Description

OVERVIEW

The timetable is flexible depending on participant contribution and feedback.

Topics will include:

• An introduction to the western approach and what we mean by the term relaxation.
• Boundary setting and general considerations for safe, effective practice of deep and brief relaxation
• Overview of relaxation techniques to be explored, including physiological and psychological effects
• Practical experience of some of these techniques with reference to environment, posture and attention to breath
• Comparison of Western relaxation techniques to concepts of Pratyahara, Dharana and Dhyana, Yama and Niyama, the Koshas, the Gunas, Sankalpa and svadhyaya in yoga
• Discussion and exchange of ideas as to how these techniques and principles might be applied and integrated into a general yoga class or to personal practice

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1. to establish ground rules and outline personal safety of participants 
2. to introduce the western medical theory of relaxation in terms of sympathetic versus parasympathetic nervous system influence
3. to introduce the physical, physiological, emotional and psychological effects of what is termed ˜relaxation"
4. to introduce and facilitate practice of progressive relaxation techniques such as applied, differential relaxation, behavioural relaxation and stretch
5. to facilitate discussion and enquiry as to how these techniques relate to the gunas and koshas in yoga philosophy
6. to outline the intrinsic, environmental and other factors that may influence the planning and delivery of a relaxation session to self and others, including in a yoga class setting
7. to introduce and explore Patanjali's sutras in relation to yama, niyama, and svadhyaya
8. to facilitate the safe practice of cognitive / psychological and behavioural relaxation techniques
9. to explore and discuss the relevance of self-study, moral guidance and observances in daily life, and in the practice of yoga and relaxation techniques
10. to introduce and facilitate practice of multi-sensory imagery and metaphor, and autogenic / cognitive approaches in facilitating relaxation responses with reference to contraindications and cautions 
11. to introduce short/ brief relaxation techniques as mental health ˜first aid"
12. to consider the physiological and psychological effects of breath awareness and control including abdominal breathing, 3-part and 9-part breathing, and puraka and recaka kumbhaka
13. to consider and explore pratyahara, dharana and dhyana as relaxation techniques

Participants will be able to:

1. safely experience a variety of relaxation techniques used in the West and in Yoga including progressive relaxation techniques such as applied, differential, behavioural relaxation and stretch
2. to safely apply knowledge and skills learned to self and others in a yoga class setting as appropriate to additional yoga teacher training
3. understand and explain how different techniques may influence the central nervous system
4. understand and explain the difference between the physiological and psychological effects of what is termed "relaxation"
5. outline the difference between ˜deep" and ˜brief" relaxation techniques and when to apply each
6. outline the sutras of Patanjali relating to yama, niyama and svadhyaya 
7. safely self practice and introduce in a group relaxation setting such as a yoga class, the use of multi-sensory imagery, metaphor and self-talk / sankalpa as relaxation techniques
8. understand and explain when it is appropriate and safe to use brief relaxation techniques as mental health ˜first aid"
9. practice abdominal breath, 3-part and 9-part breath and breath retention if appropriate for them, as a method of self observation and self discipline in relation to relaxation responses
10. understand and explain pratyahara, dharana and dhyana as facilitators of relaxation responses

Additional Information

What to Bring

Blocks, Bolsters/Cushions, Notebook, Mat.