This course offers a practical overview of Ayurvedic Principles as they relate to yoga therapy. Students will gain knowledge of Ayurvedic lifestyle guidelines as they relate to dosha diagnosis. Students will also learn to apply ayurvedic-informed asana and pranayama. Shatkarma (cleansing) techniques will be taught with specific guidance on when these practices are most beneficial and how they might be offered to clients.
Additionally, pulse and tongue assessment can provide much clarity to the yoga therapist when used correctly. In this course, students will learn the theory and practice of pulse and tongue assessment related to the BDYT assessments taught in the Foundations Program. Students will complete this unit with the ability to confirm and add to assessments using these two techniques.
Solving Pain and Suffering through the Inner Koshas is a study of the Wisdom and Bliss Bodies (Vijnanamaya and Anandamaya Koshas). Suffering can often have its roots in these koshas, but it can be unclear how to shift practice appropriately to create positive client outcomes. This course will look at the subtler shifts in practices for these koshas, focusing on techniques for unconscious mental patterns and the ability to have and maintain connections, which the root science is now beginning to show is essential for positive physical and mental health outcomes.
Because yoga therapy is a holistic—whole-person—model, a yoga therapist needs an understanding of different models to work with pain. Our model includes the physical body, working with the conscious mind in various ways, and connecting/reconnecting with different parts of ourselves. Students will learn to effectively identify signs, choose practices best suited to their client’s needs, and when to shift their approach (and practices) related to these koshas. We will also examine teaching styles and language to educate clients from differing backgrounds. Case studies will be presented for clarity.
