Yoga Teacher Training - Yoga-Based Stress Management in Healthcare
Yoga Teacher Training - Yoga-Based Stress Management in Healthcare
We sometimes view stress as outside forces that influence how we navigate life, but the physical manifestations of stress come from the body. When faced with health challenges or a crisis, the added pressures and unknowns of tests, diagnosis, and treatments may compound pressures and anxieties.
Our nervous systems are programmed to work under distressing conditions for short periods of time, but it's not peaceful, comfortable, or even healthy for us when stress won’t quit. We address diseases and injuries with medicine and therapies - but the stress management portion of healing might be overlooked.
Stress management for clients is something that a yoga teacher may excel in. Especially if the teacher has advanced yoga teacher training (like a Yoga Alliance RYT500 from an RYS-300 school) with a focus in understanding yoga-based stress management and general healthcare.
Read on to learn more about stress, stress-management, and how yoga comes into play.
Understanding The Nervous System and Stress
Stress directly affects the body and its functions. The nervous system regulates organs and their functions, pain, movement, sensations, and stress responses.
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) takes care of our body's necessary functions that allow us to carry on, like our heartbeat, digestion, and breathing. Within the ANS is the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The "fight or flight" response dictated by the SNS moves resources to muscles for running, the heart for pumping blood, the eyes to take in more light, and the stimulation of sweat glands. These changes are your body's reaction to stress - get ready to rumble or run.
The ANS also has the counterpart to this reactionary system, the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The PNS takes the opposite path - relaxation and peace. The heart rate slows, breaths become deeper, and digestion ramps up. Your body, and subsequently your mind, become calm.
Regarding yoga-based stress management, yoga supports the parasympathetic nervous system and can transform how we respond to stressors in the long term. And there is plenty of research to support this.
The Science Behind Yoga-Based Stress Management for Clients
Stress shows up as hormones, like cortisol, and proteins such as cytokines in the body. Increases in these substances in the body are a physical reflection of increased stress and inflammation in the tissues. We know that yoga reduces stress, and now there is research into just how this happens in the body.
One study followed a group of patients practicing yoga over several months while being treated for periodontal disease. Researchers found that for some participants, cortisol levels dropped. These patients also experienced lower depression and anxiety scores. (1)
In a similar study, long-term changes were tracked over a six-month time frame in patients with disease. This preliminary study measured anxiety with salivary cortisol levels in participants incorporating yoga into their healthcare regime. Additionally, this study tested memory before and after months of using yoga-based stress management techniques. Memory improved, and stress levels showed improvement. (2)
A comprehensive review of publications studying yoga-based stress management examined 35 unique studies, with 25 showing a decrease in anxiety after starting a yoga-based healthcare program. Out of the 35 studies, 14 marked physiological measurements for tracking stress reductions. This review showed an excellent start to link stress reduction to yoga directly. (3)
There is an extensive collection of data supporting yoga and stress reduction. Research is starting to demonstrate what we already know from experience - that yoga-based stress management is a powerful tool to work alongside modern medicine in the health care setting.
Every teacher that wishes to serve clients in need of stress management for their health should begin to consider pursuing advanced yoga teacher training with a focus in healthcare training.
Advanced Yoga Teacher Training - Teaching Stress Reduction with Yoga
How do we incorporate the nervous system, stress, and yoga into teaching yoga that improves relaxation and peace? There are several tools available to yoga teachers that can be learned with Advanced YTT.
Yoga combines several stress reduction techniques with the physical practices of asana and pranayama. Additionally, yoga encourages compassion, reflection, self-love, and service to others.
When teaching yoga, knowing your students and their learning styles is the best place to start. Many students prefer a challenging asana routine, while others need a dimly lit room to restore. Once you have preferences for movement, you can address breathing, kindness, and non-judgment.
There are dozens of layers to unpeel when working as a yoga teacher in a health care setting. Advanced teacher training can hone your skills about anatomy, the nervous system, physiology, and how ancient yoga traditions all work together. Perhaps you would like to dive into a concentrated course or start your education towards becoming a Yoga Therapist. You have possibilities.
Learn More About Integrating Yoga with Healthcare at Prema Yoga Institute – Online Training Now Available!
If you’re curious to learn more about integrating yoga with health care, reach out to us at Prema Yoga Institute. In fact, we’d love to invite you to enroll in our online courses. Our Advanced YTT has healthcare in mind, for example, our Yoga in Healthcare includes meditation and mindfulness teaching skills, that empower yoga teachers to interface more effectively with doctors and health care professionals.
Visit Prema Yoga Institute to learn more about our training, which is now available online with interactive trainings through 2022! Courses count as CE Credits with Yoga Alliance OR towards your RYT500 at Prema Yoga Institute.
Prema Yoga Institute is longer limited to New York City and is now available online with interactive trainings through 2022. PYI is an IAYT-accredited program based in New York city with a certified Yoga Alliance RYS300, teaching students around the globe through online classes. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you advance your yoga practice and teaching!
If you found this information useful, visit our Blog often or subscribe to our Mailing List for similar content.
(1) Katuri, K. K., Dasari, A. B., Kurapati, S., Vinnakota, N. R., Bollepalli, A. C., & Dhulipalla, R. (2016). Association of Yoga practice and serum cortisol levels in chronic periodontitis patients with stress-related anxiety and depression. Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry. Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4784068/.
(2)Rocha KK, Ribeiro AM, Rocha KC, Sousa MB, Albuquerque FS, Ribeiro S, Silva RH. Improvement in physiological and psychological parameters after 6 months of yoga practice. Conscious Cogn. 2012 Jun;21(2):843-50. doi: 10.1016/j.concog.2012.01.014. Epub 2012 Feb 17. PMID: 22342535.
(3) Li AW, Goldsmith CA. The effects of yoga on anxiety and stress. Altern Med Rev. 2012;17(1):21-35.
Yoga in Healthcare - Asana and Meditation for Chronic Pain
Yoga in Healthcare - Asana and Meditation for Chronic Pain
In 2016, an estimated 20% of American adults reported having chronic pain and 8% of American adults had high-impact chronic pain, according to the CDC.
As you advance in your yoga teacher training and career, you are likely to encounter clients with chronic pain and other diverse needs. To better understand and serve clients with chronic pain, it is wise to seek advanced yoga teacher training in therapeutic yoga courses.
Understanding Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons why patients see a doctor according to the CDC. Due to the ongoing nature of chronic pain, it is often difficult to treat. Chronic pain can be described as pain that extends beyond the expected period of healing. Chronic pain may originate in the body, brain or spinal cord. Physiologically, however, all pain is output from the brain.
Beyond the chronic pain itself, sufferers may experience stress, lack of sleep, anxiety, and depression. Risk factors for chronic pain include age, gender (female), socioeconomic status, occupational factors, history of abuse, and genetics.
Chronic pain is a serious condition and remains difficult for the medical community to treat with %100 effectiveness. Often, doctors will initially recommend non opioid medication or psychological treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy. As the pain progresses, students often seek behavioral changes - like a yoga or a meditation practice - to support their medical care and participate in their healing process.
Yoga Therapy – Asana and Meditation for Chronic Pain
In general, integrating a yoga practice into one’s wellness routine will support the body and mind as it works toward a peaceful and comfortable balance.
When dealing with chronic pain, yoga therapy uses a transformational approach, unlike the current medical model of a symptom management approach. For example, Advanced YTT in Healthcare will teach you how movement and meditation techniques of yoga can powerfully complement Western medical care. Training in evidence-based mindfulness meditations, Yoga Nidra, and breathing skills for behavioral medicine and chronic disease management allows yoga teachers to seamlessly integrate these methods into conventional treatment models.
The medical community acknowledges that mindfulness and meditation are integrative and complementary practices and are important parts of a larger healthcare plan. Courses like Yoga in Healthcare and Therapeutic Yoga Essentials examine the research and clinical evidence behind yoga and mindfulness techniques.
Advanced teacher training should also enlighten teachers on the applications of asana - the yoga poses - to potentially avoid future discomfort. You will learn to listen to your client and understand what type of Asana makes sense for their pain. Determine how to deconstruct the flow of the component parts and how to re-assemble it. Experiment with different positions, such as seated or upside down and gradually moving to weight bearing.
Pain is individual to each person, and each movement and mindfulness plan must be different as well.
“Pain Care” is a Health and Wellbeing Issue
The term “pain care” was used in “Yoga Science and Pain Care” to illustrate that pain is not a medical issue, but also a health and wellbeing issue. And as a yoga teacher with advanced training, you will learn how to be sensitive to your client’s needs.
Advanced yoga teacher training for health care will allow you to determine when to focus on the Niyamas to help clients that struggle with self-doubt. Or when to use guided imagery or Yoga Nidra for clients that must think and visualize movement before engaging due to physical pain or mental resistance.
When pursuing advanced yoga teacher training in health care, teachers will train in peer coaching techniques, like Motivational Interviewing, to overcome client resistance in promoting healthy choices in wellness practices. Motivational Interviewing requires empathetic guidance and will build trust that allows for clients to safely communicate with you.
Learn More About Integrating Yoga with Health Care at Prema Yoga Institute
Yoga teachers can be an important part of a client’s larger healthcare plan. Choosing to advance your skills with advanced yoga teacher training will expand your career and allow you to support more clients in need.
If you’re curious to learn more about integrating yoga with health care, reach out to us at Prema Yoga Institute. In fact, we’d love to invite you to enroll in our online courses. Our Advanced YTT has healthcare in mind, for example, our Yoga in Healthcare includes meditation and mindfulness teaching skills, that empower yoga teachers to interface more effectively with doctors and health care professionals.
Visit Prema Yoga Institute to learn more about our training, which is now available online with interactive trainings through 2022! Courses count as CE Credits with Yoga Alliance OR towards your RYT500 at Prema Yoga Institute.
PYI is an accredited program based in New York city, teaching students around the globe through online classes. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you advance your yoga practice and teaching!
Prema Yoga Institute is longer limited to New York City and is now available online with interactive trainings through 2022. PYI is an accredited program based in New York city, teaching students around the globe through online classes. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you advance your yoga practice and teaching!
If you found this information useful, visit our Blog often or subscribe to our Mailing List for similar content.
Advanced Yoga Teacher Training - Learning Motivational Interviewing
Advanced Yoga Teacher Training - Learning Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is a yoga professional's secret communication tool.
Becoming an RYT (registered yoga teacher) is not the end of your introductory training; it's the beginning of the learning experience. There is immense opportunity for continued education, advanced yoga teacher trainings, and niche coursework available to you.
Teaching yoga goes beyond simply directing asana and into developing relationships. Your influence on your students' journey can be powerful, compassionate, and healing. One way to start purposefully communicating with your students is with Motivational Interviewing (MI).
Advanced YTT: What is Motivational Interviewing?
Between intense listening and dishing out directions lies Motivational Interviewing (MI). Motivational Interviewing is communication to address indecision or ambivalence without giving advice or engaging in confrontation. The practitioner uses a specific skill set to engage the student and draw out strengths, concerns, and meaning. The student is then able to facilitate changes if they so desire.
Motivational Interviewing is a partnership that understands that people are autonomous and are the foremost expert on their minds and bodies.
Motivational Interviewing encourages exploration of priorities, goals, and the like to create change. MI practitioners remain without judgment, show empathy, and support all decisions made with the utmost respect shown to the student.
Learn The Fundamental Processes of Motivational Interviewing
There are several fundamental processes in Motivational Interviewing. The practitioner is there to listen and reflect on the experiences and perceptions of the student. The process of communication becomes focused after both parties agree on a purpose. Evoking is the process of helping the student determine their reasonings for change, with the student's thought process leading the way. Lastly, the planning stage of Motivational Interviewing looks at the tools needed to follow through with change and create success steps.
Motivational Interviewing is particularly effective when a student is ambivalent, lacking confidence and desire to change, and the pros and cons of change are muddled. These signs are seen when people confront lifestyle changes, mental health challenges, and illness and imbalance.
How can using Motivational Interviewing in Yoga enhance the teacher-student relationship?
The practice of yoga encourages inward reflection, listening to your body, and connecting to yourself during a yoga session. What would it be like if your teachings could have insights into your student's inward journey?
Joining yoga and Motivational Interviewing builds trust and opens up that inward journey. Students have a safe space to communicate, without commentary, about their yoga intentions, journey, or challenges. You become the teacher that is a trusted source of empathy and individual guidance.
Motivational Interviewing provides clear feedback from your students and allows you to adjust your teachings to meet your student's strengths. As ambivalence fades and students make decisions, they become the central character in their yoga journey. You are still there to ask open questions and receive information, but the "shoulds" that many students do not benefit from are gone.
Learn more about Motivational Interviewing with Advanced Yoga Teacher Training
The skills and understanding of MI come with training, practice, and experience. Choosing to advance your knowledge base with advanced yoga teacher training opens up a world of possibilities for your career and community. Imagine reaching your students and supporting their progress based on their words and thoughts, thereby overcoming ambivalence and uncertainty. Motivational Interviewing makes this happen.
If you’re curious to learn more and advance your yoga teacher training, reach out to us at Prema Yoga Institute.
In fact, we’d love to invite you to enroll in our online courses. Our Advanced YTT has healthcare in mind, for example, our Yoga in Healthcare includes meditation and mindfulness teaching skills, that empower yoga teachers to interface more effectively with doctors and health care professionals.
Visit Prema Yoga Institute to learn more about our training, which is now available online with interactive trainings through 2022! Courses count as CE Credits with Yoga Alliance OR towards your RYT500 at Prema Yoga Institute.
PYI is an accredited program based in New York city, teaching students around the globe through online classes and trainings. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you advance your yoga practice and teaching!
Prema Yoga Institute is longer limited to New York City and is now available online with interactive trainings through 2022. PYI is an accredited program based in New York city, teaching students around the globe through online classes. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you advance your yoga practice and teaching!
If you found this information useful, visit our Blog often or subscribe to our Mailing List for similar content.