Yoga and Meditation: Current Practices and Solutions

Study Course Description

Course Description Statuss:Approved

Course Description Version:4.00

Study Course Accepted:26.08.2024 15:32:02

Study Course Information
Course Code:		SUUK_281		LQF level:		Level 6
Credit Points:		2.00		ECTS:		3.00
Branch of Science:		Sports Science		Target Audience:		Medicine
Study Course Supervisor
Course Supervisor:		Gints Peleckis
Study Course Implementer
Structural Unit:		Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
The Head of Structural Unit:
Contacts:		Riga, Cigoriņu iela 3, spkrsu[pnkts]lv, +371 67611559; gints[pnkts]peleckisrsu[pnkts]lv
Study Course Planning
Full-Time - Semester No.1
Lectures (count)		1	Lecture Length (academic hours)		2	Total Contact Hours of Lectures		2
Classes (count)		7	Class Length (academic hours)		2	Total Contact Hours of Classes		14
Total Contact Hours								16
Full-Time - Semester No.2
Lectures (count)		1	Lecture Length (academic hours)		2	Total Contact Hours of Lectures		2
Classes (count)		7	Class Length (academic hours)		2	Total Contact Hours of Classes		14
Total Contact Hours								16
Study course description
Preliminary Knowledge:
Preliminary knowledge of the basics of physiology and anatomy is recommended in order to be able to better navigate the analysis of the mechanisms of action of yoga and meditation.
Objective:
To promote the understanding of healthcare professionals about the effects of yoga and meditation practices on the mind and body by looking at the available source base of scientific literature; to help create an idea of the yoga and meditation techniques available today and their essential aspects; to develop the skills of future healthcare professionals in psycho-emotional stress management, thereby reducing the potential spread of burnout syndrome and the burden on the health care system.
Topic Layout (Full-Time)
No.	Topic			Type of Implementation		Number	Venue
1	Yoga, its historical roots; different aspects and manifestations nowadays.			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
2	Application of yoga in healthcare			Classes		1.00	E-Studies platform
3	Āsanas, their types and mechanisms of action			Classes		2.00	gym
4	Principles of Asana Sequencing in a Yoga Exercise Program			Classes		2.00	gym
5	Flexibility and myofascial chains			Classes		2.00	gym
6	Meditation, its history; different aspects and manifestations in our time			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
7	Impact of Different Kinds of Meditation on the Brain			Classes		1.00	E-Studies platform
8	Yoga breathing techniques, their types and mechanism of action			Classes		2.00	gym
9	Mudras and Bandhas; their types and mechanism of action			Classes		2.00	gym
10	Body-mind exercises and Relaxation techniques			Classes		2.00	gym
Assessment
Unaided Work:
• In the first semester, students learn and practice yoga postures at home. The demonstration of the learned yoga postures is part of the first semester exam. • During the study course, the student gradually prepares a personalized program of yoga exercises, taking into account the physical characteristics of the client. The yoga program forms part of the final score.
Assessment Criteria:
• At the end of the first semester there is a practical test in which the student must demonstrate a randomly selected yoga posture. The test forms part of the overall cumulative score (30%). • At the end of the second semester there is a theoretical test on the topics covered during the lectures and classes of both semesters. The test forms part of the cumulative score (40%). • At the end of the second semester, the student must prepare a personalized 15-minute yoga exercise program. The personalized program forms part of the cumulative rating (30%).
Final Examination (Full-Time):		Exam
Final Examination (Part-Time):
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:		On completion of the study course, students will know how to: describe the basics of the general history of yoga and meditation; name the most characteristic forms and manifestations of yoga and meditation today; characterize the health effects of different forms of yoga and meditation; describe the various mechanisms of action of body-mind practices.
Skills:		Having mastered this course, students will be able to: perform yoga exercises, taking into account the individual physical characteristics of the body; recommend to clients appropriate yoga exercises; perform simple meditation techniques; recommend to clients appropriate meditation techniques; navigate recent studies on the effects of yoga and meditation.
Competencies:		On completion of the study course, students will gain insight into the history of yoga and meditation, their development to the present day, and the different forms that are popular today. After the course, participants will be able to navigate different forms of yoga and meditation, find appropriate techniques for clients, as well as navigate the currently available scientific literature on yoga and meditation.
Bibliography
No.	Reference
Required Reading
1	Swanson, Ann. 2019. Science of Yoga: Understand the Anatomy and Physiology to Perfect Your Practice. First American edition. United States: DK Publishing.
2	Robertson, Laurie Hyland, Finlayson, Diane et al. 2021. Yoga Therapy Foundations, Tools, and Practice: A Comprehensive Textbook. Great Britain: Singing Dragon
3	Harrington, Jim. 2021. Yoga for Sports Performance : A Guide for Yoga Therapists and Bodyworkers. Singing Dragon.
4	West, Michael A., 2016. The Psychology of Meditation : Research and Practice. Oxford University Press. Full text available via Ebook Central Academic Complete
5	Simpkins, Annellen M., Simpkins, C. Alexander. 2016. Core Principles of Meditation for Therapy: Improving the Outcomes of Psychotherapeutic Treatments. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated. Full text available via Ebook Central Academic Complete.