Engineering Health: Introduction to Yoga and Physiology

The focus of this module is to provide a basic understanding to the workings of the trillions of cells that make up our body. The lecture provides an overview of the functioning components of the cell, energy production and signaling network of our cells. This gives us the ability to understand how cells work, and their purpose to understand cell stress and related pathologies. The yoga component of this module introduces the basics to the practice to allows us to begin building healthier cell programming and reducing cellular stress.

In this module we will explore the basic components of the Nervous system from a cellular to a physiological level. Particularly, we will focus on the components of the nervous system that are aided by yoga and mindfulness modalities. The yoga aspect of the module will focus on supporting proper posture and minimizing back pain.

The focus of this module is to provide a basic understanding of the cardiovascular system. The lecture provides an overview of the main components of the system, as well as the mechanisms behind muscle contraction. In order to understand associated pathologies, blood pressure is also highlighted in the class. The module features an interview with Dr. Marshall Hagins, who discusses the role that yoga and meditation can have on cardiovascular pathology such as hypertension. The yoga component of this module focuses on movement to increase circulation and increase your heart rate.

This module’s focus is to provide a basic understanding of the musculoskeletal system on both a physiological or macro level, as well as a micro level. In doing so, we will build an understanding of how yoga and meditation can help provide the foundation for a strong and health musculoskeletal system. In addition, this module features an interview with Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Michael Seidenstein, who will provide insight into how yoga can help treat and prevent orthopedic injury.