200 Hour Nervous System Yoga Program Curriculum

 

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Specialization: Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Meditation
Core Focus Areas: Nervous System Regulation, Yoga Anatomy, Yoga Philosophy, Pranayama, Yoga History
Delivery: In-person & hybrid model
Certification: 200-Hour International Yoga Alliance Accredited

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Module 1: Foundations of Stillness-Based Yoga (25 hours)

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• Principles and key distinctions: Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, and Meditation

• The role of stillness and introspection in modern yoga

• Understanding the subtle body: koshas, prana, chakras, and nadis

• Introduction to nervous system-based teaching and trauma sensitivity

• Setting intentions: the role of Sankalpa and spiritual inquiry

 

Module 2: Anatomy and Physiology for Passive Practices (30 hours)

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• Functional anatomy for Yin and Restorative postures

• Connective tissue, fascia, and skeletal variation

• Nervous system anatomy: vagus nerve, brain-body connection, polyvagal theory

• Understanding the breath and respiratory system

• Contraindications and physical considerations in stillness-based yoga

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Module 3: Nervous System Regulation and Somatic Awareness (25 hours)

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• The physiology of stress, trauma, and relaxation

• Sympathetic vs. parasympathetic states in yoga

• Somatic approaches to grounding and emotional processing

• Breath as a tool for nervous system balance

• Creating safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed spaces

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Module 4: Yin Yoga Methodology and Teaching (30 hours)

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• Pose breakdowns, variations, and modifications

• Meridian theory and energy flow in Yin Yoga

• Sequencing for joints, organs, and emotional balance

• Holding space: timing, silence, and verbal cues

• Adjustments, use of props, and hands-off teaching principles

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Module 5: Restorative Yoga Methodology and Teaching (30 hours)

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• Therapeutic benefits and the science of rest

• Restorative posture setup, prop usage, and support techniques

• Sequencing for emotional regulation, anxiety, fatigue, and burnout

• Breath awareness and meditation integration

• The art of slowing down: tone, presence, and pacing

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Module 6: Yoga Nidra and Meditation (25 hours)

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• History and development of Yoga Nidra practices

• Step-by-step structure of a Yoga Nidra session

• Understanding the subconscious mind and neuroplasticity

• Writing and delivering guided scripts

• Meditation techniques: mindfulness, breath-focused, mantra, and visualization

• Cultivating presence and awareness through stillness

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Module 7: Yoga Philosophy, History, and Ethics (20 hours)

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• Foundations of yoga philosophy: The Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, and Upanishads

• Eight Limbs of Yoga and their application to meditative practices

• The evolution of modern yoga and therapeutic lineages

• Yamas and Niyamas in the context of stillness and teaching ethics

• Ethics of teaching: trauma-informed, inclusive, and responsible leadership

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Module 8: Pranayama and Breathwork (15 hours)

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• Foundations of breath awareness and control

• Techniques for calming, energizing, and balancing the nervous system

• Teaching breathwork safely in slow-paced classes

• Integrating breath into Yin, Restorative, and Yoga Nidra practices

• Breath and emotional resilience

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Module 9: Teaching Practicum and Integration (25 hours)

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• Practice teaching: Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, and Meditation

• Peer feedback and instructor evaluation

• Building themed sequences and intentional class planning

• Voice, presence, and language refinement

• Integrating philosophy and nervous system principles into teaching

• Capstone: lead a 60-minute final teaching session

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Graduation Requirements

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• Full attendance of contact hours

• Completion of written assignments and journaling reflections through Virtual Prana

• Completion of Teaching Assignments

• Participation in group sharing and integration sessions

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