This Is Your Brain on Yoga
Yogas citta vrtti nirodhah: yoga is the cessation of the modifications, or fluctuations, of the mind.
- yoga sutras of pantajali, Sutra 1.2.
In vedantic philosophy, every thought (vritti) leaves a “groove” or impression in the mind. Who we are, our habits, perspectives and attitudes are shaped by our environment and life experiences.
In modern science, we understand this phenomenon as neuroplasticity. Yoga gives us the power to disrupt habituated patterns, effectively rewiring our brain.
Have you ever wondered why, scientifically, yoga makes you feel the way you do? How does a practice we do on a mat make an imprint on how we live our lives?
In this 2 hour e-course, you’ll explore the relationship between yoga and neuroscience, providing you with a new, evidence-based understanding of the power of yoga.
A 2 hour introduction to the neuroscience of yoga
Course Overview
The first part of this e-course reviews the anatomy of the nervous system, outlines key brain structures and networks, explores the principles of neuroplasticity, demonstrates the mechanisms of the "Stress Response, and introduces the Polyvagal Theory and the concept of the Window of Tolerance.
Building on the foundational understanding of the Nervous System, in the second part of the course, we will dive into the brain science of three parts of the yoga practice: breathwork, movement and meditation.
For PRACTITIONERS & Teachers
This course was developed with both yoga practitioners, who want to better understand the scientific benefits of yoga, as well as for yoga instructors who want to gain an understanding of the evidence-based techniques yoga incorporates to support brain health and regulate the nervous system.