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