Diving into the philosophical and practical teachings of Ayurveda deepens our understanding of the practice and philosophy of Yoga. Through this course exploring the application of Ayurveda for Yoga teachers, practitioners and students will learn hands-on techniques for adapting a group or individual Yoga class to most effectively meet the needs of the students based on health conditions, seasons, times of day, age of the students and other factors considered in the holistic philosophy of Ayurveda.
The word Ayurveda means the science of life in Sanskrit and these teachings contain practical information about how to allow Yoga practice to be inherently therapeutic. Our practice can be modified to support our maximum health and overall well-being. This combination of lecture, discussion and practice will give hands-on understanding of how the theory of Ayurveda is relevant to and enhances Yoga. This course integrates in-depth discussions of Yoga philosophy with ways in which Yoga teachers can fully implement a peaceful Yogic lifestyle to maintain their own well-being. Taught by Felicia Marie Tomasko, RN, E-RYT-500.
-Introduction to the energetic and physiological concepts of vata, pitta and kapha and the five elements (earth, water, fire, air and space/ether) and how they relate to the anatomy of the subtle body as described in Yoga philosophy and to Yoga practice.
-Relationship of these energetic qualities to our physical, mental and emotional bodies and how we can use our Yoga practice and teaching to influence these qualities to create a greater state of balance.
-How vata, pitta and kapha cycle through the day, the season, the year, and our lives and how we can adjust a practice for the time of day, time of the year and time in our lives, including what makes an early morning practice different from a late night one and how to modify accordingly. Why we get a mid-afternoon slump and what to do about it.
-Body reading to determine qualities and presence of the doshas and elements and how to make adjustments as a teacher to modify a practice for individuals and groups.
-Specific Yoga practices for improving and strengthening the digestive system.
-Yoga sequences and techniques for stimulating the immune system that can be used by anybody any time of the year to improve circulation through the lymphatic system.
-Concept of sattva, or creating inner peace and calm and how to promote sattva in yoga practice as a teacher working with groups and individuals.