YTTC Level 2

Pranayama Principles

• The concept of prana and its flow through the body
• The role of breath in meditation and self-regulation
• The importance of correct breathing

Pranayama Techniques

• Bhastrika Pranayama (Rapid-Fire Breathing)
• Kapalabhati Pranayama (Skull Shining Breath)
• Suryabhedhan / Chandrabhedhan
• Nadi Shuddhi / Alternate nostril breathing
• Ujjayi Pranayama (Victorious Breath)
• Bhramari Pranayama (Humming Bee Breath)
• Sheetali & Shitkari
• Therapeutic Breathwork for stress & emotional regulation, anxiety, panic attack, etc.

Kumbhaka and Bandhas

• Understanding kumbhaka (breath retention) and its types
• Exploring the three bandhas (energy locks) and their functions

Mudra Practice

• Introduction to mudras from the Hatha Yoga scriptures — hand gestures with their energetic significance
• Exploring specific mudras for various purposes (e.g., healing, meditation)
• Incorporating mudras into asana and pranayama practice

Kriya Techniques

• Understanding the concept of kriyas (cleansing techniques)
• Sutra Neti (nasal cleansing)
• Danda Dhouti (stomach cleansing)
• Shankha Prakshalana (master cleanse)
• Tratak (candle gazing)
• Kapalabhati (skull shining breath)
• Safety considerations and contraindications for kriyas

Body-Mind Connection

• Understanding the relationship between the physical body and the mental mind
• Techniques for cultivating body-mind awareness
• Practices for integrating the body and mind through asana, pranayama, and meditation

Mindfulness, Meditation & Yog Nidra

• Mindfulness techniques for present-moment awareness
• Meditation practices for cultivating focus, concentration, and inner peace
• Guided meditations for stress reduction, relaxation, and self-inquiry
• The art & science of Yog Nidra, a guided relaxation technique that promotes deep relaxation and rejuvenation

Other Types of Dynamic Meditations

• Walking meditation, dancing meditation, and chanting meditation

Basic Human Anatomy

• Basic anatomical terminology: revision of the key anatomical terms used in asana practice
• Asana anatomy in depth: detailed analysis of the muscles, bones, and joints involved in specific asanas
• Identifying potential areas of strain or injury, and providing modifications based on anatomical differences
• Joints and their range of movement, and common joint injuries and conditions in yoga practice
• Alignment and proprioception: principles of proper alignment, anatomical planes, and designing a class accordingly

Back Pain Management

• Understanding back pain: common causes, and the role of posture, lifestyle, and stress
• Yoga for back pain relief: therapeutic poses, sequences, breathing and relaxation techniques
• Prevention strategies: core strengthening, ergonomics, and stress management

Healthy Weight Loss Concepts

• Nutrition and metabolism: basics of nutrition and creating a balanced diet
• Yoga for weight loss: calorie expenditure, high-intensity sequences, and mindful eating
• Addressing common misconceptions about weight loss and dieting

Patanjali's Genius: Introduction to Yoga and Ashtanga Summarized

• Introduction to Patanjali: the sage who compiled the Yoga Sutras
• The Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi
• The purpose of yoga: liberation from suffering and self-realization

Demystifying the Mind: Samadhi Pada

• The nature of the mind: tendencies, fluctuations, and conditioning
• Chitta Vritti Nirodha: cessation of mind fluctuations
• Types of chitta vrittis and their impact on our experiences
• Techniques for mind control: meditation, concentration, withdrawal of senses

Elements of Practice: Sadhana Pada

• The role of Tapas (austerity) in purifying the mind and body
• Swadhyaya (self-study) and its role in gaining self-knowledge
• Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to the divine) and its significance
• The role of asana and pranayama in the context of the Yoga Sutras

Yoga Extreme: Vibhuti Pada and Kaivalya Pada

• Vibhuti Pada: the extraordinary powers attained through advanced yogic practices
• Kaivalya Pada: steps for achieving liberation, cultivating sattwa guna, and the cessation of mind fluctuations

Introduction to Chakras

• Definition and meaning: chakras as spinning energy centers
• History and significance of chakras
• The energy body and its connection to the physical body

The Seven Chakras

• Location, colour, and mantra associated with each chakra
• Chakra functions in relation to the mind, body, and emotions
• Chakra imbalance and its connection to various health issues

Self-Discovery and Chakra Assessment

• Self-discovery questions to identify blockages or misalignments
• Chakra assessment exercises to gauge balance and energy flow

Chakra Balancing Techniques

• Yoga sequences designed to balance and align each chakra
• Guided meditations and visualisations for chakra healing
• Affirmations to reprogram negative thought patterns
• Healing crystals and essential oils to support chakra balance

Practical Exercises for Chakra Healing

• Vibration check and self-diagnosis techniques
• Chakra energisation with Beeja Mantras
• Personal growth exercises: emotional release, boundary setting, self-empowerment
• Mindfulness, meditation, and creative expression (journaling, vision boards)

Additional Topics

• Bhagavad Gita as a guide to life: applying teachings to everyday challenges
• Understanding the Bhagavad Gita's relevance today
• Comparison with other yogic texts (Yoga Sutras, Upanishads)

Teaching Asana and Pranayama

• Detailed asana teaching practice
• Adapting poses for different body types and levels
• Creating safe and supportive teaching environments

Yoga Philosophy and Ethics

• Incorporating yoga philosophy into teaching
• Addressing ethical considerations in yoga teaching
• Fostering a positive and inclusive yoga community