the knee g. Disorders of the foot. Function-oriented approach and guidelines for these conditions using the tools of yoga (particularly movement and breathing). Classical yoga methods of Krishnamacharya combined with modern medical concepts (pain-free mobility, stability, endurance, strength, range of motion, flexibility). What a yoga teacher needs to know about the modern medical treatments available and the role of surgery. Outline of ayurvedic perspective and commonly used ayurvedic herbs.
5.
6.
7.
8. 9.
Cervical and Thoracic Spine, Upper Limb, Functional Anatomy of Breath and Bandhas (2)
1) Anatomy and function of the thoracic and cervical spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand. 2) Hands-on exploration of relevant functional anatomy in yoga asanas. 3) Observation of the body structure and function. 4) Systematic presentation of the different disorders of the thoracic spine, cervical spine and upper limb, specially as relevant to yoga teachers: a) Most common disorders that a yoga teacher is likely to see in students b) Cause of disorders and their development c) Typical presentation of the important problems
5) We will discuss the following disorders, for example: a) Neck pain due to muscular imbalances and posture b) Tension headache c) Cervical disc herniation d) Osteoporosis e) Ankylosing spondylitis and adolescent kyphosis
Instability, facet joint problems g) Rotator cuff tears and impingment syndrome of the shoulder h) Epicondylitis (Tennis elbow, Golfers elbow) i) Carpal tunnel syndrome
f)
6) Function-oriented approach and guidelines for these conditions using the tools of yoga (particularly movement and breathing). 7) Classical yoga methods of Krishnamacharya combined with modern medical concepts (pain-free mobility, stability, endurance, strength, range of motion, flexibility). 8) Introduction to the anatomy of breathing, pelvic floor, and the bandhas.
Anatomy, Physiology, and Sequencing of the Breath, Respiratory and Cardiovascular Disorders (3)
1. Functional approach to the breath using conscious modulation, gravity, body position, muscle action, relaxation. 2. Experience different breathing patterns. Analyze and modify breathing patterns in asana to address the needs of student. 3. Progressively sequencing the breath: to lead to deep breath, long breath, and the bandhas. 4. Introduction to sound and chanting to work on the breath. 5. Disorder based considerations for specific conditions. For example, in respiratory and cardiovascular systems: a. Asthma b. COPD and other breathing difficulties 6. Holistic approach to prevention and therapy of heart disease a. High and low blood pressure b. Heart failure 7. Safety considerations in yoga sessions for clients with respiratory and cardiovascular issues, breathing difficulty and respiratory diseases. 8. Case study based learning, modeling clients and situations the yoga teacher is likely to encounter. 9. Orientation on relevant disease-related ayurvedic guidelines concerning lifestyle, diet, and useful herbs. 10. Approach of Krishnamacharya and the Yogasutras to the breath: foundation of dīrgha, sūkṣma, deśa, kāla, saṅkhyā etc. 11. Application of relevant traditional yoga concepts: a. Bṛmhaṇa, Langhana b. Sikṣaṇa Rakṣaṇa
Pranayama, Ayurveda, Neurological/Digestive/Hormonal/Immune systems (4)
1) Dealing with balance problems, cognitive impairments, movement disorders in yoga sessions. 2) Ayurveda and its relation to yoga. a) Foundations and theory of the doshas. b) Ayurvedic constitution (prakrti) assessment c) Basic ayurvedic guidelines on lifestyle, diet, and useful herbs. 3) Pranayama as a therapeutic tool: a) Choosing and teaching different types of pranayama b) Sequencing pranayama, deciding breathing ratios, place of focus c) Relation of pranayama to ayurveda d) An overview of traditional yoga concepts related to pranayama: Nadis, Prana, Koshas etc. 4) Working with the mind-body connection: intention, visualization etc in yoga practice. 5) Disorder based guidelines where useful. For example, in: a) Parkinson’s disease b) Multiple Sclerosis c) Headache d) Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis e) Menstrual disorders
Yoga Psychology & Psychiatry / Mind: Depression, Addictions (5)
1. Depression and addiction a. Overview of modern psychiatry/pscyhology/neurology perspective b. Mild to severe presentations c. Scope and role of yoga in the therapy d. Principles of management e. Setting priorities and devising a session plan for depression and related mental health issues. 2. Classical Yoga concepts and texts relevant to mental health a. Concept and importance of citta vṛtti nirodha b. Kleśa-s c. Kriyā yoga d. Pratipakṣa bhāvana e. Maitrī, karuṇā, mudita. upekṣā bhāvana f. Āśraya and ālambana g. Pratyāhāra in application h. Role of tapas, vairāgya, and the yamas 3. How to implement and teach specific Yoga practices for mental health: a. Meditation b. Pranayama: breath based practices c. Mantra d. Bhāvana e. Rituals 4. Developing a holistic yoga practice including asanas to support the above practices. 5. Safety considerations for the yoga teacher. Managing the teacher-student, therapist-client relationship. 6. Case study based learning, based on clients and situations the yoga teacher is likely to encounter. 7. Perspective of ayurveda and useful ayurvedic herbs as relevant.
Yoga Psychology & Psychiatry / Mind: Stress, Anxiety (6)
1. Stress, anxiety related disorders a. Overview of modern psychiatry/pscyhology/neurology perspective b. Mild to severe presentations (situational, PTSD etc) c. Scope and role of yoga in the therapy d. Principles of management e. Setting priorities and devising a session plan for depression and related mental health issues. 2. Classical Yoga concepts and texts relevant to mental health a. Concept and importance of citta vṛtti nirodha b. Kleśa-s c. Kriyā yoga d. Pratipakṣa bhāvana e. Maitrī, karuṇā, mudita. upekṣā bhāvana f. Āśraya and ālambana g. Pratyāhāra in application h. Role of tapas, vairāgya, and the yamas 3. How to implement and teach specific Yoga practices for mental health: a. Meditation b. Pranayama: breath based practices c. Mantra d. Bhāvana e. Rituals 4. Developing a holistic yoga practice including asanas to support the above practices. 5. Safety considerations for the yoga teacher. Managing the teacher-student, therapist-client relationship. 6. Case study based learning, based on clients and situations the yoga teacher is likely to encounter. 7. Perspective of ayurveda and useful ayurvedic herbs as relevant.
In this professional program on yoga therapy, we aim to bring you the most effective aspects of traditional yoga and ayurveda combined with modern medicine. Specific guidelines for different conditions and general treatment principles will be detailed, empowering you to safely and effectively address disabilities and ill-health through yoga.
Program Structure
The program is delivered in 7 intensive modules (5 days for each module). Each module may be attended independently. Certificates will be issued for each module. Musculoskeletal System / Body 1: Low Back, Pelvis & Lower Limb 2: Cervical & Thoracic Spine, Upper Limb, Anatomy of Breath Internal Medicine & Breath 3: Anatomy, Physiology and Sequencing of the Breath, Respiratory and Cardiovascular Disorders 4: Pranayama, Ayurveda, Neurological/Digestive/Hormonal/Immune systems Yoga Psychology & Psychiatry / Mind 5: Depression, Addictions 6: Stress, Anxiety Integration / Completion Module 7: Holistic case studies, Assorted topics. Please visit www.svastha.net/yoga-therapy for more information on all dates and locations.
Faculty
Dr. Ganesh Mohan is a physician trained in both conventional medicine and ayurveda. Son of A.G. Mohan and Indra Mohan, he started practicing yoga as a child, in the tradition of Krishnamacharya. He is well-versed in traditional yoga studies. His work in therapeutic yoga centers around employing the most relevant methods from ancient and modern healthcare. He is the co-author of the Mohans’ book Yoga Therapy (Shambhala Publications, 2004) and Krishnamacharya: His Life and Teachings (Shambhala Publications, 2010). He is an advisor to the IAYT in the USA and the AAYT in Australia.
Low Back, Pelvis, and Lower Limb (1)
1. 2. 3. 4. Anatomy and function of the lumbar spine, pelvis, hip joint, knees, feet, gait and posture. Hands-on exploration of relevant functional anatomy in yoga asanas. Observation of the body structure and function. Systematic presentation of the different disorders of the lumbar spine, pelvis and lower limb, specially as relevant to yoga teachers: a. Most common disorders that a yoga teacher is likely to see in students b. Cause of disorders and their development c. Typical presentation of the important problems We will discuss the following disorders and more: a. Intervertebral disc problems b. Instability, facet joint problems c. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction d. Soft tissue related disorders (muscles, ligaments, tendons) e. Hip and knee arthritis f. Meniscal and ligament tears of the knee g. Disorders of the foot. Function-oriented approach and guidelines for these conditions using the tools of yoga (particularly movement and breathing). Classical yoga methods of Krishnamacharya combined with modern medical concepts (pain-free mobility, stability, endurance, strength, range of motion, flexibility). What a yoga teacher needs to know about the modern medical treatments available and the role of surgery. Outline of ayurvedic perspective and commonly used ayurvedic herbs.
5.
6.
7.
8. 9.
Cervical and Thoracic Spine, Upper Limb, Functional Anatomy of Breath and Bandhas (2)
1) Anatomy and function of the thoracic and cervical spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand. 2) Hands-on exploration of relevant functional anatomy in yoga asanas. 3) Observation of the body structure and function. 4) Systematic presentation of the different disorders of the thoracic spine, cervical spine and upper limb, specially as relevant to yoga teachers: a) Most common disorders that a yoga teacher is likely to see in students b) Cause of disorders and their development c) Typical presentation of the important problems
5) We will discuss the following disorders, for example: a) Neck pain due to muscular imbalances and posture b) Tension headache c) Cervical disc herniation d) Osteoporosis e) Ankylosing spondylitis and adolescent kyphosis
Instability, facet joint problems g) Rotator cuff tears and impingment syndrome of the shoulder h) Epicondylitis (Tennis elbow, Golfers elbow) i) Carpal tunnel syndrome
f)
6) Function-oriented approach and guidelines for these conditions using the tools of yoga (particularly movement and breathing). 7) Classical yoga methods of Krishnamacharya combined with modern medical concepts (pain-free mobility, stability, endurance, strength, range of motion, flexibility). 8) Introduction to the anatomy of breathing, pelvic floor, and the bandhas.
Anatomy, Physiology, and Sequencing of the Breath, Respiratory and Cardiovascular Disorders (3)
1. Functional approach to the breath using conscious modulation, gravity, body position, muscle action, relaxation. 2. Experience different breathing patterns. Analyze and modify breathing patterns in asana to address the needs of student. 3. Progressively sequencing the breath: to lead to deep breath, long breath, and the bandhas. 4. Introduction to sound and chanting to work on the breath. 5. Disorder based considerations for specific conditions. For example, in respiratory and cardiovascular systems: a. Asthma b. COPD and other breathing difficulties 6. Holistic approach to prevention and therapy of heart disease a. High and low blood pressure b. Heart failure 7. Safety considerations in yoga sessions for clients with respiratory and cardiovascular issues, breathing difficulty and respiratory diseases. 8. Case study based learning, modeling clients and situations the yoga teacher is likely to encounter. 9. Orientation on relevant disease-related ayurvedic guidelines concerning lifestyle, diet, and useful herbs. 10. Approach of Krishnamacharya and the Yogasutras to the breath: foundation of dīrgha, sūkṣma, deśa, kāla, saṅkhyā etc. 11. Application of relevant traditional yoga concepts: a. Bṛmhaṇa, Langhana b. Sikṣaṇa Rakṣaṇa
Pranayama, Ayurveda, Neurological/Digestive/Hormonal/Immune systems (4)
1) Dealing with balance problems, cognitive impairments, movement disorders in yoga sessions. 2) Ayurveda and its relation to yoga. a) Foundations and theory of the doshas. b) Ayurvedic constitution (prakrti) assessment c) Basic ayurvedic guidelines on lifestyle, diet, and useful herbs. 3) Pranayama as a therapeutic tool: a) Choosing and teaching different types of pranayama b) Sequencing pranayama, deciding breathing ratios, place of focus c) Relation of pranayama to ayurveda d) An overview of traditional yoga concepts related to pranayama: Nadis, Prana, Koshas etc. 4) Working with the mind-body connection: intention, visualization etc in yoga practice. 5) Disorder based guidelines where useful. For example, in: a) Parkinson’s disease b) Multiple Sclerosis c) Headache d) Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis e) Menstrual disorders
Yoga Psychology & Psychiatry / Mind: Depression, Addictions (5)
1. Depression and addiction a. Overview of modern psychiatry/pscyhology/neurology perspective b. Mild to severe presentations c. Scope and role of yoga in the therapy d. Principles of management e. Setting priorities and devising a session plan for depression and related mental health issues. 2. Classical Yoga concepts and texts relevant to mental health a. Concept and importance of citta vṛtti nirodha b. Kleśa-s c. Kriyā yoga d. Pratipakṣa bhāvana e. Maitrī, karuṇā, mudita. upekṣā bhāvana f. Āśraya and ālambana g. Pratyāhāra in application h. Role of tapas, vairāgya, and the yamas 3. How to implement and teach specific Yoga practices for mental health: a. Meditation b. Pranayama: breath based practices c. Mantra d. Bhāvana e. Rituals 4. Developing a holistic yoga practice including asanas to support the above practices. 5. Safety considerations for the yoga teacher. Managing the teacher-student, therapist-client relationship. 6. Case study based learning, based on clients and situations the yoga teacher is likely to encounter. 7. Perspective of ayurveda and useful ayurvedic herbs as relevant.
Yoga Psychology & Psychiatry / Mind: Stress, Anxiety (6)
1. Stress, anxiety related disorders a. Overview of modern psychiatry/pscyhology/neurology perspective b. Mild to severe presentations (situational, PTSD etc) c. Scope and role of yoga in the therapy d. Principles of management e. Setting priorities and devising a session plan for depression and related mental health issues. 2. Classical Yoga concepts and texts relevant to mental health a. Concept and importance of citta vṛtti nirodha b. Kleśa-s c. Kriyā yoga d. Pratipakṣa bhāvana e. Maitrī, karuṇā, mudita. upekṣā bhāvana f. Āśraya and ālambana g. Pratyāhāra in application h. Role of tapas, vairāgya, and the yamas 3. How to implement and teach specific Yoga practices for mental health: a. Meditation b. Pranayama: breath based practices c. Mantra d. Bhāvana e. Rituals 4. Developing a holistic yoga practice including asanas to support the above practices. 5. Safety considerations for the yoga teacher. Managing the teacher-student, therapist-client relationship. 6. Case study based learning, based on clients and situations the yoga teacher is likely to encounter. 7. Perspective of ayurveda and useful ayurvedic herbs as relevant.
