YCB Level 1 Yoga Protocol Instructor flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Yoga

Sanskrit term from root yuj, meaning to yoke or unite; in classical yoga it refers to union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness.

Karma Yoga

Path of selfless action: performing duties without attachment to results, offered as service; one of four traditional yoga paths.

Bhakti Yoga

Path of devotion: channeling emotional energy into love and surrender to a chosen deity or higher principle; one of four traditional yoga paths.

International Day of Yoga

Observed on 21 June each year after the United Nations General Assembly adopted the observance in 2014 to promote global awareness of yoga benefits.

Ashtanga eight limbs

Patanjali's eight limbs: yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi; a progressive path from ethical conduct to liberation.

Chitta-vritti-nirodhah

Patanjali's definition of yoga in Yoga Sutra 1.2: stilling or ceasing the modifications and fluctuations of the mind.

Five yamas

Ethical restraints in Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga: ahimsa (nonviolence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (moderation/continence), aparigraha (non-possessiveness).

Five niyamas

Observances: shaucha (cleanliness), santosha (contentment), tapas (discipline), svadhyaya (self-study), ishvarapranidhana (surrender to a higher principle).

Diaphragm

Primary muscle of inspiration, a dome-shaped sheet innervated by the phrenic nerve (C3-C5); contraction lowers it and increases thoracic volume.

Muscle spindle

Sensory receptor within skeletal muscle that detects stretch and triggers the stretch reflex, causing contraction; relevant to safe stretching and alignment.

Sympathetic nervous system

Branch of autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for action: increases heart rate, blood pressure, and bronchodilation and shunts blood to muscles.

Tadasana alignment

Mountain pose: feet parallel and weight even, knees soft, pelvis neutral, spine long, shoulders relaxed, chin level, and smooth breathing.

Warrior II alignment

Front knee tracks over ankle without passing toes, back foot turned at about 90 degrees, hips open, torso upright, gaze over front hand.

Counterpose principle

After a strong backbend use a gentle forward fold or neutral spine; after a deep twist use a gentle counter-twist or neutral position.

Nadi Shodhana

Alternate-nostril breathing that balances energy channels; commonly inhale left, exhale right, inhale right, exhale left; avoid retention in beginners.

Kapalabhati

Shatkarma breathing practice with forceful active exhalations and passive inhalations; contraindicated in hypertension, hernia, epilepsy, pregnancy, and recent abdominal surgery.

Mula Bandha

Pelvic-floor lock: gentle contraction and lift of the perineal and pelvic floor muscles; used with breath and asana, but avoid straining or breath holding.

Trataka

Steady gazing at a candle flame or point followed by closing the eyes; avoid in glaucoma, retinal disease, epilepsy, and severe anxiety.

Yoga for hypertension

Emphasize slow breathing, relaxation, and gentle asanas; avoid inversions, forceful breath retention, and intense kapalabhati unless cleared by a clinician.

Yoga for osteoporosis

Avoid deep spinal flexion, loaded twisting, and high-impact transitions; emphasize extension, balance, and weight-bearing with supervision and medical clearance.

Scope of practice

Yoga instructors teach yoga and do not diagnose or treat disease; refer clients with red flags to licensed healthcare clinicians.

Relaxation response

Physiological state elicited by slow breathing, meditation, or savasana: increased parasympathetic tone, lower heart rate, and support for digestion and sleep.

Yoga Nidra

Guided systematic relaxation using rotated awareness; it is a relaxed meditative state, not sleep, and may support stress reduction.

HPA axis

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis; stress activates it to release cortisol, mobilizing energy and affecting mood, immunity, and sleep.

Teaching cueing

Use concise verbal directions, demonstration, and optional consented touch; state whether mirroring or using anatomical left and right.

Props for modifications

Blocks, straps, blankets, chairs, and bolsters create base, progression, and regression options so poses fit different bodies and abilities.

Inclusive language

Invitational cues such as 'you may' and options for different abilities; avoid body-shaming, comparisons, and assumptions about students.

Lesson plan components

Audience, objectives, contraindications, equipment, timed sequence, teaching cues, modifications, assessment, and closure; written before class.

Class arc

Centering, warm-up, main standing or flow sequence, peak intensity, cool-down, savasana, and closing; timings should match total class duration.

Sequencing rule

Warm up spine and major joints before deep poses; introduce peak pose after preparation and follow with counterposes and relaxation.

Practicum assessment

Evaluates clear introduction, safety screening, objective, demonstration, cueing, observation, modifications, pacing, voice, inclusiveness, and closure.

Lesson plan viva

Oral exam requiring justification of sequence, contraindications, props, timing, and modifications for hypothetical students and conditions.