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Tiffany Cruikshank

Make the most of your precious time on the mat. In our time-starved lifestyle, the moments we spend in yoga practice must have the most beneficial effect possible. This essential course is designed for any level of yoga practitioner—from aspiring to experienced yogis—to learn to approach any class or practice with greater integrity, so you can gain the maximal therapeutic effect possible, no matter when, where, or how you practice.

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Make the most of your precious time on the mat. In our time-starved lifestyle, the moments we spend in yoga practice must have the most beneficial effect possible. This essential course is designed for any level of yoga practitioner—from aspiring to experienced yogis—to learn to approach any class or practice with greater integrity, so you can gain the maximal therapeutic effect possible, no matter when, where, or how you practice.

The founder of Yoga Medicine, internationally acclaimed teacher Tiffany Cruikshank, L.Ac., MAOM, E-RYT, has designed this course to make the groundbreaking techniques of Yoga Medicine accessible to everyone. Yoga Medicine teachers are rigorously educated in a fusion of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics with the traditional practice of yoga. Yoga Medicine extensively trains teachers to work with students and healthcare providers to find a yoga practice that is an appropriate therapeutic adjunct to medical care.

After teaching for over two decades, training thousands of yoga teachers, presenting at conferences around the world, and working with tens of thousands of patients, Tiffany has distilled the Yoga Medicine training down to the most important factors that help everyone get the most out of their yoga practice. Sharing many of these findings for the first time, Tiffany’s course is an essential supplement for anyone who practices yoga and wants to enhance the therapeutic effects of their practice.

In Yoga Medicine’s teacher trainings, we pride ourselves on teaching our students the what, why, and how of the poses, so teachers can empower their students to take their practice and health into their own hands. In this course, you’ll access this teacher training directly, learning Yoga Medicine’s key insights on anatomy, physiology, and mental health that you will be able to immediately put into use. You will learn how to develop your practice with a three-dimensional approach to address the physical body, the internal organs, and the mind simultaneously, in harmony with your body’s physiological reflexes and instincts.

This course features five sections with 28 unique lessons. In each lesson, you will learn critical information, alignment tips, and pose modifications that help you elevate your practice in whatever time you have. By the end of this course, you will be able to confidently approach any style of yoga with greater integrity, knowing you have the skills and knowledge to get the most out of every moment on the mat.

Each lesson will begin with a structured lecture by Tiffany, during which she will review the key points of learning and how the training will build upon itself with each section. During her lectures, Tiffany will refer to medical illustrations and notes that are provided in your handouts, to help you make connections and deepen your understanding. After each lecture, you’ll begin a thematically-linked yoga sequence, guided by Yoga Medicine’s most accomplished teachers, to help you make the embodied connection between the ideas and the practice so you can feel the core concepts of that lesson at work in your body.

The course flows as follows:

Section 1: Introduction

  • Introduction (1:59)
  • Overview (6:10)
  • Key Preliminary Points (7:01)
  • Handout for this course (Yoga-Medicine_Udemy-Handout.pdf)
  • Mindfulness in Action (3:44)

Section 2: Physical Practices in Yoga

  • Introduction to Physical Practices (4:37)
  • Shoulder Structure (6:03)
  • Shoulder Anatomy (11:50)
  • Shoulder Therapeutic Applications (6:07)
  • Shoulder Asana (35:06)
  • Spine Structure (9:13)
  • Spine Anatomy (9:54)
  • Spine Therapeutic Applications (13:01)
  • Spine Asana (36:40)
  • Hip Structure (3:41)
  • Hip Anatomy (5:13)
  • Hip Therapeutic Applications (6:45)
  • Hip Asana (47:28)

Section 3: Yoga and the Nervous System

  • Anatomy of the Nervous System (10:26)
  • Application of the Nervous System to Yoga (6:04)
  • Pranayama Effects on the Nervous System (10:17)
  • Asana Practice for the Nervous System (36:07)

Section 4: Mindfulness in Yoga

  • Anatomy of the Mind in Yoga (3:11)
  • Anatomy of the Mind in Meditation (6:37)
  • Traditional Yoga and the Mind (8:27)
  • Asana Practice for Mindfulness (52:17)

Section 5: Conclusion

  • Bringing it All Together (4:59)
  • Establishing a Regular Practice (3:47)

Rather than simply provide a set of classes for you to repeat (and become dependent upon. ), this course teaches you the key biomechanical concepts needed to approach any type of practice with the maximum physiological, mental, and emotional benefit. You’ll learn about the interaction of the nervous system with the poses, and how mindfulness meditation and specific methods of breathing can help you further tap into your body’s innate rest-and-recovery response. By the end of the course, you will have learned to move your body in more specifically healing ways, in all settings, so you can experience greater integrity and therapeutic effect from any yoga practice. These individual lessons and practices will be here for your review at any time, but the intention is for this education and these core concepts to travel with you, enabling you to tap into them at will.

Pain and stress are reaching epidemic levels, affecting so many aspects of our health and well-being. The ability of yoga to combat the ravages of daily life has become essential in today’s world. But with more and more scientific research validating yoga’s therapeutic and medical applications, the more intensive healing power of yoga has become undeniable, making an individual yoga practice an indispensable tool in any complete holistic health and wellness approach. These lectures and practices help you tap directly into that therapeutic effect, pairing cutting-edge scientific findings with hands-on instruction that helps you get the most targeted positive impact possible from your yoga practice.

(Note: This course is not a replacement for medical advice nor is it a replacement for a yoga teacher who can give personalized guidance.)

Check out Yoga Medicine’s Find a Teacher resource on the YogaMedicine website to locate a qualified instructor near you.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn the essential components you need to get the most out of your yoga practice
  • Learn to move more efficiently with less stress on the body & joints
  • Gain critical information, alignment tips, and pose modifications that you can immediately put into practice on your mat
  • Experience the effects of a practice that enhances your body’s natural capacity to be resilient & thrive
  • Learn subtle but critical features of the yoga poses that you can tap into in any class to help you maximize the effects of your practice
  • Gain insight into the power of the mind both on & off your yoga mat and how to harness the power of your mind for increased mental clarity & efficiency
  • Learn to approach your practice in a way that soothes the nervous system & nourishes the hard-working internal organs
  • Gain the tools needed to tap into the physical, mental & physiological benefits of your yoga practice
  • How to use these techniques independently, so you can apply these techniques in your own practice, using any style of yoga, for greater integrity and therapeutic effect
  • Learn how to develop a practice with a three-dimensional approach to address the physical body, the internal organs, and the mind
  • Learn how mindfulness meditation and yoga work together to restore optimal functioning of the nervous system
  • Show more
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Syllabus

Introduction
Shoulder Anatomy
Overview
Key Preliminary Points
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers insights into anatomy, physiology, and mental health, which can help learners deepen their understanding of yoga's therapeutic effects
Teaches techniques to approach any yoga style with greater integrity, potentially maximizing the benefits of practice regardless of the setting
Explores the interaction of the nervous system with yoga poses, which may help learners tap into their body’s rest-and-recovery response
Includes practices and lessons for review, but emphasizes applying core concepts independently in any yoga style, which promotes self-reliance
Features lectures by Tiffany Cruikshank, who has extensive experience training yoga teachers and working with patients, which may add credibility
Requires learners to understand that the course is not a replacement for medical advice or personalized guidance from a yoga teacher, which may limit some learners

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Reviews summary

Therapeutic yoga integrating anatomy & science

According to learners, this course provides a deep and insightful dive into the therapeutic applications of yoga, effectively integrating anatomy, physiology, and nervous system concepts. Many found the content practical and immediately applicable to their personal practice, leading to increased integrity and therapeutic effect. The lectures by Tiffany Cruikshank are frequently highlighted as clear, knowledgeable, and transformative, shifting their understanding of yoga beyond just poses. While the approach is dense with scientific information, reviewers generally found it well-structured and essential for a deeper understanding.
Emphasizes understanding concepts deeply.
"Highly recommended for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of the 'whys' and how yoga can be used to heal and improve overall health."
"This is a 'why' course not a 'how to' course... and it delivers perfectly. It gives you the knowledge and tools to figure out the 'how to' for yourself and your own body."
"It shifted my focus from just performing poses to understanding the underlying principles and intentions."
"I learned the science behind the movements, which empowered me to practice more intelligently."
Great for moving beyond basic yoga knowledge.
"This is definitely not a 'yoga poses' course. It is a study of the body, mind, and energetic body as relates to yoga poses and practice."
"This is a very deep dive into the physiology and anatomy of yoga practice. If you want to understand 'why' you do yoga, this is a great course."
"It goes far beyond the superficial aspects of yoga, providing essential context."
"For experienced practitioners or teachers, this course offers invaluable depth."
Lectures and practice sequences complement each other.
"I loved the layout, first the anatomy lecture and then the practice which applies the knowledge. The practices are well-guided."
"The flow from lecture to practice was very helpful for embodying the concepts."
"The mix of detailed explanations and practical application really solidified my learning."
"Having the practice follow the anatomical lesson made the concepts much clearer."
Instructor's expertise and teaching are praised.
"Tiffany is extremely knowledgeable and presents the material in a clear, concise, and inspiring manner. Highly recommend all of her courses!"
"Tiffany is amazing. The content is well structured and explained. Loved the integration of science into the practice. Thank you!"
"Tiffany is very thorough. Her knowledge is extensive and she is able to explain things in a way that is easy to understand."
"Tiffany Cruikshank is a master teacher. Her guidance through complex topics is outstanding."
Concepts are easily integrated into personal practice.
"I'm using the knowledge acquired in my personal yoga practice, I have a much better understanding of the poses, and the variations I can use."
"It immediately changed my perspective in my personal practice in a profound way. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of the 'whys'..."
"This course gives me tools to apply to my own practice and in my teaching."
"The practical applications shared are game-changers for practicing with more intention and safety."
Provides a strong science-based foundation.
"This course is amazing! I'm so glad I've taken it! I've learnt so much about human anatomy and physiology, and Tiffany is such a great teacher..."
"Tiffany does a fantastic job of explaining the concepts and tying them back to the anatomy. I've been practicing yoga for 15 years and this course has been absolutely transformative..."
"It gave me so much new knowledge of anatomy and physiology in relation to yoga and asanas. Thank you for the great course!"
"I'm so grateful for the science and anatomy presented here! It truly changed my understanding of the poses..."

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 Yoga Medicine’s Guide to Therapeutic Yoga with these activities:
Review Basic Anatomy
Strengthen your understanding of basic anatomy to better grasp the therapeutic applications of yoga poses discussed in the course.
Browse courses on Anatomy
Show steps
  • Review anatomical diagrams and terminology related to the spine, shoulders, and hips.
  • Complete practice quizzes on anatomical structures and their functions.
Read 'Yoga Anatomy' by Leslie Kaminoff
Enhance your understanding of the anatomical principles underlying therapeutic yoga by studying a comprehensive guide.
Show steps
  • Read chapters related to the spine, shoulders, and hips.
  • Take notes on key anatomical concepts and their relevance to yoga poses.
Practice Pose Modifications
Reinforce your ability to adapt yoga poses for different body types and conditions by practicing common modifications.
Show steps
  • Choose 3-5 poses covered in the course.
  • For each pose, practice 2-3 modifications discussed in the course.
  • Reflect on how each modification changes the sensation and alignment of the pose.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Create a Pose Breakdown Guide
Solidify your understanding of pose alignment and therapeutic applications by creating a detailed guide for a specific yoga pose.
Show steps
  • Select a yoga pose covered in the course.
  • Research the pose's alignment, benefits, and contraindications.
  • Create a written guide with images or illustrations, detailing the pose's steps, modifications, and therapeutic applications.
Explore 'Eastern Body, Western Mind' by Anodea Judith
Deepen your understanding of the mind-body connection in yoga by exploring the chakra system and its psychological implications.
Show steps
  • Read sections related to the chakras and their corresponding psychological themes.
  • Reflect on how these themes relate to your own experiences and yoga practice.
Develop a Therapeutic Yoga Sequence
Apply your knowledge of anatomy, alignment, and therapeutic principles to design a yoga sequence for a specific condition or population.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific condition or population (e.g., back pain, anxiety, seniors).
  • Research appropriate yoga poses and modifications for that condition.
  • Create a sequence of 5-10 poses with clear instructions and modifications.
  • Practice the sequence yourself and refine it based on your experience.

Career center

Learners who complete Yoga Medicine’s Guide to Therapeutic Yoga will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Yoga Therapist
A yoga therapist uses yoga techniques to improve mental and physical health. They often work with individuals who have specific health conditions or injuries, tailoring yoga practices to meet their unique needs. This course, with its focus on the therapeutic effects of yoga, provides a strong foundation for a career as a Yoga Therapist. The detailed sections on shoulder, spine, and hip anatomy, as well as the nervous system, are particularly relevant, providing the practitioner with the knowledge to design personalized therapeutic yoga programs. The knowledge of the subject provides relevant background when working with health practitioners.
Yoga Instructor
A yoga instructor leads individuals and groups in yoga practices, teaching various poses, breathing techniques, and meditation. This course is excellent for a Yoga Instructor. By exploring the biomechanics of yoga, the student can learn how to help students to move more efficiently with less stress on their joints. The sections on shoulder, spine, and hip anatomy help the instructor understand the key points of learning and how the training will build upon itself with each section. The course will help them gain insight into the power of the mind both on and off their yoga mat.
Alternative Medicine Practitioner
Alternative medicine practitioners use non-conventional approaches to health and healing, often focusing on natural and holistic methods. This course is useful for an Alternative Medicine Practitioner, especially the sections on physical practices in yoga, yoga and the nervous system, and mindfulness in yoga. In addition, it helps them learn subtle but critical features of the yoga poses that you can tap into in any class to help you maximize the effects of your practice.
Mindfulness Teacher
A mindfulness teacher guides individuals and groups in mindfulness practices, helping them cultivate awareness and reduce stress. This course helps build a foundation for someone who wants to be a Mindfulness Teacher. The course trains you on how mindfulness meditation and yoga work together to restore optimal functioning of the nervous system. The curriculum provides insights into the anatomy of the mind in yoga and meditation.
Stress Management Consultant
Stress management consultants help individuals and organizations develop strategies to cope with stress and improve well-being. This course is useful for a Stress Management Consultant, especially the sections on physical practices in yoga, yoga and the nervous system, and mindfulness in yoga. In addition, the course trains the importance of mindfulness meditation and yoga to restore optimal functioning of the nervous system.
Recreational Therapist
Recreational therapists use recreational activities to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of their clients. This course is useful to a Recreational Therapist, especially with special needs patients. The course emphasizes that the techniques can be used independently, so you can apply these techniques in your own practice, using any style of yoga, for greater integrity and therapeutic effect. By learning these techniques, the recreational therapist can help patients relax and feel more comfortable.
Holistic Health Practitioner
A holistic health practitioner takes a comprehensive approach to wellness, considering the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of health. This course is useful, as it explores the effects of a practice that enhances the body's natural capacity to be resilient and thrive. The sections on the nervous system and mindfulness are particularly relevant, providing the practitioner with tools to address these areas.
Health Educator
Health educators promote wellness by developing and implementing health programs, teaching people about healthy lifestyles, and advocating for policies that support health. This course may be helpful for a Health Educator, especially the sections on physical practices in yoga, anatomy of the nervous system, and how mindfulness meditation and yoga work together. In addition, the course teaches how to establish a regular practice to improve the quality of life of oneself and others.
Corporate Wellness Consultant
Corporate wellness consultants develop and implement wellness programs for businesses to improve employee health and productivity. This course may be useful to a Corporate Wellness Consultant, due to its focus on therapeutic yoga. The tools to soothe the nervous system and nourish the hard-working organs may be useful in a high stress environment. In particular, the course will teach the learner how to use these techniques to enhance the effects of yoga.
Integrative Medicine Physician
An integrative medicine physician combines conventional medical treatments with complementary therapies to promote healing and well-being. With content regarding physical practices in yoga and the yoga with the nervous system, this course may be helpful for an Integrative Medicine Physician. The course emphasizes an integrative approach to well-being. This course will help with the proper recommendations to patients in need of an alternative treatment.
Wellness Coach
A wellness coach guides clients in adopting healthy lifestyle habits to improve their overall well-being. They may focus on areas such as nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mindfulness. This course may be useful for a wellness coach, due to its emphasis on the therapeutic and restorative aspects of yoga, including mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and stress reduction. The exploration of these practices and their effects on the body provides a foundation for a holistic approach to wellness coaching, helping individuals achieve optimal health and balance.
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries and illnesses through exercise and rehabilitation programs. Often, physical therapists integrate yoga into the exercise programs they prescribe to patients. The course is helpful since the teachings on anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics can inform a physical therapist's approach to prescribing yoga-based exercises. Understanding the therapeutic applications of different poses and the impact on different muscle groups adds to the therapist's toolkit.
Massage Therapist
Massage therapists manipulate the soft tissues of the body to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. The focus on anatomy in this course may be useful knowledge for a massage therapist. The modules on the shoulder, spine, and hip provides the learner with an understanding of the body's structure. This knowledge could help the practitioner identify areas of tension and apply massage techniques more effectively.
Personal Trainer
A personal trainer works with clients to achieve their fitness goals by designing and implementing exercise programs tailored to their individual needs and abilities. The course may also be helpful to a Personal Trainer, as it also covers techniques for dealing with stress and the nervous system, in addition to anatomy and other physical topics. The exploration of anatomy, physiology, and alignment helps the trainer create more effective and safe workout plans by developing a practice with a three-dimensional approach to address the physical body, the internal organs, and the mind.
Registered Dietician
A registered dietician (RD) is an expert in nutrition who provides guidance and counseling on healthy eating habits and dietary plans. While seemingly unrelated, the principles of mindfulness and body awareness taught in this course may be useful for an RD. The course touches on the connection between the mind and body, which may help dieticians address the emotional and psychological aspects of eating. The course highlights how one can utilize yoga to tap into the body's internal responses, which may be helpful in guiding individuals to become more attuned to their body’s needs and cues related to hunger and fullness, which is a great asset for an RD.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Yoga Medicine’s Guide to Therapeutic Yoga.
Provides a detailed look at the anatomy and biomechanics of yoga. It useful reference for understanding how different poses affect the body. It is commonly used as a textbook in yoga teacher training programs and by yoga therapists to deepen their understanding of the physical aspects of yoga practice.
Explores the chakra system and its relationship to psychological development. It provides a framework for understanding how emotional and psychological issues can manifest in the body and how yoga can be used to address these issues. This book adds depth to the course by providing a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection and how yoga can be used to promote healing and well-being.

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