YOGA AND OTHER MIND-BODY

MODALITIESJulia McCarroll

COURSE INTRODUCTION Welcome to Introduction to Yoga and Other Mind-Body Modalities!This course will cover a few different mind-body modalities of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Yoga, Meditation, Guided Imagery, Hypnosis- Just to name a few!Let’s get started!

COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE

MEDICINEWhat is it?

THE DIFFERENT CAM MODALITIES Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is the term used for medical practice that is not standard medical care (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2014). Some examples of CAM include- Massage, acupuncture, aromatherapy, Ayurvedic Medicine, and chiropractic What we will cover- Mind-body modalities

WEEK ONE- YOGA

WHAT IS YOGA? The word yoga is a Sanskrit word derived from the root yuj, which means “union” or “to join”. Recently taken to mean that the mind, body and spirit are all joined together (Micozzi, 2011). Essentially, yoga is a series of performing postural and breathing techniques to induce relaxation.

HISTORY OF YOGA Yoga dates back to around 1500 BC in the Indus Valley (Micozzi, 2011) The tradition of yoga had always been passed down through oral teaching. The first written teachings of yoga were compiled by Patanjali in 200 BC. Yoga likely arrived in the United States in the late 1800’s (American Yoga Association, 2006).

YOGA AND RELIGION Yoga is not a religion. There is a common misconception that yoga is derived from Hinduism (American Yoga Association, 2006). Yoga has not singular creed or ritual through which supporters profess their faith (Catalfo,2014).

FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS Yogic Philosophy addresses the basic questions of human life:

-Who am I?-Why am I here?-What is the nature of suffering? (Micozzi, 2011)

Those who live yogic lifestyle generally life a lifestyle in alignment with the yoga sutras (ACE, 2010). Practicing yoga exercise is different than living a yogic lifestyle.

FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS CONT.-PRANAYAMA Pranayama is the fundamental concept of yogic breathing. It is an important component of all yoga styles as well as other mind-body modalities. Three different fundamental purposes of yogic breathing. Seven characteristics of optimal breath work (ACE, 2010).

THE DIFFERENT BRANCHES OF YOGA

JNANA AND KARMA Jnana

- Considered the most difficult path.-It is the path of knowledge (AYA, 2006).

Karma- The performance of actions in selfless service to the

personal concept of God. -The person performs his or her duty in such a way that work

becomes spiritual practice (Micozzi, 2011).

TANTRA AND RAJA Tantra

- A way of showing the unseen consciousness in form through words, diagrams, and movements.

Raja- Called “kingly yoga” or the “ royal road”- Incorporates all eight of the yoga sutras to create a well-

rounded individual ( American Yoga Association, 2006).

HATHA The most common form of yoga. The physical aspect of yogic disciplines. Physical movements and postures, plus breathwork (ACE, 2010). Several different styles of Hatha Yoga practice.

THE POSES Hatha Yoga

SOME BASIC POSES Prayer Pose Mountain Pose

BASIC POSES CONT. Full Forward Fold Plank Pose

BASIC POSES CONT. Cobra Downward Facing Dog

BASIC POSES CONT. Warrior 1 Triangle Pose

BASIC POSES CONT. Child’s Pose Savasana

YOGA AND HEALTH

PHYSICAL BENEFITS Improve back pain Improve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome Improve muscle strength and flexibility May reduce risk of cardiovascular disease (Lipton, 2008)

PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS Improve ADD/ADHD symptoms Improve anxiety Improve depression (Lipton,2008)

PRECAUTIONS

THINGS TO CONSIDER Yoga is relatively safe for all populations. Inverted poses ( downward facing dog, headstands) are not safe for everyone. Bikram yoga is not for everyone. Participants with cardiovascular and pulmonary disease should exercise caution with certain breathing techniques (ACE, 2010).

LET’S PRACTICE! Sun Salutation

DISCLAIMER All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Should you have any health care-related questions, please call or see your physician or other health care provider promptly

REFERENCES American Council on Exercise. (2010). Ace personal trainer manual . (4th ed.). San Diego, CA: American Council on Exercise.

American Yoga Association. (2006). General yoga information. Retrieved from http://americanyogaassociation.org/general.html

Catalfo, P. (2014). Yoga as a religion?. Yoga Journal, Retrieved from http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/283

Lipton, L. (2008). The latest yoga research. IDEA Fitness Journal, Retrieved from http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/yoga-research

Mayo Clinic. (2013). Prenatal yoga: What you need to know. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-yoga/art-20047193?pg=1

Micozzi, M. (2011). Fundamentals of complementary and alternative medicine. (4th ed.). Saunders.

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2014). Complementary and alternative medicine. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/complementaryandalternativemedicine.html