YCB Level 3 flashcards

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

Raja Yoga

One of four classical yoga streams; emphasizes meditation and mental control, codified in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras as the eight-limb path.

Hatha Yoga Pradipika

15th-century Sanskrit text by Svatmarama with four chapters covering asana, pranayama, mudra and bandha, and samadhi.

Saptanga Yoga

Seven-limb scheme in Gheranda Samhita: shatkarma, asana, mudra, pratyahara, pranayama, dhyana, and samadhi; it differs from Patanjali's eight limbs by including shatkarma and excluding yama/niyama.

Yoga Sutra 1.2

Sanskrit aphorism 'yogash chitta-vritti-nirodhah,' meaning yoga is the stilling or cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.

Ahimsa

First yama, meaning non-harming; in yoga teaching it requires avoiding physical force, harsh speech, and actions that cause injury or distress.

Aparigraha

Yama of non-possessiveness and non-greed; applied professionally, it limits pressure to buy services and excessive material accumulation.

Kleshas

Five afflictions in Yoga Sutras: avidya (ignorance), asmita (egoism), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of death).

Scope of practice

Legal and ethical boundaries of a yoga instructor; excludes diagnosis, prescribing medication, psychotherapy, and invasive procedures, requiring referral for medical or mental health issues.

Diaphragm

Primary muscle of inspiration; contraction lowers its dome, enlarges the thoracic cavity, and reduces intrathoracic pressure to draw air into the lungs.

Pancha vayu

Five vital airs in yogic physiology: prana, apana, samana, udana, and vyana, each associated with specific functions such as intake, elimination, digestion, speech, and circulation.

Rotator cuff

Four shoulder muscles-supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis-that stabilize the humeral head in the glenoid during arm movements.

Vagus nerve

Tenth cranial nerve, a major parasympathetic pathway; slow breathing and relaxation can increase vagal tone, reducing heart rate and supporting recovery.

Sthira sukham asanam

Yoga Sutra 2.46 definition of asana: a posture that is steady and comfortable, achieved through balanced effort and relaxation.

Shoulder stand contraindications

Avoid in cervical spine injury, uncontrolled hypertension, glaucoma, recent stroke, and late pregnancy due to neck loading and pressure changes.

Trikonasana alignment

In triangle pose, keep the front knee microbent and tracking over the toes; lengthen both sides of the waist and avoid collapsing into the lower ribs.

Manual adjustment consent

Before hands-on adjustment, obtain explicit permission, explain the intended contact, and avoid adjusting sensitive areas or students with osteoporosis, pregnancy, or injury.

Nadi shodhana

Alternate-nostril breathing that balances airflow; beginners typically use a 1:2 inhalation-to-exhalation ratio without breath retention.

Kapalabhati

A kriya/pranayama with active forceful exhalations and passive inhalations; avoid in uncontrolled hypertension, hernia, pregnancy, and epilepsy unless cleared.

Trataka

Shatkarma cleansing practice of steady gazing at a candle or point; contraindicated in glaucoma, retinal disease, and light-sensitive epilepsy.

Dharana, dhyana, samadhi

Consecutive inner limbs: dharana is focused concentration, dhyana is sustained meditation, and samadhi is absorbed union with the object.

Osteoporosis modifications

Avoid deep spinal flexion, twisting, and high-impact loading; emphasize upright extension, balance, and moderate weight-bearing with professional medical clearance.

Hypertension precautions

For uncontrolled hypertension, avoid inversions, breath retention, and vigorous pranayama; prioritize slow breathing, relaxation, and medical monitoring.

Pregnancy supine position

After about 20 weeks, avoid prolonged supine lying because the uterus can compress the inferior vena cava; use side-lying or supported reclining.

Chronic low back pain yoga

Evidence supports yoga as an adjunct for chronic low back pain, but avoid painful end-range flexion or extension and modify according to symptoms.

Class plan sequence

Typical structure: centering, warm-up, standing and peak postures, cool-down, and savasana; allocate time according to level and goals.

Three-part cue

Teaching cue format stating the posture name, the action or alignment, and the breath pattern, so students can follow safely without looking.

PAR-Q screening

Brief health questionnaire that flags individuals needing medical clearance before exercise; positive answers require referral, not independent clearance by the instructor.

Props for modifications

Blocks, straps, blankets, and chairs alter leverage, support range of motion, and reduce joint load, allowing safer participation across abilities.

SOAP note

Documentation format: Subjective reports, Objective findings, Assessment or interpretation, and Plan for future sessions and referrals.

Informed consent

Voluntary agreement after explaining risks, benefits, alternatives, confidentiality limits, and the right to withdraw, documented before instruction begins.

Incident report

Factual record of an adverse event including time, location, people involved, actions taken, and outcome; completed promptly without blame or speculation.

Professional boundaries

Limits protecting the instructor-student relationship, including avoiding dual roles, sexual contact, exploitation, and excessive personal disclosure.