• Meaning of Hatha Yoga and Philosophy
• History and origin of Yoga
• Introduction to Hatha Yoga - Mudras, Bandhas, Panch Koshas, Panch Vaayus
• Kundalini Yoga - Chakras and Nadis
• Mind - Thought Power
• Patanjali's 8 Limbs of Yoga – Yamas , Niyamas, Asanas, Pranayama , Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi
• Srimad Bhagavad Gita – Jnana(Gyan) Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga
• Six systems of Indian Philosophy – Shankhya, Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Nyaya, Vaiseshik, Mimansa, Vedanta

How do yogic practices such as asanas and shatkarmas affect our body?

Cells & Tissues

Muscular System : types of muscles, names of muscles, effect of yogic practices on muscular system, awakening of muscles in different yoga postures, problems with stiff/tight muscles, yoga postures to target specific muscles, active use of muscles for joint protection, yoga postures, and flexibility.

Skeletal System : bones, axial skeletal, appendicular skeletal, ligaments, tendons, types of joints, structure of the joints, range of motion in the joints, problems with bad postures, stability of the joints in yoga postures, correct alignment of yoga postures, effect of yoga postures in vertebral column, problems with stiff spine, nourishment of intervertebral discs with yoga postures, reasons and solutions for shoulder pain, knee pain, and button pain during yoga classes.

Respiratory System: regions of respiratory tract, types of breathing techniques, types of pranayamas, benefits and contra-indications of pranayamas, shatkarmas, asanas, meditation on respiratory system, relationship between breathing pattern and mind, panch vayus (five vital energies) and pranayamas.

Endocrine System : types and location of glands, hormones secreted by glands and their functions, effect of asanas, pranayamas and shatkarmas on the endocrine system, the relationship between chakras(energy centers) and endocrine glands.

Digestive System: Gastro Intestinal (GI) tract and their functions, digestion, absorption, elimination, the effect of asanas, pranayamas, shatkarmas and meditation on digestive system organs, yoga therapy for digestive system disorders.

Cardiovascular system : functioning of cardiovascular system , heart structure and function, blood and blood cells , effects of yogic practices on heart.

Students will learn and practice, as well as understand the benefits and contra-indications of various asanas.

Ashtanga Vinyasa is a dynamic style of yoga that synchronizes the breath with a progressive series of postures. It detoxifies the muscles and organs, improves blood circulation, increases stamina, flexibility, strength and stability and helps to balance the mind. You will practice the following postures and sequences:

The word “prana’ means “vital energy” or vital/life force”, and the word “ayama” means “expansion” or “control”. Therefore pranayama means control of this vital life force that we call the breath, which helps to clear blockages in the manomaya kosha or mental body. You will learn the following preparatory breathing techniques and pranayama:

Shatkrarmas consists of six groups of cleansing practices in order to purify one's body and mind. The word "Shat" means "six" and "Karma" means action.The aim of shatkarmas is to create harmony between two vital flows, ida, and pingala, hence attaining mental and physical purification.The shatkarmas also balance the three doshas or universal life forces in the body, vata(wind), pitta(bile), kapha(mucus). Students will learn and practice the following shatkarmas:

• Jala Neti

• Sutra Neti

• Sheetkram Kapalbhati

• Laghoo Snakhprachalana

• Kunjal

• Trataka

In yoga, mudrās are hand gestures that are used in conjunction with pranayama (yogic breathing exercises) to help stimulate different parts of the body, which in turn have a positive effect on one’s mood. Mudras are generally done while seated in Padmasana, Sukhasana or Vajrasana poses. Students will learn :

• Jnana Mudra

• Chin Mudra

• Shambhavi Mudra

• Nabho Mudra

• Vipreeta Mudra

Bandha' (bond, arrest) is a term used for the "body locks" in Hatha Yoga. Bandhas are engaged to gain control and lock your energy (pranayama or life force) the way you want. The locks are engaged to obtain control of your energy system, and to direct that energy to the parts of your body that needs it. There are four main bandhas in the body and the student will learn these:

• Mula Bandha - contraction of the perineum

• Uddiyana bandha - contraction of the abdomen into the rib cage

• Jalandhara Bandha - tucking the chin close to the chest

• Maha Bandha - locking of the Mula, Uddiyana and Jalandhara bandhas at the same tim

Whatever you do with full attention and awareness is meditation. "Watching” your breath is meditation; listening to the birds is meditation. So long as these activities are free from distractions to the mind, it is effective meditation. Students will learn and practice various meditation techniques.