Concept of Matha, Mitahara, Pathya & Apthaya YWI – LEVEL 2 YCB Yoga Wellness Instructor Level 2 – 400 hrs Teachers Training Course

YWI Level 2 Complete Guide

Master the dietary and environmental principles of classical yoga! Designed for Yoga Wellness Instructor (YWI Level 2) candidates, this tutorial by Shyambhai Yoga explores the foundational rules outlined in classical texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika
and Gheranda Samhita
. Learn about Matha (the ideal yogic hermitage), Mitahara (moderate and wholesome diet), and the principles of Pathya (wholesome/conducive foods) versus Apathya (unwholesome/non-conducive foods) necessary for physical vitality and spiritual progress.

In classical Hatha Yoga, progress in spiritual and physical practice depends heavily on lifestyle and dietary discipline. In this lecture from the Yoga Certification Board (YCB) Level 2 / Yoga Wellness Instructor curriculum, Shyambhai Yoga breaks down key lifestyle guidelines codified in traditional texts.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Concept of Matha (Yogic Hermitage):
    • Ideal environmental parameters for practice: clean, peaceful, free from dampness, extreme cold, or heat.
    • Structural guidelines for a practice space according to Hatha Yoga Pradipika (small entrance, clean surroundings, well-sheltered).
  • Principle of Mitahara (Moderate Diet):
    • Definition of moderate eating: filling half the stomach with solid food, one-quarter with liquids, and leaving one-quarter empty for the free circulation of air/air energy (Prana).
    • Eating with a calm, grateful state of mind offerable to the Divine (Sattvic mindset).
  • Pathya Ahara (Conducive / Wholesome Foods):
    • Wholesome grains (wheat, rice, barley), dairy (pure milk, ghee), legumes, honey, and fresh seasonal vegetables that build Ojas and support steady practice.
  • Apathya Ahara (Non-Conducive / Unwholesome Foods):
    • Foods to avoid during intensive sadhana: overly bitter, sour, pungent, salty, excessively hot, stale, or processed items that aggravate Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and disturb mental equilibrium.
Yoga Protocol Instructor YCB – Level 1 (3 months – Equivalent 200 hrs)

1.1 Yoga : Etymology, definitions, aim, objectives and misconceptions.
1.2 Yoga : Its origin, history and development.
1.3 Guiding principles to be followed by Yoga practitioners.
1.4 Principles of Yoga (Triguna, Antahkarana-chatustaya, Tri-Sharira/ Panchakosha).
1.5 Introduction to major schools of Yoga (Jnana, Bhakti, Karma, Patanjali, Hatha).
1.6 Introduction to Yoga practices for health and well being.
1.7 Introduction to Shatkarma: meaning, purpose and their significance in Yoga Sadhana.
1.8 Introduction to Yogic Sukshma Vyayama, Sthula Vyayama and Surya Namaskara.
1.9 Introduction to Yogasana: meaning, principles, and their health benefits.
1.10 Introduction to Pranayama and Dhyana and their health benefits.

2.1 Introduction and study of Patanjala Yoga Sutra including memorization of selected Sutras (Chapter l- 1-12).
2.2 Introduction and study of Bhagavad Gita including memorization of selected Slokas (Chapter 11 -47, 48, 49, 50 and 70).
2.3 Introduction and study of Hathpradipika.
2.4 General Introduction to Prasthanatrayee.
2.5 Concepts and principles of Aahara (Diet) in Hathapradipika and Bhagawadgita ( Mitahara and Yuktahara),
2.6 Significance of Hatha Yoga practices in health and well being.
2.7 Concept of mental wellbeing according to Patanjala Yoga.
2.8 Yogic practices of Patanjala Yoga: Bahiranga and Antaranga Yoga.
2.9 Concepts of healthy living in Bhagwad Gita.
2.10 Importance of subjective experience in daily Yoga practice.

3.1 Brief introduction to human body.
3.2 Meaning and Means of health promotion and role of Yoga in health promotion.
3.3 Yogic positive attitudes ( Maitri, Karuna, Mudita, Upeksha).
3.4 Concept of bhavas (Dharma, Jnana, Vairagya, Aishvarya) and their relevance in well being.
3.5 Dincharya and Ritucharya with respect to Yogic life style.
3.6 Holistic approach of Yoga towards health and diseases.
3.7 Introduction to First aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
3.8 Yogic management of stress and its consequences.
3.9 Yoga in prevention of metabolic and respiratory disorders.
3.10 Yoga for personality development.

Yoga Wellness Instructor YCB – Level 2 (4months – Equivalent 400 hrs)

1.1 Yoga: Etymology, definitions (Patanjala Yoga Sutra, Bhagwad Gita & Kathopanishad), aim, objectives and misconceptions. (YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.2 Yoga: Its origin, history and development.(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.3 Brief Introduction to Samkhya and Yoga Darshana,(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.4 Life sketches and teachings of Yoga masters (Maharishi Ramana, Shri Aurobindo Swami Vivekananda, Swami Dayananda Saraswati).(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.5 Principles of Yoga and practices of healthy living.(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.6 Principles and Practices of Jnana Yoga.(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.7 Principles and Practices of Bhakti Yoga.(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.8 Principles and Practices of Karma Yoga .(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.9 Concept and principles of Sukshma Vyayama, Sthula Vyayama, Surya Namaskara and their significance in Yoga Sadhana. .(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.10 Concept and principles of Shatkarma: Meaning, Types, Principles and their significance in Yoga Sadhana..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.11 Concept and principles of Yogasana: Meaning, definition, types and their significance in Yoga Sadhana..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.12 Concept and principles of Pranayama: Meaning, definition, types and their significance in Yoga Sadhana..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.13 Introduction to Tri Bandha and their health benefits..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.14 Dhyana and its significance in health and well being..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.15 Introduction to Yogic relaxation techniques with special reference to Yoga Nidra..(YWI – LEVEL 2)

Unit -2 Introduction to Yoga Texts
2.1 Introduction to Prasthanatrayee, Purushartha Chatushtaya and goal ofhuman life..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.2 Yoga in Kathopnishad, Prashanopanisha, Tattriyopnishad with special emphasis on Panchakosha Vivek and Ananda Mimamsa..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.3 Concept of Sthitaprajna, Bhakti, Karma and Dhyana in Bhagavad Gita..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.4 Significance of Bhagavad Gita in day to day life..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.5 Concept of healthy living in Bhagavad Gita (Ahara, Vihara, Achara, Vichara)..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.6 Study of Patanjal Yoga Sutra including selected sutras from following chapters (I- I to 12, 11- 46 – 51, 111- 1 to 4)..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.7 Concept of Chitta, Chitta Bhumi, Chitta Vritti, Chitta Vikshepa, Chittaprasadanam and their relationship with wellness..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.8 Bahiranga Yoga of Maharishi Patanjali (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara)..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.9 Antaranga Yoga of Maharisi Patanjali (Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi)..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.10 Concept of mental well being according to Patanjala Yoga..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.11 Hatha Yoga: Its parampara, knowledge of basic Yoga texts (Hatha Pradipika and Gherand Samhita). Relationship between Hatha yoga and Raja Yoga..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.12 Sadhaka and Badhaka tatva, principle to be followed by Hatha Yoga practitioner .(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.13 Concept of Matha, Mitahara, Pathya & Apthaya..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.14 Concepts of Nadis, Prana and Pranayama for Subjective experiences..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.15 Knowledge of Hatha Yoga practices for wellness (Shatkarma, Asanas, Pranayama, Mudra, Nadaanusandhana)..(YWI – LEVEL 2)

Unit 3- Yoga for Wellness

3.1 General introduction to human body and nine major systems of human body..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.2 Introductions to sensory organs (Eyes, Nose, Ears, Tongue and Skin)..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.3 Basic functions of nine major systems of human body and homeostasis..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.4 Yogic concept of health and wellness..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.5 Concept of Tridoshas, Sapta Dhatu, Agni, Vayu and Maia; their role in wellness..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.6 Concepts of Dinacharya and Ritucharya and their importance in well being..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.7 Importance of Ahara, Nidra and Brahmacharya in well being..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.8 Yogic concept of mental hygiene: Maitre, Karuna, Mudita & Upeksha)..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.9 Importance of psychosocial environment for health and wellness..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.10 Yogic concept and principles of Ahara(Mitahara, Yuktahara)..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.11 Health benefits of Suryanamaskara, Shatkarma, Asanas, Pranayama and practices leading to Dhyana (as per the practical syllabus of the course)..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.12 Salient features and contra indications of Yoga practices for well being (as per the practical syllabus of the course)..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.13 Knowledge of common diseases; their prevention and management by Yoga..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.14 Knowledge of role of Yoga in the management of non communicable diseases..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.15 Concept of stress and Yogic management of stress and its consequences..(YWI – LEVEL 2)

Teaching methods with special reference to Yoga .

1.2 Factors influencing Yoga teaching .(YWI – LEVEL 2)

1.3 Need of teaching practice and its use in Yogic practice.(YWI – LEVEL 2)

1.4 Teaching Aids : Meaning and Need, Role of Language, Voice, Fluency, Clarity and Body language in an ideal presentation .(YWI – LEVEL 2)

1.5 Methods of teaching Yoga to an individual, small group and large group .(YWI – LEVEL 2)

1.6 Lecture cum demonstration in Yoga: Its meaning, importance and method of its .(YWI – LEVEL 2)

Presentation 1.7 Lesson plan: Its meaning and need .(YWI – LEVEL 2)

1.8 Preparation of lesson plan in Yoga, Preparation of lesson plan for an individual and for a group .(YWI – LEVEL 2)

1.9 Presentation of lessons in specific Yogic practices: Kriya, Asana, Pranayama, and Dhyana..(YWI – LEVEL 2)

1.10 Assessment of a Yoga class (detection and correction of mistakes). .(YWI – LEVEL 2)

Face Yoga Teachers Training Course (1 month – Equivalent 90 hrs)

Face Yoga for Skin Tightening | Simple Routine for a Natural Facelift – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course

Face Yoga for Beginners: Simple Daily Exercises to Sculpt and Tighten Your Face – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course

Face YOGA Masterclass: Lift Sagging Neck, Double Chin & Fine Lines Naturally – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course

Skin Stucture & Components – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course

Migrain Sinuses Face Yoga – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course

TMJ, Lymphatic Drainage, Accupresure Points – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course

Face Yoga Theory: Complete Guide to Skin Layers & Melanin – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course

Layers of Skin : Elastin, Hyaluronic Acid, Sebum & Acne Explained – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course

Layers of Skin : Hypodermis, Diet for Acne & Milia Explained – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course

Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascia – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course

Facial Concerns & Their Solutions – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course

Theories of Ageing – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course

Skin Life and Nutrition – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course

Teaching Methodology – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course

Practice with Gua-sha – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course

Practice with Roller – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course

Facial Exercises – Face Yoga Teacher Training Course – 90 hrs, 1 month

Yoga Volunteer Course YCB (1 month – Equivalent 36 hrs)

1.1 Meaning, History and Development of Yoga.

1.2 Schools of Yoga.

1.3 The fundamentals of Yoga.

1.4 Yogic Practices for Health and Wellness.

1.5 General guidelines for Yogic Practice.

1.6 Yogic principles of Food.

2.1 Prayer: Concept and recitation of Pranava and hymns.

2.2 Cleansing Practice (Technique, Contraindications and Benefits):

2.3 Chalana Kriya/Loosening Practice (Technique, Contraindications and Benefits):

2.4 Yogasana (Technique, Contraindications and Benefits):

2.5 Pranayama (Technique, Contraindications and Benefits):

2.6 Dhyana (Technique and Benefits):

2.7 Classes related to life management and preventive health

Ayurvedic Diet and Nutrition Course (1 month – Equivalent 36 hrs)

1.Introduction to Ayurveda

2. Panchamahabhuta Theory

3. Tridosha Theory & Prakriti (Body Constitution)

4. Dhatus (Body Tissues)-Saptadhatus

5. Mala (Waste Products)-Trividhamala

6.Agni (Digestive Fire)- Jatharagni,Bhutagni,Datvagni

7.Ama (Toxins)

8.Dinacharya (Daily Regimen)

9. Ritucharya (Seasonal Regimen)

10.Ahara (Ayurvedic Diet & Nutrition)

11.Yoga and Ayurveda

12.Basic Ayurvedic Herbs

13.Panchakarma Introduction

14.Mental Health in Ayurveda

15. Adanakala(Uttarayana)

Meditation Teachers Training Course (1 month – Equivalent 90 hrs)

Unit 1: Foundations of Meditation Yoga

1.1 Introduction to Meditation Yoga: History and Principles
1.2 Understanding the Mind: Psychology and Neuroscience of Meditation
1.3 The Role of Breathing in Meditation
1.4 Techniques for Stress Management and Emotional Balance
1.5 Creating the Ideal Meditation Environment
1.6 Safety and Ethical Guidelines for Meditation Yoga Instructors

Unit 2: Core Meditation Practices

2.1 Guided Meditation Techniques: Body Scan, Breath Awareness, and Visualization

2.2 Mindfulness Meditation: Living in the Present

2.3 Concentration and Focus Training Techniques
2.4 Chakra Meditation: Balancing Energy Centers

Unit 3: Advanced Concepts in Meditation Yoga

3.1 Mantra Meditation: The Power of Sound

3.2 Yoga Nidra: Deep Relaxation Techniques

3.3 Teaching Philosophy and Emotional Intelligence for Instructors

3.4 Designing Meditation Yoga Classes for Diverse Audiences

Unit 4: Practicum and Teaching Experience

4.1 Hands-on Practice of Core Techniques

4.2 Scenario-based Teaching Demonstrations

4.3 Peer and Instructor Feedback

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