Yoga therapy treats the whole person, seeking to change attitudes and actions that inhibit the natural healing process, and cultivate attitudes and actions that support it.

Gary Kraftsow, MA, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT

Part I: Yoga Therapy for Physical Conditions

In all Part I classes, you’ll explore Yoga Therapy strategies, lifestyle recommendations, and “red flags” requiring medical consultation. The Viniyoga Therapy approach for physical conditions utilizes a strategy that alternates contracting, releasing, and stretching the primary musculature, an approach known as Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) in Western therapy and Pratikriyā in Yoga Therapy.  Gary will guide you in practices using the unique Viniyoga method of adapted breath-centric āsana designed and sequenced to support your physical structure. These group sessions cover various conditions and the practices will be descriptive rather than prescriptive.

Module 1: Adapt & Calibrate Breath-Centric Āsana to Manage Structural Conditions of the Lower Back & Sacrum (July 1)

This breath-centric āsana sequence you’ll learn in this first session will be supportive in mitigating or preventing pain and limited range of motion in the low back and sacrum as a result of postural issues, muscular strain, muscular imbalances, conditions of the intervertebral discs, and/or nerve impingement.

You’ll receive tools to:

• strengthen the lower back to build structural resilience, ensuring the spine has the necessary support to handle the physical demands of daily life;
• stabilize the sacrum to create a secure foundation for the pelvis, which prevents compensatory strain and allows for more fluid, confident movement;
• increase circulation to facilitate the delivery of oxygen and vital nutrients to damaged tissues, providing the essential resources required for deep and lasting repair; and
• reduce inflammation to lower the body’s stress response, allowing the natural healing process to begin.

Module 2: Adapt & Calibrate Breath-Centric Āsana to Manage Structural Conditions that Impact the Hips (July 8)

This breath-centric āsana practice will be supportive in mitigating or preventing hip pain and limited range of motion as a result of postural issues, muscular strain, pelvic imbalances, conditions of the hip joint (such as bursitis or labral tears), and/or sciatic nerve impingement.

You’ll receive tools to:

• develop healthy movement patterns to replace dysfunctional patterns and compensatory habits, providing long-term resilience against wear and tear;
• increase stability and range of motion to improve joint integrity, ensuring the hips effectively support the spine;
• strengthen weak muscles and release chronic contractions to restore the natural balance of the pelvic girdle, reducing the strain that often leads to secondary discomfort in the knees or lower back; and
• balance muscular asymmetry to calibrate the body’s foundation, allowing for a more even distribution of weight and more efficient movement patterns.

Module 3: Adapt & Calibrate Breath-Centric Āsana to Manage Structural Conditions of the Upper Back, Neck & Jaw (July 15)

This breath-centric āsana practice can help to mitigate or prevent tension headaches, limited mobility, and discomfort as a result of postural issues, muscular strain, cervical imbalances, conditions of the intervertebral discs, the jaw (such as TMJ), and/or nerve impingement.

You’ll receive tools to:

• strengthen the upper back and neck to provide the necessary structural support for the head, reducing the load on the cervical spine and improving overall stability;
• release chronic contractions in the neck and jaw to alleviate tension-related discomfort and restore mobility to the cranial-cervical region;
• increase circulation to damaged tissue to facilitate the delivery of oxygen and vital nutrients, providing the essential resources required for deep and lasting repair; and
• improve posture and postural awareness to help identify and shift the habitual patterns that lead to strain, building long-term resilience and ease in the upper body.

Module 4: Adapt & Calibrate Breath-Centric Āsana to Manage Structural Conditions that Impact the Shoulders (July 22)

This breath-centric āsana practice can help prevent or mitigate shoulder pain and limited mobility as a result of postural issues, muscular strain, chronic tension, conditions of the rotator cuff, the bursae, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), and/or nerve impingement such as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS).

You’ll receive tools to:

• decrease inflammation and increase range of motion to lower the body’s stress response and restore fluid movement to the joint;
• strengthen weak muscles and release chronic contractions to improve the stability of the rotator cuff and ensure the shoulder blade (scapula) moves in coordination with the arm;
• balance muscular asymmetry to calibrate the upper body’s foundation, allowing for an even distribution of weight and more efficient movement in daily tasks; and
• improve posture and postural awareness to identify habitual patterns such as shoulder rounding, shoulder girdle elevation, or rotation that create axial-appendicular asymmetry, stressing the joints and often aggravating the neck and jaw.

Part II: Yoga Therapy for Physiological Conditions

In Part II, Gary will share general Yoga Therapy strategies to work with specific symptoms of physiological issues. As each individual responds to stressors differently, the practices will be descriptive rather than prescriptive.

Module 5: Adapt & Calibrate Breath-Centric Āsana and Prāṇāyāma to Manage Stress (July 29)

Explore the stress response, the multidimensional symptoms of acute and chronic stress, the role of stress in disease, and treatment goals. This week’s practice can mitigate and help to prevent sympathetic/parasympathetic dysregulation that can manifest as multiple symptoms, including neck and shoulder tension, tension headaches, digestive distress, fatigue, agitation, and sleep issues.

You’ll receive tools to:

• modify physical tension associated with stress such as neck and shoulder tension and tension headaches and relearn relaxation habits to release the “bracing” patterns in the body and restore a sense of physical ease;
• regulate the autonomic nervous system (ANS) to modify physiological arousal facilitating a smoother transition between sympathetic activation and parasympathetic recovery to restore balanced regulation;
• balance emotions, transform thoughts, and modify behavior to create a stable mental environment, reducing the impact of reactive patterns and agitation on the physiological state; and
• link to sources of inspiration to provide a psychological “anchor,” fostering resilience and maintaining an internal regulated state even when managing other physiological symptoms of stress such as chronic fatigue, digestive distress, or persistent pain.

Module 6: Adapt & Calibrate Breath-Centric Āsana, Prāṇāyāma and Chanting to Manage Fatigue (August 5)

Explore the nature of fatigue, conditions that result in fatigue, the multidimensional symptoms, common causes, and treatment goals. This practice will help to prevent or mitigate physical and/or mental fatigue or exhaustion, cognitive “fog,” and low vitality as a result of chronic illness, burnout, anemia, or systemic depletion.

You’ll receive tools to:

• increase energy utilizing breath-centric movement and sound to stimulate circulation and awaken the system without over-taxing the adrenal glands;
• increase motivation and emotional resilience to transform the state of tamas (lethargy) into a more sattvic (clear and balanced) state of mind;
• increase concentration and mental clarity to reduce the “fog” associated with physical or mental exhaustion, allowing for sustained focus and establishing a purposeful direction going forward; and
• improve memory and cognitive recall by using focused breathing coordinated with chanting to calm the nervous system and optimize brain function.

Module 7: Adapt & Calibrate Breath-Centric Āsana and Prāṇāyāma for Better Sleep (August 12)

Explore the stages of sleep, the causes, symptoms, and consequences of sleep disruption, sleep disorders; and treatment goals. This practice will help to prevent or mitigate difficulty falling or staying asleep, non-restorative sleep, and the secondary effects of sleep deprivation such as cognitive impairment, irritability, and physiological fatigue.

You’ll receive tools to:

• learn strategies to promote better sleep throughout the day by managing physiological arousal and preparing the nervous system for a smoother transition into rest;
• learn strategies to rest and relax to lower the sympathetic activation that often prevents the onset of deep, restorative sleep; 
• find strategies for meaningful use of the time when sleep is not possible, reducing the anxiety and “efforting” that often accompanies sleeplessness and insomnia; and
• transform perspective and attitude in relation to one’s sleep habits to shift from a state of frustration to one of acceptance and proactive self-regulation.

Module 8: Adapt & Calibrate Breath-Centric Āsana, Prāṇāyāma and Chanting to Manage Pain (August 19)

Explore the objective physiology of pain, the subjective perception of and reaction to pain, acute vs. chronic pain, common causes; secondary symptoms, and treatment goals. This practice will help to prevent or mitigate persistent pain and systemic sensitivity as a result of chronic conditions, musculoskeletal imbalances, or central nervous system sensitization, including those living with fibromyalgia.

In this session, you’ll:

• learn methods to reduce pain by utilizing gentle, breath-coordinated movement and sound to interrupt pain signaling and lower physical guarding;
• learn methods to regulate the physiological response to pain to shift the nervous system away from a state of hyper-vigilance and reduce the inflammatory cascade;
• increase resilience and vital energy (prāṇa śakti) to provide the internal strength necessary to manage chronic symptoms without further depletion; and
• increase focus and gain mastery over the mind to transform the relationship with pain, reducing its emotional impact and fostering a more stable internal state.

Part III: Yoga Therapy for Mental & Emotional Support

In Part III, Gary will share general Yoga Therapy strategies to work with specific symptoms of mental and emotional issues. The practices will be descriptive rather than prescriptive.

Module 9: Adapt & Calibrate Breath-Centric Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Chanting, Mantra & Meditation to Manage Anxiety (August 26)

Explore the nature of anxiety, its multidimensional impact, its anatomical and physiological symptoms, its cognitive, emotional/feeling, and behavioral symptoms, the frequently occurring types of anxiety, including those that require professional mental health care consultation, and appropriate treatment goals. 

This practice will help to prevent or mitigate the pervasive effects of anxiety, such as physical restlessness, racing thoughts, emotional overwhelm, and the habitual avoidance patterns that limit daily life.

Gain tools to:

• manage anatomical and physiological symptoms of anxiety by utilizing breath-centric movement to ground the physical system and soothe the hyper-arousal of nervous energy in the body;
• manage emotional/feeling/mood symptoms of anxiety to transform states of agitation into a state of calm and clarity;
• manage cognitive symptoms of anxiety by using focused breathing and chanting to interrupt repetitive thought loops and cultivate a sense of mental stillness; and
• learn how to create an integrated practice to address this multidimensional condition, fostering a sattvic (clear and balanced) mind and developing the resilience needed to meet life’s challenges with equanimity and steadiness.

Module 10: Adapt & Calibrate Breath-Centric Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Chanting, Mantra & Meditation to Manage Depression (September 2)

Explore the nature and physiology of depression, its multidimensional impact, its anatomical and physiological symptoms, its cognitive, emotional/feeling, and behavioral symptoms, the frequently occurring types of depression, including those that require professional mental health care consultation, and appropriate treatment goals. 

This practice will help to prevent or mitigate the heavy and depleting effects of depression, such as physical lethargy, persistent sadness, loss of interest, and the cognitive “fog” that can obscure one’s sense of purpose and experience of happiness and joy.

Receive tools to:

• manage anatomical and physiological symptoms of depression by utilizing breath-coordinated movement and sound to stimulate circulation, improve posture, and gradually awaken the system’s vital energy;
• manage emotional/feeling/mood symptoms of depression to transform states of heaviness and lethargy into a state of lightness and emotional resilience;
• manage cognitive symptoms of depression by using focused breathing and chanting to disperse mental inertia, helping to restore concentration and mental focus; and
• learn how to create an integrated practice to address this multidimensional condition, fostering a sattvic (clear and balanced) mind and cultivating the resolve needed to re-engage with life and reclaim a sense of wellbeing.

Module 11: Adapt & Calibrate Breath-Centric Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Chanting, Mantra & Meditation to Work with Addiction (September 9)

Explore the nature and characteristics of addiction, and its relation to and distinction from habit, the multidimensional impact of addiction, the yoga theory of habit change, and appropriate treatment goals. This practice will help to prevent or mitigate compulsive patterns and addictive behaviors by strengthening the capacity for conscious choice and reconnecting with a sense of internal wholeness.

In this session, you’ll:

• learn tools and strategies to observe and change addictive behavior and action by developing the “witness” capacity of the mind to recognize the space between impulse and action;
• identify and overcome common triggers by utilizing breath-centric techniques and mantra to stabilize the nervous system during moments of craving or reactivity;
• connect with sources of guidance and inspiration to foster a sense of spiritual and emotional support, moving beyond the cycle of dependency and rediscovering a sense of inherent completeness and self-reliance;
• uncover deeper goals and values and recognize true sources of nourishment and purpose to replace temporary cravings with lasting sources of joy and fulfillment; and
• realize and awaken to your true nature, clearing the mental veils that prevent you from experiencing your inherent peace and clarity.

Module 12: Adapt & Calibrate Breath-Centric Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Chanting & Meditation to Work with Chronic Illness (September 16)

Explore the chronic illness symptom cycle; the multidimensional nature of health and illness, the impact of chronic illness on one’s relationship to oneself and others, the yoga theory of self-management, and appropriate treatment goals. This practice will help to prevent or mitigate long-term health conditions who seek to improve their quality of life, navigate the emotional toll of illness, and rediscover a sense of agency and wholeness.

Receive tools to:

• learn how to calibrate exercise levels to your condition by utilizing gentle, breath-coordinated movement to maintain mobility and function without causing post-exertional depletion;
• learn how to use the breath for self-regulation to increase energy and vitality, restore balance, and/or remain calm and relaxed, depending on the immediate needs of the nervous system;
• transform negative thoughts and feelings by using focused breathing, mantra, and meditation to shift the internal narrative from one of limitation to one of possibility;
• establish a positive outlook and life philosophy that integrates the reality of one’s current state while fostering a sattvic (clear and balanced) mind capable of experiencing contentment; and
• realize you are not your diagnosis and connect to the sacred dimension of life, awakening to your true nature that remains untouched by physical or mental condition.

Who is This Course for?

• Anyone interested in maintaining and managing their health
• Yogis interested in leveling up their knowledge
• Yoga Teachers who want to expand their knowledge and who have an interest in Yoga Therapy
• Yoga Therapists with an interest in Viniyoga methodology who appreciate learning from a Master Teacher