Yoga Science Course

Lesson 1 • Core Philosophical Frameworks

Introduces Samkhya cosmology, the concept of Purusha and Prakriti, and the Yoga Sutras' eight-limbed path. These frameworks underpin every practical and theoretical module that follows.

Lesson 2 • Scientific Research Methods in Yoga

Introduces research design, evidence hierarchies, and critical appraisal specific to yoga studies. Equips students to evaluate claims and integrate findings throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Anatomy Basics for Yoga

Covers skeletal, muscular, and connective tissue structures most relevant to yoga postures. Builds anatomical literacy needed to teach and practice safely.

Lesson 4 • Physiology of the Yoga Body

Examines how yoga affects the nervous, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems. Connects physiological responses to the therapeutic and performance outcomes studied later.

Lesson 1 • Breath Retention and Bandhas

Covers Kumbhaka (breath retention) and the three primary bandhas as energetic and physiological locks. Establishes safe progression criteria before advanced retention practice.

Lesson 2 • Gas Exchange and Blood Chemistry

Explains oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, blood pH regulation, and the Bohr effect. Clarifies why breath rate and depth produce measurable physiological changes.

Lesson 3 • Respiratory Anatomy and Mechanics

Details the structures involved in breathing, including the diaphragm, intercostals, and accessory muscles. Provides the anatomical basis for understanding all pranayama techniques.

Lesson 4 • Therapeutic Breathwork Applications

Applies pranayama protocols to anxiety, hypertension, and respiratory conditions using current evidence. Bridges breath science to the therapeutic yoga content in later chapters.

Lesson 1 • Standing Posture Alignment

Analyzes alignment, muscle activation, and common errors in foundational standing poses. Builds the postural literacy applied to seated, inverted, and backbend categories.

Lesson 2 • Inversions and Arm Balances

Analyzes cervical spine loading, wrist mechanics, and proprioceptive demands in inversions and arm balances. Provides a risk-stratified progression framework.

Lesson 3 • Twists and Lateral Postures

Examines rotational forces on the spine, rib cage, and hip joints in twisting and lateral poses. Completes the full-spectrum biomechanical analysis of asana categories.

Lesson 4 • Forward Bends and Hip Flexion

Examines hip flexion mechanics, hamstring loading, and lumbar spine behavior in forward bends. Addresses the most common injury site in yoga practice.

Lesson 5 • Backbends and Spinal Extension

Covers vertebral mechanics, facet joint loading, and shoulder girdle positioning in backbend postures. Establishes safe preparation and contraindication protocols.

Lesson 1 • Kosha Model and Holistic Health

Applies the five-kosha (sheath) model to holistic health assessment and multilevel yoga interventions. Synthesizes energy-body concepts into a practical teaching and assessment tool.

Lesson 2 • Chakra System and Psychophysiology

Presents the seven-chakra model alongside corresponding nerve plexuses and endocrine glands. Provides a dual classical-scientific lens for assessment and practice design.

Lesson 3 • Nadi System and Energy Channels

Maps the 72,000 nadis with focus on Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna and their functional correlates. Connects nadi theory to pranayama and bandha practices already studied.

Lesson 4 • Kundalini Energy and Awakening

Examines Kundalini theory, classical awakening descriptions, and neurological interpretations. Addresses safety considerations and contraindications for intensive Kundalini practices.

Lesson 1 • Stress, Cortisol, and Meditation

Analyzes the HPA axis, cortisol regulation, and allostatic load as modified by meditation practice. Connects stress physiology to therapeutic applications in the following section.

Lesson 2 • Neuroscience of Meditation

Reviews neuroimaging findings on cortical thickness, default mode network, and amygdala reactivity in meditators. Translates brain-change research into teaching rationale.

Lesson 3 • Classical Meditation Traditions

Surveys Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi from the Yoga Sutras alongside Vipassana and Yoga Nidra traditions. Provides the theoretical foundation for all subsequent neuroscience comparisons.

Lesson 4 • Meditation Program Design

Guides students through needs assessment, goal setting, and progressive sequencing for group and individual meditation programs. Integrates all prior meditation content into deliverable curricula.

Lesson 1 • Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health

Reviews yoga interventions for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome supported by clinical trials. Connects physiological mechanisms from Chapters 1 and 2 to therapeutic outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Musculoskeletal Conditions

Covers evidence-based yoga protocols for low back pain, osteoarthritis, and scoliosis. Applies biomechanical knowledge from Chapter 3 to therapeutic modification strategies.

Lesson 3 • Chronic Disease and Oncology Support

Addresses yoga adaptations for cancer care, autoimmune conditions, and chronic fatigue. Establishes scope-of-practice boundaries and interdisciplinary referral protocols.

Lesson 4 • Mental Health Applications

Presents yoga protocols for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and burnout grounded in trauma-informed principles. Integrates meditation content from Chapter 5 with somatic yoga approaches.

Lesson 1 • Sequencing for Specific Populations

Adapts sequencing principles for beginners, seniors, prenatal students, and athletes. Applies therapeutic knowledge from Chapter 6 to population-specific class structures.

Lesson 2 • Principles of Intelligent Sequencing

Introduces counter-posing, peak-pose architecture, and energetic arc as sequencing frameworks. Provides the structural logic applied in all subsequent class-design sections.

Lesson 3 • Class Plan Development and Review

Guides students through drafting, peer-reviewing, and refining complete class plans using structured rubrics. Produces portfolio-ready teaching documents integrating all course competencies.

Lesson 4 • Cueing Language and Communication

Develops anatomical, action, and imagery-based cueing strategies for clear and inclusive instruction. Addresses voice, pacing, and language accessibility for diverse learners.

Lesson 1 • Samadhi, Ethics, and the Yamas

Examines the ethical limbs (Yamas and Niyamas) as lived practice and professional standards. Connects philosophical depth to the teaching ethics and scope-of-practice boundaries established earlier.

Lesson 2 • Yoga Nidra and Deep States

Teaches the systematic Yoga Nidra protocol through its eight stages and examines hypnagogic neuroscience. Extends meditation competencies from Chapter 5 into deep-relaxation facilitation.

Lesson 3 • Developing a Personal Teaching Philosophy

Guides students in synthesizing science, tradition, and personal experience into a written teaching philosophy. Serves as the capstone reflective exercise integrating all eight core chapters.

Lesson 4 • Continuing Education and Professional Growth

Maps pathways for advanced certification, research contribution, and mentorship within the yoga profession. Prepares students for sustained professional development beyond the course.