1. Introduction to Yoga for Health
Lesson 2 Lecture
Lesson Summary:
This lesson focuses on yoga for health. We will be discussing what yoga is, what possible
side effects or risks there are with yoga, what the science says about yoga; and what training,
licensing, and certifications are required for yoga teachers. As with the Lesson 1 class we had
last Monday night, if any of you have experience(s) with yoga, you will have an opportunity to
share those experiences with the rest of us. There will be a three part video related to the
scientific results of yoga for health and well-being that we will look at. If you want to watch it
again at home it can be found at the website address of http://nccam.nih.gov/video/yoga-intro.
The last 30 minutes will be a question and answer period for you to bring up anything you didn’t
understand or have concerns with. Thanks for coming out again tonight for Lesson 2 and for
your interest in yoga for health.
Lesson Content:
What is Yoga?
Yoga is known as a mind-body therapy that was derived from early Indian philosophy.
As with other contemplative movement therapies used for health reasons, there are numerous
styles of yoga that usually bring together physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation
or relaxation (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013). When yoga
is practiced in its complete form, it brings together physical postures, breathing exercises,
meditation, and a distinctive philosophy. Many styles of yoga exist today, including Hatha yoga,
which is usually practiced in the United States and Europe that accentuates postures, breathing
exercises, and meditation. Some of the Hatha yoga styles are Ananda, Anusara, Ashtanga,
Bikram, Iyengar, Kripalu, Kundalini, Viniyoga, etc. (NCCAM, 2013).
What Are the Side Effects Or Risks of Yoga?
Yoga is typically a low-impact and safe practice for healthy people who are attempting to
do it properly, with a well-trained instructor guiding them through it. Generally, people who get
involved with yoga have hardly any side effects, and the risk of being seriously injured from
yoga is fairly low (NCCAM, 2013). Some possible but rare side effects of yoga are specific
types of stroke as well as pain that comes from damage to the nerves. Pregnant women, and
people with particular medical situations, for example, high blood pressure; glaucoma, where
fluid pressure builds slowly within the eye causing possible harm to the eye's optic nerve; and
sciatica, where pain, weakness, numbing, or tingling extending from the lower back to the calf,
foot, and possibly the toes, should change or stay away from certain yoga poses (NCCAM,
2013).
What Does the Science Say About Yoga?

2. Existing research indicates that using a carefully modified set of yoga poses may possibly
ease low-back pain and increase function. Additional studies indicated that practicing yoga,
along with other methods of regular exercise might enhance quality of life; decrease stress;
decrease heart rate and blood pressure; facilitate the relief of anxiety, depression, and insomnia;
and enhance general physical fitness, strength, and flexibility. There is some research, however,
indicating that yoga may not improve asthma, while other studies exploring yoga and arthritis
have had varied outcomes (NCCAM, 2013).
Training, Licensing, and Certifications Required for Yoga Teachers
Numerous training programs exist for yoga teachers that are available all around the
country. Some of the programs can go from a few days to over 2 years. Requirements for
teacher training and certification vary, and would be contingent on what the style of yoga is
(NCCAM, 2013). Some organizations register yoga teachers and training programs and have
conformed to a certain curriculum and educational requirements. One such organization, a
nonprofit group known as the Yoga Alliance involves a minimum of 200 hours of training, with
a certain amount of hours in subjects such as techniques, teaching methodology, anatomy,
physiology, and philosophy. The majority of yoga therapist training programs involve at least
500 hours. The International Association of Yoga Therapists is working on the requirements for
yoga therapy training (NCCAM, 2013).
This is the end of our lesson for tonight on yoga for health. If you have any questions or
concerns, we have 30 minutes to discuss them and I will be providing you with handouts that
cover the information we went over in class. Thanks again for coming out tonight and I hope to
see you next Monday night for Lesson 3 which covers relaxation techniques.
References:
NIH National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). (2013). Yoga for
health. Retrieved from: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/yoga/introduction.htm
References for the Yoga handouts:
NIH National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). (2013). Yoga for
health. Retrieved from: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/yoga/introduction.htm
References for the Yoga three part video:
NIH National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). (2014).
Scientific results of yoga: Welcome video. Retrieved from:
http://nccam.nih.gov/video/yoga-intro
NIH National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). (2014).
Scientific results of yoga: The science of yoga. Retrieved from:
http://nccam.nih.gov/video/yoga-science

3. NIH National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). (2014).
Scientific results of yoga: The practice of yoga. Retrieved from:
http://nccam.nih.gov/video/yoga-practice