~ Foundations of Yogatherapy Certificate Program ~    Pacific Rim College

The Foundations of Yogatherapy is a 4-month college certificate
program designed and offered by Nikki Manzie at Pacific Rim
College.  This in-depth training includes philosophy, therapeutic
principles and techniques of yogatherapy with supervised practice and
client-clinic hours.

The therapeutic aspects of yoga extend to all levels -- physical, mental
and emotional, and also spiritual. Yoga has a depth of practice
that extends much further than physical postures, and is not limited to
those who are flexible or mobile. The practices of breath, of cultivating
focus and awareness through meditation and lifestyle, and the
accompanying eastern understandings of health, well-being and disease
all work together to create a model of yoga that is both therapeutic as well as enriching. Yogatherapy is the application of the techniques andphilosophy of yoga to support the healing and well-being of clients on all levels.

Program Objectives and Outcomes

The Foundations of Yogatherapy Certificate Program is a wonderful stand-alone program for students who have an interest in using all aspects of yoga in a therapeutic context. Students gain comprehensive knowledge and practical skill in the 8 limbs of yoga. They know how to identify various imbalances in the systems (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, energetic), and understand the causes of imbalances according to the yogic model, and then to treat these imbalances by applying the principles and techniques of yoga therapeutically.

Graduates of this program can use knowledge and experience gained to work in community health centres, clinical settings as well as private practice. They are able to work within the fields of sports medicine/therapy, general rehabilitation for injuries, surgery, illness and diseases (MS, cancer, cystic fibrosis, HIV/AIDS, and so on), as well as within other sectors of therapeutic practice such as trauma recovery and support for mental health. Yogatherapy practitioners work side-by-side physiotherapists, chiropractors, pastors and counsellors, and also work as supports for primary health practitioners such as doctors, traditional medical practitioners/doctors and naturopaths.

Graduates can combine their certificate with either Traditional Thai Massage or Fundamentals in Ayurveda and Marmatherapy, or matriculate into the Diploma of Eastern Therapeutic Bodywork, to meet advanced standards of training as deemed by the International Association of Yoga Therapists.

The Foundations of Yogatherapy Certificate Program can be taken independently or as part of the Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork.

Program Structure and Course Descriptions

- Foundations in Eastern Therapies and Bodywork
During this course, students learn the general background and cultural context for Eastern Therapeutic Bodywork with specific attention to Indian, Chinese and T’ai indigenous medicines. This course offers an introduction to the base theoretical principles, as well as the history of spirituality and medicine. Both energy medicine and healing are defined, and basic energetic anatomy – all through a comparative approach of Yogic, Ayurvedic, Thai and some basic TCM systems – are explored.

- Yogatherapy Foundations
In this course, students learn the general background and cultural context for Yogatherapy as they explore the history of yoga and therapeutic yoga, and as they are drawn deeper into the philosophy of Yoga (Classical versus Tantric philosophy; 8 Limbs and relevance to yogatherapy; Yanumoja philosophy: journeywork and themes).

- The Yogic Body, East and West
Students learn Eastern and Western anatomy as it relates to yogatherapy. They integrate anatomy, indications and contraindications through experiential learning strategies. They also learn theory and application of alignment principles, hands-on corrections, modifications, restorative postures and chair yoga. Equal weight is given to Yogic Energetic anatomy and Western anatomical perspectives.

- Breath and Meditation: Theory and Techniques
In this course, students explore theory and practice techniques of breath and meditation. They learn diagnosis and therapeutics as they relate to breath, as well as meditation, integrating knowledge of energetic systems, brain functions, and physiological affects of various techniques.

- Yogatherapy: Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Facilitation
One can have much theoretical knowledge, but it has little relevance for healing if the practical skills of facilitation, diagnosis and therapeutic application and planning are missing. This course gives students an in-depth opportunityto develop these critical skills, in peer practice, case studies, and public clinic.

- Technique Hours
Students of yoga and yogatherapy continually deepen their skill development through regular practice and application of the various techniques and principles. Throughout the duration of the program, students maintain a documented weekly yoga practice at classes, and a home practice with journal.

Augast 31th - December 16th, 2011

Cost

Please contact Pacific Rim College office

Contact

Pacific Rim College
www.pacificrimecollege.ca
250-482-2119

Teacher

Nikki Manzie, Director, Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork program

NOTE: Please require Pacific Rim College for the latest information.

www.pacificrimcollege.ca/foundations_of_yogatherapy

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nikki@thesanctuaryhealing.ca
250-589-5813
812 Finlayson Arm Rd. Victoria, BC Canada V9B 6E5