Engineering Health: Introduction to Yoga and Physiology from Coursera

What's inside

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.

Genetics

This module defines the basics of genetics in exploration of contributing factors to healthy chromosomes and genetic regulation. By explaining the role that stress can have on cells and chromosomal wellbeing, we provide a foundation for understanding how epigenetics can be affected by repetition and being to help to promote new regulatory factors.

How to Read and Interpret the Research

In this module we break down a scientific article, so that we can better understand the components of a peer reviewed research paper. In understanding the sections of the paper, what they contribute to the scientific paper and discovery. In addition, the reader should be able to identify major conclusions and results from this research paper, and future studies.

The Nervous System

In this module we will explore the basic components of the Nervous system from a cellular to a physiological level. Particularly, we will focus on the components of the nervous system that are aided by yoga and mindfulness modalities. The yoga aspect of the module will focus on supporting proper posture and minimizing back pain.

The Respiratory System

This module presents an overview of the respiratory system including both the molecular functioning as well as the overall mechanisms of breathing. In understanding how and why we breath, students will have a deeper understanding of the role that breathing has in stress reduction, physiological well being and overall health. The yoga component of this lesson will focus on different breathing techniques that can be utilized to optimize wellness.

The Cardiovascular System

The focus of this module is to provide a basic understanding of the cardiovascular system. The lecture provides an overview of the main components of the system, as well as the mechanisms behind muscle contraction. In order to understand associated pathologies, blood pressure is also highlighted in the class. The module features an interview with Dr. Marshall Hagins, who discusses the role that yoga and meditation can have on cardiovascular pathology such as hypertension. The yoga component of this module focuses on movement to increase circulation and increase your heart rate.

The Lymphatic and Immune Systems

The focus of this module is to provide a basic understanding and introduction to the lymphatic and immune systems. The lecture provides an overview of the main components of the lymphatic system; vessels, glands and lymph components. In addition, an overview of the immune system focuses on the primary component. These two interconnected systems are highlighted in order to understand lymph circulation as well as pathologies, such as autoimmune diseases and inflammation. The yoga component of this module focuses on postures that have sweeping movement to increase lymphatic circulation, and ones that promote a calm and healthy immune system.

The Musculoskeletal System

This module’s focus is to provide a basic understanding of the musculoskeletal system on both a physiological or macro level, as well as a micro level. In doing so, we will build an understanding of how yoga and meditation can help provide the foundation for a strong and health musculoskeletal system. In addition, this module features an interview with Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Michael Seidenstein, who will provide insight into how yoga can help treat and prevent orthopedic injury.

The Renal System

The focus of this module is to provide a basic understanding and introduction to the renal system and highlight other excretory systems. The lecture provides an overview of the functioning components of the renal system, the nephrons. The ability to understand how nephrons work, and their purpose to understand pathologies, such as high blood pressure. The yoga component of this module focuses on forward and back bends that have the ability to promote kidney health.

The Digestive System

This module focuses on the overall purpose and structure of the digestive system organs, and the role of their accessory organs in digestion. We will explore yoga practices that can aid in promoting healthy digestion through movement. In addition, an overview of some pathologies associated with the digestive system, and how yoga can help enhance treatment.

The Endocrine and Reproductive Systems

The focus of this module is to provide a basic understanding of the endocrine and the reproductive system. The lecture provides an overview of the main components of the endocrine system; hormones, glands and tissues/organs that are affected. In order to understand associated pathologies, specific hormones are highlighted in the class. In addition, the module goes over impact of long term stress with an in depth description of the HPA Axis. The yoga component of this module focuses on relaxing movement to decrease stress and promote a healthy endocrine system.

The Affect of Chronic Stress on Human Physiology

The focus of this module is to provide a physiological understanding of the stress response. The lecture provides an overview of stress as controlled by the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA axis. This gives us the ability to understand how stress can impact our bodies on a cellular, as well as, systems level and discuss related pathologies. This module is enhanced by an interview with Dr. Marshall Hagins who discusses the impact of stress on general health as well as pain. The yoga component of this module introduces breathing and meditation techniques to decrease chronic stress, and improve our overall health.

Summary

In this module we will integrate everything we have learned in the previous modules to enhance our overall health and wellness. The focus of this module is on practicing a short but complete practice, that can be done on a daily or weekly basis. This yoga practice was designed as part of a hypertension and yoga study, where it was able to reduce hypertension. Being able to integrate this complete practice into your daily lives is a perfect practical summary of everything that has been practiced.

Good to know

Know what's good

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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

Reviews summary

Physiology-driven yoga: mind and body

Learners say that this largely positive, engaging course effectively connects science to yoga. Instructors with a wealth of experience guide learners through topics that include the nervous system, physiology of yoga, and stress management. Students are guided through yoga practices and provided handouts, interviews, and articles that support the science behind the practices. Overall, learners who want to improve their yoga knowledge, health and wellness, and general physiological understanding will find this course helpful.

The course provides knowledge that can empower learners to make informed decisions about their health and promote well-being in others.

"I highly recommend this course for EVERYONE."

"It can really help you improve your health in the long run and give you the fundamentals to make better life choices on a daily basis."

"I am grateful for the opportunity to take this course and look forward to further applying and sharing my acquired knowledge with others."

The course offers a comprehensive exploration of topics related to yoga and physiology, making it suitable for learners at various levels.

"Most enjoyable course that I have completed in over four decades of health and business studies."

"I really enjoyed this course. Learning about the actual research and evidence-based findings of how beneficial yoga actually is for several pathologies was really interesting, and has encouraged me to continue to learn more and take my own practice further."

"This course is a beautiful combination of yoga and physiology. You'll learn about the affects of yoga on chronic diseases, chronic pain and stress as well as other pathologies and it's numerous benefits on our overall health and wellbeing as well as that yoga is not just the movement but rather holistic approach to life."

In addition to video content, the course provides an abundance of additional resources, such as readings, handouts, and interviews, that learners found valuable and informative.

"This course is very informative. I love how the lessons were supplemented by interviews of experts in the field of science, and included a lot of research papers to read and review, and yoga practices that are centered on the week's topic."

"The different yoga postures taught by Stern and Seidenstein are very very useful to control the stress as well as for complete health."

"The course gives scientific correlation of human physiology and its relation to Yoga practices. Generic description of various physiological systems in medical terms, their functioning and problems due to internal/ external factors are magnificently brought out in the course."

The course provides practical, applicable knowledge that can be implemented into daily life to improve health and well-being.

"I am currently training to become a yoga teacher and this course gave me a very in-depth understanding of the effects of yoga on the cells, organs and body as a whole system."

"I found the combination of lectures, reflective and summary questions as well as the topic-specific yoga and meditation flows to be well-executed and engaging."

"The course is very informative and clear. Very interesting not only for yoga teachers and therapists but for anyone who practices yoga or is thinking about starting yoga."

Learners found the lecturers informative, engaging, and approachable. They provided a clear and compelling presentation of the material, making it easy to understand and apply.

"I have learned more about anatomy than my entire life and all yoga courses together."

"The course gave me a clear understanding of several yoga postures and the physiological effects of yoga."

"This was an excellent course! It gave me a clear understanding of several yoga postures and the physiological effects of yoga, meditation, and breathing."

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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