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Engineering Health

Introduction to Yoga and Physiology

Alexandra Seidenstein, Eddie Stern, and Tommy Lee

4.8

Based on 534 ratings

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Alexandra Seidenstein, Eddie Stern, and Tommy Lee

This course gives you access to an exploration of physiological systems from the perspective of overall health and wellness. In particular, a focus on yoga, meditation and mindfulness as a therapeutic intervention in chronic illness and long term treatment. This course is intended for yoga practitioners and teachers, as well as college students and medical practitioners looking for a deeper understanding of the physiological benefits of yoga. The value of taking this course is to understand the impact that yoga can have on reducing stress, and aiding in healing or preventing physiological pathologies. Throughout this course, we will learn about different physiological systems and highlight yoga practices that can influence different systems and reduce pathology. Reading material will include analysis of scientific studies that have successfully utilized yoga practice as a tool for treatment of various illnesses such as: hypertension, stress, diabetes, insomnia, chronic pain and PTSD. In order to understanding these conditions, lectures will provide a complete understanding of the correlating physiological system. The weekly course assignment will include physiology lectures, a weekly yoga practice, suggested readings, and optional discussions for a total of 3-5 hours per week. The course will provide a tremendous amount of information and hands on experience for those interested in alternative health perspectives and a more in depth scientific understanding of this ancient healing method.

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Syllabus

Introduction to the Course, Yoga and Physiology

The Cell and Homeostasis

The focus of this module is to provide a basic understanding to the workings of the trillions of cells that make up our body. The lecture provides an overview of the functioning components of the cell, energy production and signaling network of our cells. This gives us the ability to understand how cells work, and their purpose to understand cell stress and related pathologies. The yoga component of this module introduces the basics to the practice to allows us to begin building healthier cell programming and reducing cellular stress.

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Explores the physiological impact of yoga on chronic illnesses and medical treatments

Provides a comprehensive understanding of different physiological systems

Instructors have experience in yoga, meditation, and medical practices

Integrates scientific research on the benefits of yoga for various health conditions

May be beneficial for yoga practitioners, medical practitioners, and college students interested in the therapeutic applications of yoga

Can enhance understanding of the role of yoga in reducing stress and improving overall health

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Reviews summary

Yoga and physiology integration

According to learners, this course offers a unique and valuable perspective by integrating the scientific understanding of human physiology with the practice of yoga and mindfulness. Students highlight the clear explanations of complex biological systems and appreciate how the course grounds the benefits of yoga in evidence-based science. Many find the combination of lectures and weekly yoga practices effective, although some note that the depth of content may be more suitable for those new to either physiology or the scientific analysis of yoga. The interviews with experts are frequently mentioned as a positive addition.

Module on scientific papers is helpful.

"Learning how to read and interpret scientific studies was a particularly useful module."

"This part gave me the tools to evaluate research myself."

"Found the breakdown of a research paper very practical."

"Appreciated learning how to approach scientific literature related to wellness practices."

Valuable insights from guest speakers.

"The interviews, especially with Dr. Hagins, added significant value and real-world perspective."

"Really enjoyed hearing from the orthopedic surgeon and the perspective they brought."

"The guest speakers made the content more engaging and credible."

"Hearing from experts reinforced the scientific evidence presented."

Relevant practical sessions complement theoretical learning.

"The weekly yoga practices were helpful and directly tied into the week's physiology topic."

"Found the guided practices beneficial for applying the concepts learned in the lectures."

"I enjoyed the practical side; it wasn't just theory but included actual yoga you could do."

"Good variety in the yoga sessions, focusing on different goals like circulation or stress reduction."

Provides accessible explanations of biological systems.

"The physiology lectures were presented in a clear and understandable way, even for someone without a science background."

"I appreciated the breakdown of each body system and how stress affects it."

"The scientific information was explained simply but thoroughly enough to grasp the core concepts."

"Gave me a solid overview of physiology related to health and wellness."

Successfully bridges yoga practice and physiological science.

"I loved how the course seamlessly blended the physiology lessons with the practical yoga sessions."

"The way they connect specific yoga poses and breathing to different body systems is really insightful."

"It's great to finally understand the science behind *why* yoga makes me feel better; the integration here is key."

"This course effectively brings together the art of yoga with the science of the human body."

May be introductory for those with prior expertise.

"As a seasoned yoga teacher, the yoga practices were quite basic for me, but the science was new."

"For someone with a medical background, the physiology sections might feel like a high-level review."

"Felt like an excellent introduction, but I might need more advanced courses on specific topics."

"The course is great for beginners in either field but less challenging if you know one area well."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Engineering Health: Introduction to Yoga and Physiology with these activities:

Watch online瑜伽 tutorials

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Watching yoga tutorials can help students to learn new yoga postures and practices.

Browse courses on Yoga

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Find a reputable yoga website or YouTube channel.
Choose a tutorial that is appropriate for your level of experience.

Review Basic Human Physiology

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Review the basics of physiology to build a strong foundation for understanding how yoga, meditation and mindfulness affect the body.

Browse courses on Physiology

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Read the introduction to a human physiology textbook or online resource.
Create a diagram of the major systems and organs of the body.

Review the systems of the body

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Understanding the different systems of the body will provide a strong basis for the course.

Browse courses on Human Physiology

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Identify the major systems of the body and their functions.
Describe the interactions between the different systems.

Six other activities

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Join a yoga study group

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Joining a yoga study group will provide students with an opportunity to discuss and learn from others about yoga and physiology.

Browse courses on Yoga

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Find a yoga study group that is a good fit for your interests and needs.
Attend the study group meetings regularly.

Review the book 'Yoga for Health' by Dr. Timothy McCall

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the benefits of yoga for health and well-being.

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Practice yoga postures

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Practicing yoga postures will enhance the understanding of the physical benefits of yoga discussed in the course.

Browse courses on Yoga

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Learn the basic yoga postures.
Practice the postures regularly.
Attend a yoga class.

Volunteer at a yoga studio

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Volunteering at a yoga studio will provide students with an opportunity to gain practical experience and observe how yoga is used to help others.

Browse courses on Yoga

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Find a yoga studio that offers volunteer opportunities.
Inquire about the volunteer opportunities and express your interest.

Mentor a new yoga student

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Mentoring a new yoga student will help you to solidify your understanding of yoga and physiology.

Browse courses on Yoga

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Find a new yoga student who is interested in learning more about yoga.
Share your knowledge and experience with the student.

Design a yoga program for a specific condition

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Designing a yoga program for a specific condition will help students to understand how yoga can be used to address different health issues.

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Choose a specific condition.
Research the benefits of yoga for the condition.
Design a yoga program that is tailored to the condition.
Test your program with a small group of participants.

Career center

Learners who complete Engineering Health: Introduction to Yoga and Physiology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Yoga Instructor

As a Yoga Instructor, you may teach yoga classes tailored to improving specific physiological pathologies such as hypertension, stress, and chronic pain. This course will enhance your ability to create classes by providing knowledge of the physiological systems targeted in each practice. With the help of this course, you will be able to teach with enhanced awareness of the impact of yoga on the body and mind.

See salaries and explore the career path for Yoga Instructor

Health Coach

In your capacity as a Health Coach, you will lead individuals in lifestyle modification to improve their health and wellness. This course may be helpful, as it offers a deep understanding of the physiological systems that influence health. With this knowledge, you can better support your clients in making informed decisions and tailoring their health strategies to their specific needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Coach

Physical Therapist

As a Physical Therapist, you will help patients regain mobility and function after injury or illness. This course may be useful to you, as it provides an understanding of the physiological systems affected by various pathologies. With this knowledge, you can develop more targeted and effective rehabilitation strategies for your patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physical Therapist

Physician Assistant

In your role as a Physician Assistant, you will be responsible for providing medical care to patients, often in collaboration with a physician. This course may be helpful to you, as it offers a comprehensive review of the physiological systems of the body. With this knowledge, you can better understand and treat the conditions that your patients face.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician Assistant

Nurse

As a Nurse, you will care for patients across various healthcare settings. This course may be helpful to you, as it provides a strong foundation in the physiological systems of the body. With this understanding, you can provide more informed and effective care to your patients, especially those with chronic illnesses or conditions that affect multiple systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nurse

Registered Dietitian

As a Registered Dietitian, you will help individuals improve their health through personalized nutrition plans. This course may be helpful to you, as it offers a deep understanding of the physiological systems influenced by nutrition. With this knowledge, you can develop more targeted and effective dietary recommendations for your clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Dietitian

Chiropractor

As a Chiropractor, you will use spinal adjustments to improve mobility and reduce pain. This course may be helpful to you, as it offers insight into the physiological systems affected by chiropractic care. By understanding the impact of your adjustments, you can provide more targeted and effective treatment for your patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chiropractor

Speech-Language Pathologist

As a Speech-Language Pathologist, you will help individuals with communication and swallowing disorders. This course may be helpful to you, as it provides an understanding of the physiological systems involved in speech and language production. With this knowledge, you can develop more targeted and effective interventions for your clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist

Occupational Therapist

As an Occupational Therapist, you will help individuals regain or improve their ability to perform daily activities. This course may be helpful to you, as it provides an understanding of the physiological systems affected by various disabilities. With this knowledge, you can develop more targeted and effective rehabilitation strategies for your clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist

Massage Therapist

As a Massage Therapist, you will use massage to promote relaxation and relieve pain. This course may be helpful to you, as it offers insight into the physiological systems affected by massage therapy. By understanding the impact of your techniques, you can provide more targeted and effective treatments for your clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Massage Therapist

Acupuncturist

As an Acupuncturist, you will insert thin needles into the skin to relieve pain and promote healing. This course may be helpful to you, as it offers insight into the physiological systems affected by acupuncture. By understanding the impact of your treatments, you can provide more targeted and effective care for your patients.

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Ayurvedic Practitioner

As an Ayurvedic Practitioner, you will use traditional Indian medicine to promote health and well-being. This course may be helpful to you, as it offers a deep understanding of the physiological systems of the body. With this knowledge, you can provide more targeted and effective treatments for your clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ayurvedic Practitioner

Meditation Teacher

As a Meditation Teacher, you will lead individuals in meditation practices to promote relaxation and reduce stress. This course may be helpful to you, as it offers insight into the physiological systems affected by meditation. By understanding the impact of meditation, you can teach more effectively and help your students achieve greater benefits from their practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Meditation Teacher

Yoga Therapist

As a Yoga Therapist, you will use yoga to help individuals manage chronic conditions and improve their overall health. This course may be helpful to you, as it provides a deep understanding of the physiological systems influenced by yoga. With this knowledge, you can develop more targeted and effective yoga interventions for your clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Yoga Therapist

Wellness Coach

As a Wellness Coach, you will help individuals make lifestyle changes to improve their health and well-being. This course may be helpful to you, as it offers a deep understanding of the physiological systems that influence overall health. With this knowledge, you can better support your clients in making informed decisions and tailoring their health strategies to their specific needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wellness Coach

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Engineering Health: Introduction to Yoga and Physiology.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

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Classic text on the philosophy and practice of yoga. It includes sections on the different aspects of yoga, such as the eight limbs of yoga, the yamas and niyamas, and the different types of yoga meditation.

Engineering Health

Introduction to Yoga and Physiology

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Yoga and physiology integration

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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