Menu
Yoga Teachings and Philosophy
Familiarity with the evolution of the teachings and philosophy of the yoga tradition and its relevance and application to yoga therapy, including teachings from Vedic and post-Vedic periods, Samkhya, Yoga, Tantra, and Ayurveda.
Examples of concepts and models from the above teachings and philosophy relevant to yoga therapy include but are not limited to
Yoga and the Mind
Knowledge of yoga perspectives on the structure, states, functioning, and conditions of the mind, including but not limited to
Ayurveda. Framework for Health and Disease
Knowledge of the basic perspectives on health and disease from yoga and Ayurveda relevant to the practice of yoga therapy, including the concepts of
Knowledge of Ayurvedic physiology: tissues (Dhatus), organs, delivery and circulation systems (Shrotas), their interrelationships, and their unique characteristics in each Dosha, their transformation due to internal and external causes.
Knowledge of categorizing and development stages of disease, including
Basic knowledge of Ayurvedic Therapeutics including: Lifestyle Measures, Ayurvedic Yoga, Ayurvedic Nutrition, Purification Panchakarma, Ayurvedic Self Care.
Biomedical and Psychological Foundations
Anatomy and Physiology
Basic Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, including all major systems of the body and their interrelationships, as relevant to the work of a yoga therapist.
Basic Knowledge of biomechanics and movement as they relate to the practice of yoga and the work of a yoga therapist.
Basic Knowledge of common pathologies and disorders of all the major systems, including symptoms, management, illness trajectories, and contraindications, as relevant to the work of a yoga therapist.
Familiarity with common medical terminology, as relevant to the work of a yoga therapist.
Knowledge of how to access and utilize research relevant to the work of a yoga therapist.
Psychology and Mental Health
Basic knowledge of commonly occurring mental health conditions—from psychological distress to psychiatric conditions—their symptoms, and common approaches/interventions, as they relate to the work of a yoga therapist.
Basic knowledge of psychological concepts and terminology, including mood, cognition, behavior, and personality, as relevant to the work of a yoga therapist.
Familiarity with the influence of familial, social, cultural, and religious conditioning on mental and medical perspectives of health and healing.
Body and Mind Integration
Knowledge of the interaction of the body, breath, mind, intellect, and emotions in health and well-being.
Yoga Therapy Tools and Therapeutic Skills
Yoga Therapy Tools
In-depth knowledge of the application of yama and niyama in the context of yoga therapy.
In-depth knowledge of the range of yoga practices and their potential therapeutic effects for common conditions. Practices may include but are not limited to
asana (postures); pranayama (regulated breathing); meditation and relaxation techniques such as bhavana (visualization), mantra (recitation), and ritualized activities such as nyasa and mudra; and vihara (lifestyle modifications), including basic yogic dietary concepts.
Knowledge of contraindications of yoga practices for specific conditions and circumstances.
Basic Principles of the Therapeutic Relationship
Knowledge of well-developed communication skills: listening, presence, directive and non-directive dialogue.
Demonstrated ability to recognize, adjust, and adapt to specific client/student needs in the evolving therapeutic/professional relationship.
Demonstrated ability to recognize and manage the subtle dynamics inherent in the therapist/client relationship.
In-depth knowledge of the scope of practice of yoga therapy and how to assess the need for referral to other professional services.
Principles and Skills for Educating Clients/Students
Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to implement effective teaching methods, adapt to unique styles of learning, provide supportive and effective feedback, acknowledge the client’s/student’s progress, and cope with unique difficulties/successes.
Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to transmit the value of self-awareness and self-responsibility throughout the therapeutic process.
Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to develop and adjust appropriate practice strategies to the client/student.
Practicum (Mentored)
Providing Yoga Therapy
Demonstrated ability to conduct intake and assess the client/student, including
Demonstrated ability to elicit the goals and expectations of the client/student.
Demonstrated ability to integrate information from the intake, evaluation, and observation to develop a working assessment of the client’s condition, limitations, and possibilities.
Demonstrated ability to determine which aspects of the client/student’s conditions and goals might be addressed through yoga therapy.
Demonstrated ability to identify priorities and set both long- and short-term goals with the client/student.
Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge of how to choose and prioritize the use of yoga tools and techniques, including selecting, sequencing, adapting, and modifying yoga practices appropriate to the needs of clients.
Demonstrated ability to teach or deliver the appropriate practices for individuals as well as groups, taking into consideration their conditions and limitations.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate the client/student’s experience of the practice, including instruction, demonstration, and education of the client/student,Demonstrated ability to provide follow up and re-planning, including
Professional Practice
Ethical Principles
Knowledge of yoga practices and methods for establishing, practicing, and maintaining ethical principles.
Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge of generally accepted ethical principles and related concepts from the yoga tradition to professional interactions and relationships.
In-depth knowledge of the scope of practice of yoga therapy, resulting in the demonstrated ability to discern the need for referral to other modalities.
Knowledge of the extent of one’s own individual training, skills, and evolving experience in yoga therapy, and knowledge of the importance of practicing within such parameters.
Legal, Regulatory, and Business Issues Pertaining to Yoga Therapy
Knowledge of current relevant local, state, and national laws and regulations impacting the work of a yoga therapist.
Relationships with Peers, Mentors, Clinicians, and Organizations
Basic knowledge of other healthcare fields and their potential role in and relevance to the work of a yoga therapist.
Personal and Professional Development and Continuing Education
Knowledge of the fundamental value of ongoing personal practice, long-term mentorship, and skills maintenance/development through continuing education.
Follow Us
Copyright 2014 © inharmonypeople.com
