Engineering Health: Introduction to Yoga and Physiology
Basic Info
Faculty Profile
Course Contents
Course Outcomes
Assignments
Exams
Further Readings

Course Title:

Engineering Health: Introduction to Yoga and Physiology



Course Description:

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.



Course instructional level:


Beginner

Course Duration:


3 Month/6 Month
Hours: 54 Hrs

Course coordinator:


Renuka Dhole

Course coordinator's profile(s):


Renuka serves as a course coordinator for various domains, blending academic expertise with practical insights to deliver comprehensive education. Having extensive knowledge in physiotherapy and applied psychology, Renuka ensures that students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills. Focused on interdisciplinary growth, Renuka actively supports curriculum development, student engagement, and holistic learning experiences.

Course Contents:



Module/Topic name Sub-topic Duration
1. Introduction to the Course, Yoga & Philosophy Welcome and Introductions 4 mins
Course Roadmap, Expectations and Considerations 3 mins
2. The Cell & Homeostasis Cell Health 10 mins
Cell Signaling and Stress 11 mins
Yoga Practice: Gentle Yoga for Mindfulness 7 mins
Yoga Practice: Chair Yoga and Mindful Movement 12 mins
3. Genetics Introduction to Genetics 5 mins
Genes in Action 5 mins
Field of Epigenetics 7 mins
An Interview with Dr. Bradley Aouizerat 15 mins
Yoga Practice: Repetitive Yoga Practice for Healthy Living 9 mins
Yoga Practice: Building on Repetition to Reset the Body 6 mins
Yoga Practice: Setting New Patterns with Sun Salutations 11 mins
4. How to read & Interpret the research Reading Session 29 mins
5. The Nervous System Introduction to the Nervous System Module 1 mins
Nervous System Cells and Neurotransmitters 3 mins
Functions of the Nervous System 2 mins
The Central Nervous System and the Brain 5 mins
Back Pain with Dr. Erich Anderer 7 mins
An Interview with Dr. Anderer 10 mins
Yoga and Nervous System Health 2 mins
Yoga Practice: Building Core Strength and Promoting Spine Health 8 mins
Yoga Practice: Building and Stabilizing the Posterior Chain 13 mins
Yoga Practice: Building and Stabilizing the Posterior Chain 13 mins
6. Respiratory system Introduction to the Respiratory System Module 2 mins
What is Breathing? 3 mins
Functions of Respiration 6 mins
Yoga Practice: Breathing Exercises for Your Yoga Practice 9 mins
Yoga Practice: Alternate Nostril Breathing 9 mins
7. Cardiovascular System Introduction to the Cardiovascular System Module 1 mins
Function of the Heart, Veins and Arteries 15 mins
Connecting Cardiovascular Health and Yoga 1 mins
An Interview with Dr. Marshall Hagins 14 mins
Yoga Practice: Jump backs - Movement for Cardiovascular Health 10 mins
Yoga Practice: Jump Throughs and Cardiovascular System Health 7 mins
8. The Lymphatic & Immune System Introduction to the Lymphatic System 4 mins
Functions of the Lymphatic System 3 mins
Introduction to the Immune System 6 mins
Yoga Practice: Movements for the Lymph System 8 mins
Yoga Practice: Seated Poses for the Lymph System 6 mins
9. The Musculoskeletal System Introduction to the Musculoskeletal System 7 mins
How Muscles Function 11 mins
Muscle and Bone 6 mins
Tendons, Ligaments and Common Injuries 5 mins
An Interview with Dr. Seidenstein 15 mins
Yoga Practice: Activating Types of Muscles through Small Movements 9 mins
Yoga Practice: Strength through Balancing and Standing Postures 14 mins
Yoga Practice: Standing Poses and Slow Twitch Muscles 5 mins
10. The Renal System Introduction to the Renal System 10 mins
Basic Structure of Kidneys 4 mins
Yoga Practice: Forward Bends for Kidney Health 16 mins
Yoga Practice: Building a Practice for Renal Health 13 mins
11. The Digestive System An Overview of the Digestive System 12 mins
Digestive System Pathologies 2 mins
Yoga Practice for Digestive System Health 25 mins
12. The Endocrine & Reproductive System An Introduction to the Endocrine System 6 mins
Functions of the Endocrine System 3 mins
The Endocrine Glands and Organs 3 mins
Hypothalamus, Pituitary and Adrenal Axis (The HPA Axis) 2 mins
Stress and Feedback Loops 4 mins
Yoga Practice: Restorative Poses for Endocrine Balance and Health 17 mins
13. The Effect of Chronic Stress on Human Physiology Cell Stress 3 mins
Stress and the Physiological Systems 12 mins
An Introduction to Stress and Chronic Pain with Dr. Marshall Hagins 12 mins
Yoga Practice: Managing Sympathetic Down-Regulation 12 mins
Yoga Practice: Loving-Kindness Meditation 11 mins
14. Summary Yoga Practice: Tying it all Together 13 mins


Course Outcomes:


  • Identify the role, structure, and function of human physiological systems
  • Identify 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