This is a test-only course (book not included). The book can be purchased through Amazon or another source.

Transcription

1 Title of Course: Yoga as Medicine: the Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing CE Credit: 8 Hours Learning Level: Intermediate Authors: Timothy McCall, MD Course Abstract: This is a test-only course (book not included). The book can be purchased through Amazon or another source. This course is based on the book Yoga as Medicine: the Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing by Timothy McCall, MD, a medical doctor trained in the United States and avid yoga practitioner. Dr. McCall describes the practice of yoga as a technology for promoting health, and as a major emphasis presents scientific research that demonstrates the beneficial effects of yoga for ameliorating many common illnesses. This course is intended to correct common misconceptions about yoga and to provide a framework for understanding the conditions under which yoga may be beneficial for a variety of health and mental health issues. The general health benefits of yoga are discussed, followed by a discussion of yoga s role in treating anxiety and panic attacks, arthritis, asthma, back pain, cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, diabetes, fibromyalgia, headaches, heart disease, high blood pressure, HIV/AIDS, infertility, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, menopause, multiple sclerosis, and obesity. This course is intended for health and mental health professionals who have an interest in integrative and alternative medicine. Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking this course, participant will be able to: 1. Define common terminology associated with yoga practice 2. Name several major types of yoga 3. Identify common misperceptions about yoga as a health practice 4. List guidelines for practicing yoga safely 5. Describe scientific research literature supporting yoga as a technique for improving health 6. Identify differences between therapeutic yoga and conventional medicine 7. Identify strategies for integrating yoga into ones lifestyle Please Note: You will no longer be able to download this course pdf once you pass the online posttest. If you would like to save this document, please do so prior to taking your test online Professional Development Resources #80-49 Yoga as Medicine: the Yogic Prescription Page 1 of 9

2 5 Steps for Completing this Course Print This Document: The posttest questions on the following pages are presented in the same order as information is presented in the course book. We recommend marking your answers on the printed test as you study the course book. Study Course Materials: Mark your answers on the CE test as you read through the course book. Submit Test for Grading: Submit your test answers online for instant results (80% or better to pass, 3 chances to take test, please note incorrect answers are ONLY shown upon grading). Here s how: a. Login to your b. Click on My Courses from your account dashboard c. Click the link to attend this course d. Click the view/print/take test link to open online test e. Mark your answers & submit when finished Complete Course Evaluation: After passing the test you will be prompted to complete the program evaluation (required to earn a certificate of completion). Certificates are dated the day you complete the evaluation, regardless of when you passed the online posttest. Please note our system time zone is Eastern Standard. Print Certificate of Completion: Upon successful completion of the CE test and evaluation, you will have instant access to print your certificate from the My Certificates page of your account. Just click on the course name to view and print your certificate. Certificates are permanently stored in your account for future use. Yoga as Medicine Posttest 1. Which of the following is/are among the benefits of yoga? a. Yoga tends to interact negatively with other health practices b. Yoga provides a more comprehensive understanding of health and illness than Eastern medicine c. Yoga practice decreases heart rate to within the aerobic training zone d. Yoga is preventive medicine, partly because it increases immune functioning 2011 Professional Development Resources #80-49 Yoga as Medicine: the Yogic Prescription Page 2 of 9

3 2. What is yoga? a. It is a religion b. It is a practice suited only for the fit, flexible, and those in good health c. It is a systematic, scientific set of practices to improve health originating in India d. It is a practice devoted to the teachings and poses used by one yogi or yoga teacher 3. Which of the following statements is true? a. All yoga is therapeutic (e.g., a remedy for specific health problems) b. Therapeutic yoga is different from the typical yoga class, because individuals with medical issues may require modifications of some poses in order to prevent injury c. Teachers in a typical yoga studio in the United States are usually trained in therapeutic yoga and know how to modify poses for specific medical conditions d. Anyone, even someone with medical problems, can walk into a typical yoga class and their health will benefit 4. Which group of health conditions has been shown to benefit from the practice of yoga in scientific research? a. Diabetes, heart disease, and renal disease b. Mental retardation, schizophrenia, and trichinosis c. Depression, anxiety, and mania d. Alcoholism, eating disorders, and chronic pain 5. Which of the following statements is true? a. Research has shown that poor posture is related to premature death b. The cartilage in the spine has its own blood supply c. Breathing through the mouth filters pollen and pollutants from the air d. Back pain can be caused by tightness in the quadriceps, the muscles that run down the front of the thigh 6. Which of the following statements is true? a. Yogic awareness can be used to suppress emotions, which can facilitate acting deliberately later rather than impulsively sooner b. A research study showed that yoga can change neurotransmitter levels with a significant decrease in serotonin levels and increase in levels of cortisol and monoamine oxidase c. Yoga promotes weight loss due to the large amount of time required to practice shifting time from eating to exercising d. The upside down poses in yoga improves venous return of blood from the legs to the heart 7. Which of the following describes the relationship between stress and the breath in yoga practice? a. Using the breath to control stress is one of the minor tools in yoga practice b. Controlling the breath has no impact on stress c. Much of the focus in yoga is on speeding up and taking shallow breaths d. Breathing in dysfunctional ways can both be a cause and a consequence of stress 8. Which of the following may cause stress? a. Reverse breathing b. Left-nostril breathing c. Alternative breathing d. Belly breathing 9. Which of the following poses is thought to give the benefits of deep sleep without being unconscious? a. Supported Savasana b. Viparita Karani c. Yoga Nidra d. So Ham meditation 2011 Professional Development Resources #80-49 Yoga as Medicine: the Yogic Prescription Page 3 of 9

4 10. Which of the following are tools often used in yoga? a. Ayurveda and diet b. Reflexology and massage c. Chinese herbs and supplements d. Aromatherapy and vibrations 11. Which of the following is true about yoga practice? a. If a pose is uncomfortable, stay with it until your muscles relax into the pose b. There is no need to talk to yoga teachers before class if you have a medical problem because most yoga teachers do not know how to make recommendations to modify the poses c. Hands-on adjustments might not be safe, so do not hesitate to decline assistance from a yoga teacher d. No pain, no gain 12. Which of the following describes Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy? a. It is a specific therapeutic approach that is a hybrid of yoga, bodywork, and psychotherapy; it depends on passive movement b. It is a specific therapeutic approach that is a hybrid of yoga and bodywork and is similar to Phoenix Lowering yoga c. It is a specific therapeutic approach that is a hybrid of yoga, bodywork, and psychotherapy, with the therapist offering psychological insights d. It is a gentle style in which postures are completed without assistance 13. Which of the following is true? a. One study of Integral yoga and lifestyle changes found that it reversed heart disease b. Tantric yoga focuses on a narrow range of skills c. Tantric yoga was historically significant for moving the practice of yoga from everyday life to the monastery 14. How does yoga address anxiety? a. Primarily through focusing on correct breathing techniques, which lead to a relaxation response b. Primarily through relaxing the solar plexus c. Primarily through grounding oneself on the sitbones 15. What has research on yoga for anxiety demonstrated? a. Improvements in anxiety, depression, and panic occurred after an 8-week program that included mindfulness and yoga asanas; results were maintained for 3 years following the research study b. A group of women who took Iyengar yoga for three months reported improvements in perceived stress, anxiety, well-being, vigor, fatigue, depression, and salivary cortisol levels c. Yoga was found to be more effective at relieving anxiety than tranquilizers 16. What has research on yoga for arthritis demonstrated? a. Yoga is related to a reduction in pain, an increased range of motion, and an increased grip strength b. At least five research studies on the topic have been conducted c. Participants in one research study improved well enough that several elderly women participated in triathalons afterwards 2011 Professional Development Resources #80-49 Yoga as Medicine: the Yogic Prescription Page 4 of 9

5 17. What has research on yoga for asthma demonstrated? a. At least ten studies have been conducted, all of which demonstrated benefit b. Research has demonstrated that many individuals derive significant benefit, including improvement in peak flow, fewer attacks per week, less need for medication, increased amount of oxygen in the blood, and greater exercise capacity c. All studies on the topic have demonstrated a clear benefit 18. How does yoga address back pain? a. There are many possible causes for back pain, and yoga can provide an individualized approach to addressing the core problems with fewer side effects b. Through strengthening abdominal muscles using stomach crunches c. Through mindless exercises that can be done while watching television 19. What has research on yoga for back pain demonstrated? a. At least eight studies have found that yoga postures can ameliorate back pain b. Yoga is effective for back pain, but not as much as acupuncture, Rolfing, and Feldenkrais c. Significant improvements in back pain have been found across research studies 20. How does yoga address cancer? a. Energetic yoga poses can provide a renewed sense of vitality b. Yoga can reduce stress and help manage side effects during and after chemotherapy c. Yoga visualization practices are intended to shrink tumors d. In large N studies, yoga has been shown to prevent cancer 21. What has research on yoga for cancer demonstrated? a. Among patients with prostate cancer, the blood serum of those who did yoga inhibited the growth of cancer cells more successfully than the blood serum of controls b. Yoga has been found to reduce tension, anxiety, depression, confusion, anger, fatigue, diarrhea, and emotional irritability among cancer patients c. Yoga has been found to improve sleep among individuals with cancer 22. What has research on yoga for carpal tunnel syndrome demonstrated? a. Several research studies have been conducted, with mixed results b. One research study has been conducted; it found that yoga was related to less pain and a significant improvement in grip strength compared to the control group c. One research study found that the Feldenkrias Method and Alexander Technique are more effective than yoga d. No research has been conducted on this topic 23. How does yoga address chronic fatigue syndrome? a. Stress appears to be related to chronic fatigue syndrome, and yoga has been shown to significantly reduce stress b. Restorative practices and deep relaxation are central to a therapeutic yoga approach to chronic fatigue syndrome d. None of the above 2011 Professional Development Resources #80-49 Yoga as Medicine: the Yogic Prescription Page 5 of 9

6 24. What has research on yoga for chronic fatigue syndrome demonstrated? a. Several controlled studies have been conducted b. A two-year prospective study of 20 people found that yoga was effective in combating unexplained fatigue c. A two-year prospective study of 155 people found that yoga was effective in combating unexplained fatigue 25. How does yoga primarily address depression? a. Yoga ameliorates depression by alleviating tension and reducing cortisol levels b. Yoga ameliorates depression primarily through breathing exercises c. Yoga ameliorates depression through relaxing the solar plexus 26. What has research on yoga for depression demonstrated? a. Six research studies have demonstrated lasting decreases in depression after treatment with yoga or a combination of yoga and mindfulness b. Yoga has been shown to be as effective as medication in increasing serotonin neurotransmitter levels and reducing monoamine oxidase levels d. None of the above 27. How does yoga address diabetes? a. Yoga can affect diabetes through lowering stress, because high levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol raise blood sugar levels; cortisol also promotes both overeating and accumulation of intraabdominal fat, the latter which contributes to insulin resistance b. Yoga improves the functioning of the autonomic nervous system and nerve conduction, which are related to digestive issues and blood pressure problems among diabetics c. Yoga can correct uneven patterns of weight distribution on the feet, preventing foot problems in diabetics 28. What has research on yoga for diabetes demonstrated? a. Four studies have been conducted on the topic b. Yoga is related to reductions in weight, blood sugar, blood pressure, sensitivity to insulin, nerve conduction, and diabetes medication c. Research has demonstrated that alternate nostril breathing is an essential component of yogic treatment of diabetes 29. How does yoga address fibromyalgia? a. Yoga reduces stress response, improves sleep, and alleviates pain b. Yoga primarily reduces stress and alleviates pain c. Yoga activates the sympathetic nervous system, thereby reducing stress and pain d. None of the above 30. What has research on yoga for fibromyalgia demonstrated? a. No research has directly assessed the efficacy of yoga for fibromyalgia b. Several studies of Iyengar yoga for fibromyalgia found a reduction in pain associated with the illness c. Research has demonstrated that yoga and mindfulness meditation are associated with less pain, reduced fatigue, increased well-being, more restful sleep, and better mental health 2011 Professional Development Resources #80-49 Yoga as Medicine: the Yogic Prescription Page 6 of 9

7 31. How does yoga address headaches? a. Yoga reduces stress, which is involved in tension headaches, as well as relieving muscle tension in the back, neck, and head, which contribute to headaches b. Yoga improves blood flow c. Yoga improves one s ability to notice the earliest signs of pain within the body and to notice triggers for headaches, thereby allowing someone to prevent headaches from worsening; yoga also reduces anger and hostility, which may be related to headaches 32. What has research on yoga for headaches demonstrated? a. In one study, yoga was more effective than medicine for reducing headache severity, frequency, and duration, as well as anxiety, depression; only yoga resulted in less disruption of their social and work lives b. Several studies have demonstrated that yoga and mindfulness are effective for treating headaches, resulting in less pain 33. How does yoga address heart disease? a. Stress puts added strain on the heart and increases its need for oxygen; yoga reduces stress; in addition, yoga and pranayama can provide the benefits of aerobic exercise, improving the efficiency of lung functioning and oxygenation of the blood b. Yoga lessens anger and depression, which put strain on the heart c. Yoga holistically addresses large and small blockages, unlike surgery 34. What has research on yoga for heart disease demonstrated? a. At least seven studies of yoga or breathing for heart disease have been conducted, all showing positive effects, including reductions in blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, C-reactive protein, blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, small and large blockages, and weight, in addition to reduced use of medication b. Dr. Dean Ornish s research on the Lifestyle Heart Trail, which included Integral yoga, diet, and lifestyle changes, found a reversal of heart disease c. The research studies with follow-up found that improvements in health continued for years 35. How does yoga address high blood pressure? a. Yoga reduces stress, and it is well-known that stress is related to high blood pressure b. Yoga provides exercise, weight loss, and stress reduction, all of which can reduce blood pressure; in addition, relaxation may result in structural changes (e.g., more space for blood flow) c. Yoga primarily addresses high blood pressure through lifestyle changes (attending yoga class rather than drinking or smoking cigarettes) 36. What has research on yoga for high blood pressure demonstrated? a. Yoga is more effective than simple relaxation in reducing blood pressure b. In multiple studies, yoga and meditation have been associated with significant reductions in blood pressure, including both systolic and diastolic blood pressure c. Dr. Dean Ornish s study of the Lifestyle Heart Trail has demonstrated significant drops in blood pressure due to his program 2011 Professional Development Resources #80-49 Yoga as Medicine: the Yogic Prescription Page 7 of 9

8 37. How does yoga address HIV/AIDS? a. Yoga improves immune functioning by lowering cortisol and improving the circulation of lymph b. Yoga reduces depression, encourages lifestyle changes, and is powerful preventive medicine c. Yoga can help counteract side effects of medicines, such as fat distribution problems 38. What has research on yoga for HIV/AIDS demonstrated? a. Research on yoga and mindfulness meditation have found increases of natural killer cells and CD4 T-cell count, as well as a decrease in HIV viral load b. Research on yoga has found few improvements compared to standard treatments c. Research on yoga has found a complete reversal of the disease 39. How does yoga address insomnia? a. Yoga causes a relaxation of muscle tension, which promotes sleep; deep breathing increases carbon dioxide in the blood, which promotes sleep. Yoga also teaches the practice of letting go of worries that interfere with sleep b. Yoga is related to reductions in cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which are both related to insomnia c. Yoga shifts the body from the activating sympathetic nervous system to the relaxing parasympathetic one 40. What has research on yoga for insomnia demonstrated? a. Yoga is associated with increased sleep, an easier time falling asleep, more effective sleep, and either a reduction in or elimination of the use of sleep medication b. Yoga is most effective when used as an adjunct to sleep medication in treating insomnia 41. How does yoga address irritable bowel syndrome? a. Digestion depends on the autonomic nervous system, especially the parasympathetic nervous system, which yoga activates b. Yoga can reduce stress, improve one s ability to study oneself, improve eating habits (e.g., slower eating), and facilitate a consideration of psychological contributions to irritable bowel syndrome 42. What has research on yoga for irritable bowel syndrome demonstrated? a. One study showed that yoga is more effective than drugs at treating irritable bowel syndrome b. One study showed that yoga was more effective than drugs at treating irritable bowel syndrome, but combined treatment was most effective c. Yoga and meditation are related to reductions in pain, bloating, and diarrhea 43. How does yoga address menopause? a. Yoga lessens the effects of stress, strengthens bones, builds muscle, and counteracts heart disease, all of which are related to menopause b. Yoga reduces the rate of cancers associated with the onset of menopause c. Yoga prevents menopause 2011 Professional Development Resources #80-49 Yoga as Medicine: the Yogic Prescription Page 8 of 9

9 44. What has research on yoga for menopause demonstrated? a. Yoga delays the onset of menopause b. Yoga reduces the intensity and frequency of hot flashes c. Yoga increases resilience, which is related to a better tolerance of menopause 45. How does yoga address multiple sclerosis? a. Yoga has been shown to reduce stress. Stress is related to cortisol and proinflammatory cytokines, which may fuel inflammation and contribute to the destruction of myelin lining of nerve fibers; stress is also an offshoot of living with the multiple sclerosis. b. Yoga may improve balance and coordination, breathing, and posture; these counteract muscle tightness and pain and help address fatigue 46. What has controlled research on yoga for multiple sclerosis demonstrated? a. Only one controlled study has been conducted; it found that yoga was associated with statistically significant reductions in fatigue and improvement in overall health b. A survey of nearly 2000 individuals with multiple sclerosis found that 57% reported that yoga was very beneficial c. Several other studies have found that yoga is highly effective for reducing the frequency and intensity of multiple sclerosis symptoms 47. How does yoga address obesity? a. Yoga burns calories b. Yoga reduces stress; stress is related to overeating and the formation of fat c. Yoga changes patterns of habit associated with obesity 48. What has research on yoga for obesity demonstrated? a. Yoga has been shown to be effective for weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight b. Yoga is related to improved feelings about oneself and one s body 49. Of the following, who could apply therapeutic yoga to substantially benefit the individuals with whom they work? a. Nurses and physical therapists c. Yoga teachers b. Physicians and medical researchers 50. Which of the following statements is true? a. A correct knowledge of anatomy is essential to preventing common yoga injuries, especially when conducting therapeutic yoga b. A knowledge of anatomy is not essential when teaching yoga or conducting yoga therapy c. A knowledge of anatomy is essential when conducting yoga therapy, but not when teaching yoga d. Yoga injuries are very rare 51. Which of the following are common yoga injuries that can be avoided through proper training and/or consulting with a properly trained professional? a. Joint injuries b. Broken bones c. Numbness and tingling 2011 Professional Development Resources #80-49 Yoga as Medicine: the Yogic Prescription Page 9 of 9