YOGA THERAPY BASICS (ADVANCED)

UNIT 1: Foundations of Yoga Therapy

Theory

• Introduction and principles of Yoga Therapy
• Difference between general Yoga practice and therapeutic application
• Holistic approach to wellness
• Basic concepts of body, breath, mind and relaxation
• Introduction to basic anatomy and physiology
• Assessment, observation and individual needs
• Contraindications, precautions and professional boundaries

Practical

• Therapeutic warm-up and mobility practices
• Posture and movement observation
• Basic alignment assessment
• Gentle Asana modifications
• Breath-awareness practices
• Guided relaxation
• Developing individualized practice awareness

UNIT 2: Therapeutic Asanas & Adaptation

Theory

• Therapeutic principles of Yoga Asanas
• Selecting postures according to individual ability
• Alignment, stability and comfortable movement
• Use of props and modifications
• Restorative and gentle approaches
• Sequencing for different wellness goals
• Safety considerations and responsible application

Practical

• Modified Tadasana
• Supported Vrikshasana
• Gentle Trikonasana
• Bhujangasana variations
• Setu Bandhasana variations
• Balasana modifications
• Gentle twists and seated postures
• Hip and shoulder mobility
• Spine-friendly practices
• Supported relaxation postures

UNIT 3: Pranayama, Relaxation & Meditation

Theory

• Role of breath in Yoga Therapy
• Breath awareness and regulation
• Pranayama principles and safe application
• Relationship between breathing, relaxation and concentration
• Meditation and mindfulness approaches
• Relaxation techniques
• Precautions and appropriate modifications

Practical

• Diaphragmatic breathing
• Full Yogic breathing
• Anulom Vilom / Nadi Shodhana
• Bhramari
• Gentle Ujjayi awareness
• Breath-counting practice
• Guided relaxation
• Body-scan practice
• Mindfulness meditation
• Integrated breathing and relaxation sessions

UNIT 4: Yoga Therapy Planning & Wellness Applications

Theory

• Individualized Yoga practice planning
• Basic client/student assessment and observation
• Setting realistic wellness objectives
• Adapting Asanas, breathing and relaxation
• Yoga for flexibility, mobility, posture and relaxation
• Stress-management and lifestyle-support practices
• Session sequencing and progression
• Record keeping and professional ethics

Practical

• Create individual practice plans
• Conduct basic posture and mobility observation
• Develop gentle mobility sequences
• Create relaxation-focused sequences
• Develop breath-awareness routines
• Practice modifications using props
• Design beginner-to-intermediate progressions
• Conduct 30–45 minute supervised wellness sessions
• Record observations and provide appropriate feedback

UNIT 5: Advanced Yoga Therapy Practicum & Final Project

Theory

• Complete Yoga Therapy session structure
• Individualized session planning
• Client communication and informed boundaries
• Monitoring comfort and response during practice
• Adapting sessions safely
• Documentation and progress tracking
• Professional responsibilities and referral boundaries
• Building a Yoga Therapy practice portfolio

Practical

• Conduct client/student intake and basic observation
• Prepare an individualized session plan
• Demonstrate suitable Asana modifications
• Guide Pranayama and relaxation
• Integrate mindfulness/meditation
• Conduct a supervised 45–60 minute session
• Evaluate the session and document observations
• Modify the program based on feedback
• Prepare a professional case-study-style portfolio

FINAL PROJECT

Individualized Yoga Therapy & Wellness Session

Students will prepare and conduct a 45–60 minute supervised session that includes:

1. Initial wellness-focused observation
2. Session objectives
3. Gentle warm-up and mobility
4. Appropriate modified Asanas
5. Alignment and prop use
6. Pranayama/breath awareness
7. Relaxation techniques
8. Mindfulness or meditation
9. Cool-down and closing
10. Written session plan and progress documentation

Note: The project should focus on general wellness and educational practice rather than diagnosing or treating medical conditions.