YCB Level 1 Yoga Protocol Instructor key terms

An Indian discipline that unites body, breath and mind through ethical rules, postures, breathing methods, meditation and lifestyle choices, with the aim of reducing suffering and settling the mind into steady inner quiet.

The 'royal path' of yoga that stresses mental training: ethical restraint, posture, breath control, sense withdrawal, concentration, meditation and absorption. It is closely identified with Patanjali's eight-limbed system.

A branch of yoga built on physical methods - postures, breath regulation, locks, seals and internal cleansing - used to purify the body, balance its energies and prepare the practitioner for deeper meditation.

Patanjali's eight-limbed framework: yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi. The limbs progress from outer conduct and bodily steadiness to increasingly subtle mental discipline.

The first limb of Patanjali's path: five social restraints - non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, restraint of sensual craving and non-possessiveness - that govern how a practitioner relates to others.

The second limb: five personal observances - cleanliness, contentment, disciplined effort, self-study and surrender to a higher principle - that shape the practitioner's private habits and inner attitude.

The shifting patterns or 'whirlings' of the mind - thoughts, memories, judgements and impulses. Patanjali defines yoga as the stilling of these fluctuations so awareness rests in its own nature.

A classical Sanskrit text of short aphorisms in four chapters that defines yoga as mental stillness and sets out the eight limbs, the obstacles on the path and the fruits of practice.

One of five 'sheaths' said to layer the human being - physical body, energy, mind, wisdom and bliss. Yoga practices are said to work through these layers from the outermost to the innermost.

A physical posture held with steadiness and ease. It is the third limb of Patanjali's path and the main working tool of hatha yoga for building strength, flexibility and the ability to sit quietly.

Sanskrit for 'steady and comfortable' - the two qualities Patanjali requires of a posture. Effort gives firmness and support, relaxation of unnecessary tension gives ease, and together they allow long, stable sitting.

A flowing sequence of about twelve postures linked to the breath - forward bends, lunges, a plank, an upward stretch and a backbend - used as a warm-up and as a complete practice in its own right.

Mountain pose: standing upright with feet together or hip-width apart, weight even, legs active, spine long and arms by the sides. It teaches the basic standing alignment used in most other standing postures.

Cobra pose: lying prone with legs extended and hands under the shoulders, lifting the chest by extending the spine while the pelvis stays grounded. It strengthens the back and opens the front of the body.

Corpse pose: lying supine with limbs relaxed and palms facing up, eyes closed and attention on the breath. Used at the end of practice so the body can integrate effort and the nervous system can settle.

The way bones, joints and muscles are arranged in a posture so that weight is carried efficiently and no joint is forced. Good alignment cues make poses safer and steadier.

A posture chosen to reverse or balance the effect of the previous one - for example a gentle forward bend after a backbend, or a twist taken to each side in turn - keeping the body even.

A fixed gazing point used during posture and breath practice, such as the tip of the nose, the navel or a point on the floor. It narrows attention and helps steady the mind.

Conscious regulation of the breath, including inhalation, exhalation, retention and the ratio between them. It is the fourth limb of Patanjali's path and is used to calm and energise body and mind.

The vital energy that yoga holds to sustain body and mind. It is said to move through subtle channels and to be influenced directly by breath, food, rest and mental state.

Alternate-nostril breathing: inhaling through one nostril and exhaling through the other, usually with the hand in a nasal seal. It is used to balance the two sides of the energy system and calm the mind.

A cleansing breath of short, forceful exhalations produced by quick abdominal snaps, with inhalation happening passively. It is one of the six shatkarmas and is practised on an empty stomach.

A seal or gesture, usually of the hands and fingers, held during posture, breathing or meditation to direct energy and support focus. Common examples are chin mudra and jnana mudra.

A lock: a deliberate, held contraction of a specific area - throat, abdomen or pelvic floor - used with breath retention to contain and redirect energy during practice. It should be learned under supervision.

The six classical cleansing procedures of hatha yoga - neti, dhauti, nauli, basti, kapalabhati and trataka - intended to clear excess mucus and impurities and prepare the body for breath and posture work.

The dome-shaped muscle separating chest from abdomen that drives quiet breathing. When it contracts it flattens, enlarging the chest cavity so that air is drawn in.

The natural, balanced curve of the spine - gentle hollows at the neck and lower back, a gentle rounding in the upper back - in which load is spread most evenly and movement is safest.

The amount of movement available at a joint in a given direction before tissue resistance or pain stops it. Instructors use it to choose suitable postures and to track a student's progress.

The body's general response to demand - faster heart rate, quicker breathing, muscle tension and stress hormones - which is useful briefly but harmful when it stays switched on for long periods.

The calm state opposite to stress: slower heart rate and breathing, lower blood pressure, relaxed muscles and reduced stress hormones, produced by slow breathing, relaxation and meditation practice.

Paying attention on purpose to what is happening in the present moment - breath, body sensation, thought - without judging it. In yoga it is trained through posture, breath and meditation practice.

A health condition or situation in which a practice should be avoided or changed - for example inversions in uncontrolled high blood pressure, or deep twists in pregnancy - in order to prevent harm.

A written outline of a class: the group and its needs, aims, sequence of practices with timings, teaching points, modifications, contraindications and how the session will be reviewed.

A planned change to a posture or practice - a simpler version, prop support, shorter hold or an alternative - so that a particular student can take part safely and still gain the intended benefit.

A short, clear spoken instruction telling students what to do with a body part or the breath, ideally timed with the movement so the class can follow without watching the teacher.

Showing a posture or technique to the class while continuing to explain key points and observe students. Good demonstrations are brief, visible to everyone and matched to the students' level.