Yoga Therapist Course (YCB)

1. Name of the Certification: Yoga Therapist (YTh)
2. Requirement/ Eligibility:
a. For open candidates there is no eligibility criteria
b. Any Degree holder
3. Brief Role Description: Can work along with certified physician or certified Yoga
Consultant to give Yoga Therapy on all disorders
4. Minimum age: No age limit
5. 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.
6. Credit points for certificate: 46 credits
7. Duration of course: Not less than 800 hours (Contact program for 100 hrs. to be
conducted on Anatomy, Physiology).
8. Mark Distribution: Total Marks: 200 (Theory:100+Practical: 100)

UNIT 1 Yoga and Human Body

A. Anatomy & Physiology:

• 1.1 Musculo-Skeletal System : Muscle - Classification - Histology - properties of each type - distribution - Mechanism of muscle contraction (Brief) -neuromuscular transmission (Brief), ligaments, tendons, Skeleton-Bones-types,Structure & function, Spinal column. Joints - Types, Structure, Functions.1.2 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.
• 1.3 Cardiovascular system: Anatomy of Heart and blood vessels - -Innervations' ofheart - Properties of cardiac muscle - Control of cardiac cycle and circulation -Cardiac output - Blood pressure.
• 1.4 Respiratory System: Anatomy-Gross & Histological - Mechanism of Breathing,Exchange of gases Pulmonary function tests-lung volumes - Control ofrespiration.
• 1.5 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.
• 1.6 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.
• 1.7 Endocrine System : Anatomy - Gross & Histological, Thyroid, Parathyroid,Supra - renal, Pituitary, Islets of Langerhans - Function of thyroid andparathyroid hormone, effect of hypo and hyperactivity on the body. Hormonesof 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 onthe body. Role of insulin in glucose metabolism.
• 1.8 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.
• 1.9 Reproductive System: Anatomy - Gross & History of Male reproductive system- Spermatogenesis. Female reproductive system - Ovarian harmones,Menstruation, Pregnancy, Parturition, Lactation.
• 1.10 Nervous System : Anatomy - Gross - Cerebrum, cerebellum, Spinal cord.Histology - Nerve - structure and properties of neurons - Nerve - Action Potential - generation propagation - factors influencing. Classification ofneurons 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.
• 1.11 Homeostasis: The concept of homeostasis, Homeostasis, Regulatory systems of the body, Characteristics of control systems, Physiological basis of mind-body intervention.

B. 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, Yogasutra and Yogavashishtha; Spiritual and scientific approach to human consciousness. Yogic Method of elevation of human consciousness: Bhaktiyoga, Jnanyoga, Karmayoga, Mantrayoga, Ashtangayoga, Hathayoga.

C. 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.

UNIT 2 Fundamental Principles of Yoga Therapy

• 2.1 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.
• 2.2 Yogic Concept of Health: Meaning and definitions, Concept of Adhi and Vyadhi, Role of Yoga in preventive health care – Heyamdukhamanagatam Tapatrayas , Kleshas and Anatryas.
• 2.3 Concepts of Trigunas, Pancha-mahabhutas, Pancha-prana and Pancha Koshas.
• 2.4 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.
• 2.5 Concept of Aahara, Vihara, Aachara and Vichara.
• 2.6 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).

UNIT 3 Application of Yoga Therapy in Traditional Yoga Texts

• 3.1 Bhagvadgita : Definitions of Yoga in Bhagavadgita and their relevance in Yoga therapy, Concept of Samkhya Yoga in Bhagavadgita ,Significance of Bhagavadgita as a synthesis of Yoga, Concept of Sthita Prajna, stages and characteristic of it. Concept of Atman (Purusha) and Jivatman in Bhagavadgita. Concept of Paramatman (Parmeshwar or Purushottam) as described in Bhagavadgita, Concept of world (Jagat, Samsar) as described in Bhagavadgita, Psychotherapy concept of Bhagavadgita in various mental disorders like depression, anxiety etc, Significance of Yogasadhana, Karmayoga, Jnana Yoga, Dhyana Yoga and Bhakti Yoga in Bhagavadgita, Concept and classification of Ahara and and its role in Adhyatma Sadhana as described in Bhagavadgita, Concept of Triguna in the context of Bhagavadgita, Importance of of Bhagavadgita in day to day life.
• 3.2 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, Dharma and Dharmi, Parinamanyateva, Samyama on – 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
• 3.3 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 of Jnana: Jnana Saptabhumika, importance of knowledge and types of knowledge, Management of Mind and emotions-enhancing the power of discrimination (Viveka); Prana and 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. 

UNIT 4 Physiological And Psychological Effects Of Hatha Yoga Practices

• 4.1 Shatkriyas and Sthula and Sukhsamvyayam Kriya: Physiological benefits of sthula and sukhsamvyayam on human body in preparation of yogic practice. Knowledge of sthula and sukhshmavyayam 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.
• 4.2 Asana: Physiology of exercise, Asana - Types and Categories; Musclulo skeletal system and mechanisms involved; Effect of Yogic practices in setting up the internal environment of 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.
• 4.3 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, Neurophysiological mechanism of Kevala, Antar and Bahirkumbhaka.
• 4.4 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. 
• 4.5 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; Jalandharabandha effects neck joint complexes; Uddiyanbandha effects upper joint complexes; and Moolabandha 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