Specialist in Yoga Therapy for Cancer Care

Description

100-Hour Yoga Therapy for Cancer Care Curriculum for Yoga Teachers

Early bird enrollment special – This special pricing ends on December 20th: Course start February 1st

Lead teacher: Dr. Divya Matlani, PhD

This curriculum is structured into 5 modules covering theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and supervised teaching, tailored for yoga teachers and everyone interested in specializing in cancer care. The course balances evidence-based practices, holistic principles, and practical teaching techniques.

Module 1: Foundations of Yoga Therapy for Cancer (20 Hours)

1.1 Introduction to Cancer and Yoga Therapy (5 Hours)

•Understanding cancer: Types, stages, and common treatments (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, immunotherapy).

•Cancer-related side effects: Fatigue, lymphedema, neuropathy, pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.

•Overview of research on yoga and cancer care:

•Evidence-based benefits of yoga: Fatigue reduction, improved mental health, better sleep, and enhanced quality of life.

•Review of key studies

1.2 Role of Yoga in Cancer Care (5 Hours)

•Yoga as complementary care: Supporting medical treatments.

•Introduction to integrative oncology.

•Ethical considerations: Boundaries, scope of practice, and avoiding medical advice.

•Trauma-informed approaches for cancer patients.

1.3 Anatomy, Physiology, and Safety in Cancer Care (10 Hours)

•Basic anatomy and physiology of cancer.

•Impacts of treatments on the body and mind.

•Safety and contraindications for yoga practices:

•Avoiding strain, extreme poses, and overexertion.

•Understanding risks of lymphedema and surgical recovery.

•When to refer students back to their healthcare providers.

Module 2: Yoga Therapy Techniques for Cancer Care (40 Hours)

2.1 Restorative Yoga and Gentle Asanas (15 Hours)

•Principles of restorative yoga for healing.

•Key poses for cancer care: Reclined bound angle, supported child’s pose, legs-up-the-wall, and gentle forward folds.

•Modifications for physical limitations (e.g., surgical scars, fatigue, pain).

•Props and adjustments for maximum comfort and relaxation.

2.2 Pranayama (Breathing Techniques) (10 Hours)

•Diaphragmatic breathing for relaxation and reducing stress.

•Alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) for emotional balance.

•Simple breath awareness for managing fatigue and anxiety.

•Adapting breathwork for students with compromised lung function.

2.3 Meditation and Mindfulness Practices (10 Hours)

•Guided meditations for emotional resilience and mental clarity.

•Body scans and mindfulness techniques to reconnect with the body.

•Loving-kindness meditation (Metta) to foster self-compassion.

•Mindfulness for fear of recurrence and end-of-life care.

2.4 Yoga Nidra for Cancer Care (5 Hours)

•Deep relaxation techniques for managing fatigue, pain, and insomnia.

•Step-by-step Yoga Nidra scripts tailored for cancer patients.

Module 3: Teaching Yoga for Different Phases of Cancer (15 Hours)

3.1 During Active Treatment (5 Hours)

•Short, gentle practices for energy conservation.

•Techniques for managing nausea, fatigue, and neuropathy.

•Creating a nurturing and non-judgmental environment.

3.2 Post-Treatment and Survivorship (5 Hours)

•Rebuilding strength, mobility, and flexibility.

•Addressing psychological impacts: Fear of recurrence, anxiety, and depression.

•Empowering students to reconnect with their bodies.

3.3 Palliative and End-of-Life Care (5 Hours)

•Gentle yoga and meditation to enhance quality of life.

•Emotional and spiritual support through mindful presence.

•Adapting practices for bedridden students.

Module 4: Communication and Professionalism (10 Hours)

4.1 Communication Skills for Cancer Care (5 Hours)

•Active listening and creating a safe space for students.

•Using inclusive and compassionate language.

•Encouraging students to communicate openly with their healthcare team.

4.2 Collaborating with Healthcare Professionals (5 Hours)

•How to align yoga therapy with medical treatments.

•Documentation and referral processes.

•Building partnerships with integrative oncology centers.

Module 5: Practicum and Supervised Teaching (15 Hours)

5.1 Observation and Assistance Remote (5 Hours)

•Observing yoga sessions for cancer patients (live or recorded).

•Assisting experienced teachers in adapting poses and providing support.

5.2 Supervised Teaching Practice Online (10 Hours)

•Designing and teaching personalized yoga sessions for cancer care.

•Receiving feedback on teaching style, adjustments, and sequencing.

•Case study presentations: Developing care plans for hypothetical or real scenarios.

Additional Curriculum Components

Reading and Homework Assignments (5 Hours)

•Selected readings: “Yoga for Cancer” by Tari Prinster, “Yoga Therapy as a Whole-Person Approach to Health” by Lee Majewski, and research articles.

•Reflective journaling on personal experiences and insights.

Final Assessment

•Written exam – Multiple Choice: Covering theory, safety, and evidence-based practices.

•Practical assessment: Teaching a yoga session for a specific phase of cancer care.

Certification and Accreditation

•Potential pathway to further certifications in yoga therapy or integrative oncology.

This 100-hour course prepares yoga teachers to confidently and compassionately support cancer patients with personalized, evidence-based yoga practices while working in collaboration with healthcare teams.