29 Day 300-Hour Yoga Therapy and Integrative Medicine Course on Lesbos Island, Greece

Certifications

The course is certified by the Yoga Alliance International (YAI) based in India. It can be used to obtain the 500-hour master yoga teacher YAI certificate.

300-hour Holistic Yoga and Integrative Medicine course

While in India, it has always been an intrinsic value of yogic practices to have a positive effect on the practitioner’s state of health, and apart from a few exceptions, until recent times, there was no particular need to develop a strand entirely dedicated to its therapeutic aspect.

On the contrary, in the West, in recent decades, there has been a desire to give a certain impulse to this aspect, and today, yoga therapy represents a valid synthesis between the ancient wisdom of the East and the most recent knowledge of complementary medicine, biomechanics, and posturology of the West.

The complementary nature of yoga and integrative medicine is reflected in their common goal of releasing stagnant energy in meridian systems and their related organs or blood. While yoga provides a format for releasing blockage, Shiatsu and meridian theory provide a framework for understanding which poses are best for a particular condition.

This course is suitable for all yoga teachers who want to deepen their knowledge and improve their ability to assist their students. It is also beneficial for therapists and medical professionals who want to supplement their existing knowledge with new insights. Additionally, experienced yoga practitioners can benefit from this course to enhance their practice.

Curriculum

1. Basic introductory teachings

• History of yoga and yoga therapy
• The four paths of yoga
• The five pillars of yoga
• Salutogenesis versus pathogenesis
• Stress and physiology of stress
• The energetical physiology of the human being: nadis, chakras, koshas, vayus, meridians, pancha mahabhuta, and the three gunas
• The importance of the muscular-fascia-organ-meridian system
• The importance of relaxation
• The importance of breath
• Basic Ayurvedic principles
• The concept of prana, qi, or ki
• Basic concepts derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
• The physiology of emotions and the importance of emotional regulation
• The effects of yoga on mental health and well-being

2. Evaluation of the client

• Observation of complexion
• Observation of the spine, back, and posture
• Assessment through “palpation” of the back and spine
• Assessment through anamnesis (questioning)
• Evaluation of range of movement (ROM) of the joints
• Evaluation through listening to the breathing pattern
• Evaluation through pancha koshas and pancha vayus principles
• Observation of the full appearance (behavior, speech, gestures, facial expression, etc.)

3. Bodywork for the different ailments and syndromes

• Basic Shiatsu techniques
• Applying Shiastu to the back for deep relaxation
• Marma points and acupoints for different ailments
• Meridian stretches
• Basic do-in and auto massage

Modules

Module 1: Holistic Yoga and integrated medicine for back pain

This module is probably one of the most important as back problems are among the most common complaints among people and one of the most frequent causes of work absenteeism. We will study different types of asana, pranayama, mudra, mantra, and manual treatments for the following conditions:

• Hyper Kyphosis and Hyper Lordosis, Scoliosis, etc.
• Relationship between the spine and pelvic region. *Sacroiliac and piriformis syndrome
• Neck pain and injuries. Spondylosis and spondylitis
• The intervertebral disc: structure, discopathy, protrusions, and hernia
• *Anatomy and functional anatomy of the spine

Module 2: Holistic Yoga and integrated medicine for joint disorders

In this module, you will carry out an overview of the different conditions that affect the body's main joints. You will consider:

• The relationship between emotional states, posture, and joints, the influence of posture on organ functions
• The scapular girdle and the upper limbs, frozen shoulders, and the rotator cuff
• The knee joint and how to treat it
• Inflammation, arthritis, and arthrosis of the main joints
• Common disorders of the musculoskeletal system
• Assessing the joint range of motion
• The main muscles that act on joints and how to balance them with asana
• Basic manual treatment for the major joints

Module 3: Holistic Yoga and integrated medicine for the digestive system

You know that intestinal function is one of the most important aspects of your body system. A healthy intestine generates a general feeling of well-being, promoting mental clarity and positivity. Correct intestinal function also ensures the supply of all the necessary nutrients, guaranteeing a fully functioning immune system.

• Relationship between stress and functioning of the gastrointestinal system
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and permeable bowel syndrome
• Gastritis, gastric ulcer, and dyspepsia
• Indigestion, poor digestion
• Constipation, diarrhea
• Liver problems
• Diet and advice
• Obesity and other eating disorders
• Anaemia

Module 4: Holistic Yoga and integrated medicine for problems of cardiovascular and respiratory health

Diseases of the heart are the leading cause of death in the West. Stress plays an important role in causing various types of imbalances and yoga can be of great benefit in helping sufferers regain a better quality of life. Cardiac circulation and the respiratory system are intimately linked to each other. Therefore, you can consider them an integrated unit.

• Physiology of circulation and respiration
• Asanas for asthma and bronchitis
• Improving ventilation and air intake
• Stress and heart disease
• Hypertension and hypotension
• Palpitations and other cardiac disorders
• Varicose veins and peripheral circulation
• Contraindications and precautions
• Psychological factors involved

Module 5: Holistic Yoga and integrated medicine for endocrine and immune systems' disorders

Understanding the endocrine system and its relationship to the subtle energy bodies is of fundamental importance for the yogic therapist. In the modern world, people are witnessing an increase in disorders related to the malfunctioning of the endocrine and immune systems.

Dysfunctions of the thyroid, pituitary, and pancreas and autoimmune diseases are just some of the most common disorders that you may encounter increasingly often in your practice as teacher and therapist of yoga, as well as an Integrated medicine therapist.

• General functioning of the endocrine system, the main gland endocrine system, and their relationship to the energy system of the chakras and the emotions
• Relationship among the endocrine system, immune system, and stress
• The main asanas related to the various energy centers and main glands of the endocrine system
• Contraindications and precautions
• Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis
• Thyroid malfunctioning
• Diabetes
• Yoga therapy for autoimmune diseases

Module 6: Holistic Yoga and integrated medicine for the nervous system, degenerative diseases, and pain management

The nervous system represents one of the great wonders of your body. This module may be one of the most interesting, precisely because of the particular nature of the subject and its wide applications.

• Anatomy and physiology of the nervous system
• Sensation, senses, and proprioception
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Headaches and migraine
• Epilepsy
• Ear and eye problems related to the nervous system
• Yoga therapy for neurological diseases
• Degenerative diseases: Parkinson’s, MS, and ALS
• Yoga therapy for degenerative diseases
• Pain management: conventional medical approach to pain, effective alternative treatments for pain management, and yoga therapy for pain management

Module 7: Holistic Yoga and integrated medicine for disorders of the health of men and women

This module explores various problems affecting men and women, related to the physical and psychological functioning of the reproductive system and sexual dysfunctions.

• Physiology and the male reproductive system
• Yoga and integrated medicine for men’s health problems
• Physiology and reproductive system of women
• The menstrual cycle
• Perimenopause and menopause
• Disorders of the reproductive system
• Yoga therapy and integrated medicine for women’s health problems
• The urinary system

Module 8: Holistic Yoga and integrated medicine for patients with cancer

Cancer is one of the major health conditions in the modern world. This disease not only affects patients but also influences the family and people around in a very important way.

• Personal assessment of the client
• Taking care of the healthy part of the client’s body
• Yoga Nidra for tension and emotional release
• Possible contraindications for yoga therapy
• Lifestyle changes and advice for yoga patients
• Importance of pranayama, mantra, and regular sadhana for yoga patients practicing yoga
• Cooperation with the medical profession

Module 9: Restorative yoga and yoga Nidra in yoga therapy

You will learn the basic skills, use, and effectiveness of yoga Nidra in a therapeutic setting.

• Rudiments of yoga Nidra
• Rudiments of Restorative yoga
• The effect of yoga Nidra on the nervous system
• Assessing the clients’ situation
• Guide the clients in preparing the space for the practice, using all the indicated accessories

Module 10: Psychological stress responses

In this module, you will explore psychological stress responses such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, etc., and how Holismos Yoga & Wellness can support you in dealing with yourself by introducing therapeutic asanas, pranayama, and meditation as well as the contraindications in this area.

You will address the physiology of emotions, the importance of emotional regulation, and the effects of yoga on mental health and well-being.

Module 11: Psychological trauma responses

In this module, you will explore psychological stress responses such as adaption disorder, panic attacks, etc., and how they can help you manage yourself effectively with a therapeutic yoga approach, along with the contraindications that need to be considered while introducing these practices.

Module 12: Patient or client-therapist interaction and relationship-building

This module is about how to build trust and a growing relationship with your patient or client during a series of sessions. You will explore different types of interaction, questioning, and levels of treatment that will form the basis for effective planning of your therapy.

Daily schedule

• 07:30 - 09:30 Main asana practice, pranayam, and meditation
• 09:30 - 10:30 Breakfast
• 10:30 - 12:30 Theory and practice of yoga therapy
• 12:30 - 13:00 Chanting and sound healing
• 13:00 - 15:30 Lunch break, free time / self-study time
• 15:30 - 17:00 Theory: anatomy, physiology, pathology, and psychology
• 17:00 - 19:00 Methodology, client assessment, and cases
• 19:00 - 20:00 Dinner
• 20:00 - 20:30 Kirtan, meditation, and sound healing
• 20:30 - 21:30 Self-study or group evening activities

Note

The schedule differs on arrival and departure days. One free day per week for self-study and excursions will be given.