Certificate Program on Holistic Yoga for Pain Management

According to Center for Disease Control, in 2016, an estimated 20.4% of U.S. adults had chronic pain and 8.0% of U.S. adults had high-impact chronic pain. Chronic pain has been linked to numerous physical and mental conditions and contributes to high health-care costs and lost productivity. Chronic pain, one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care, has been linked to restrictions in mobility and the ability to execute daily activities, dependence on opioids, anxiety and depression, and poor perceived health or reduced quality of life.

Yoga is a panacea for pain conditions. Chronic pain triggers changes in brain structure that are linked to depression, anxiety, and impaired cognitive function. New research shows that practicing yoga reverses these effects on the brain and can relieve chronic pain (Psychology Today, May 2015). Integrated Approach to Yoga has shown to improve quality of life and reduce stress levels in people with chronic lower back pain (Int J Yoga. 2010 Jan-Jun). Holistic Yoga is the integrated approach of yoga with asanas, pranayama, relaxation techniques, meditation, reflection (Jnana Yoga), attitude towards work (Karma Yoga), acceptance of pain, and living stress-free in spite of pain (Bhakti Yoga). This helps in increasing the pain threshold, reducing stress, lowering pain, and eventually leading to pain-free life.