Ph.D. in Yoga

Syllabus for Ph.D. in Yoga

Duration: 3 Years
Institution: Rajgor Health and Education Centre, Affiliated with Guru Kashi University

The Ph.D. program in Yoga is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of yogic philosophy, advanced practices, therapeutic applications, and research methodologies. The course emphasizes original research and its application to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.


Course Structure

Year 1: Foundation and Research Preparation

Module 1: Research Methodology in Yoga
  1. Foundations of Research:
    • Introduction to research in yoga studies
    • Types of research: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods
  2. Scientific Approach to Yoga Research:
    • Formulating hypotheses and research objectives
    • Ethical considerations in yoga research
  3. Biostatistics and Data Analysis:
    • Statistical tools for data interpretation
    • Use of software for data management

Module 2: Advanced Yogic Philosophy
  1. Study of Yogic Texts:
    • Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras
    • Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita
    • Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita’s yogic perspectives
  2. Evolution of Yoga:
    • Historical development of yoga practices
    • Contributions of modern yoga pioneers
  3. Comparative Yogic Philosophies:
    • Study of different schools of yoga (Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga)
    • Influence of Indian philosophy on global yoga practices

Module 3: Yoga Anatomy and Physiology
  1. Functional Anatomy in Yoga:
    • Role of muscles, bones, and joints in yogic practices
    • Understanding the spine and its significance in yoga
  2. Physiological Impact of Yoga:
    • Yoga’s effects on the nervous, endocrine, and respiratory systems
    • Yoga and its impact on stress and immunity

Module 4: Advanced Yogic Practices
  1. Advanced Asanas:
    • Mastery of complex yoga postures and their therapeutic effects
    • Techniques for safe practice and instruction
  2. Pranayama and Meditation:
    • Advanced breathing techniques for energy regulation
    • Meditation methods for mental clarity and emotional balance
  3. Yogic Cleansing Techniques (Shatkarmas):
    • Detailed study and practice of cleansing rituals
    • Applications for health and detoxification

Year 2: Applications and Specializations

Module 5: Therapeutic Applications of Yoga
  1. Yoga for Chronic Diseases:
    • Diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and cardiovascular issues
    • Designing yoga protocols for disease management
  2. Mental Health and Yoga Therapy:
    • Managing stress, anxiety, and depression through yoga
    • Yoga’s role in neuroplasticity and mental well-being
  3. Yoga for Special Populations:
    • Yoga for children, elderly, and pregnant women
    • Yoga adaptations for differently-abled individuals

Module 6: Yoga and Modern Science
  1. Integration with Modern Medicine:
    • Collaborative approaches to yoga and allopathy
    • Case studies of yoga-based interventions
  2. Yoga and Neuroscience:
    • Study of brainwave patterns during meditation
    • Effects of yoga on cognitive functions and emotional resilience

Module 7: Advanced Research Techniques
  1. Developing Research Proposals:
    • Literature review and gap analysis
    • Drafting a research proposal with clear objectives
  2. Field Work and Data Collection:
    • Surveys, interviews, and experimental designs
    • Collecting data for yoga-related case studies

Year 3: Research and Dissertation

Module 8: Dissertation Work
  1. Original Research:
    • Conducting in-depth research on a chosen topic in yoga
    • Collecting and analyzing data
  2. Writing the Thesis:
    • Structuring and presenting the dissertation
    • Referencing and bibliography according to academic standards
  3. Publication:
    • Writing research papers for national and international journals
    • Preparing for paper presentations and conferences

Module 9: Advanced Electives (Optional)
  1. Specialization in Therapeutic Yoga:
    • Detailed study of yoga therapy for a specific ailment or condition
  2. Yoga and Spirituality:
    • Exploring the spiritual dimensions of yoga
    • Study of advanced meditation practices

Module 10: Final Defense and Viva Voce
  1. Thesis Defense:
    • Presenting and defending the dissertation before an expert panel
  2. Viva Voce:
    • Answering queries related to the research topic
    • Demonstrating depth of knowledge and understanding

Learning Outcomes

  • Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of yoga and its applications.
  • Expertise in conducting and presenting original research.
  • Ability to integrate yoga with modern healthcare systems.
  • Skills to contribute to yoga education, therapy, and policy-making.

This program equips scholars with the ability to advance yoga research and practice globally, fostering a holistic approach to health and well-being.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a Ph.D. in Yoga from Rajgor Health and Education Centre, affiliated with Guru Kashi University.