Yoga and other mind-body modalities

Yoga and other mind-body modalities Julia 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 Medicine What 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

Yoga and other mind-body modalities