This course gives you access to an exploration of physiological systems from the perspective of overall health and wellness. In particular, a focus on yoga, meditation and mindfulness as a therapeutic intervention in chronic illness and long term treatment. This course is intended for yoga practitioners and teachers, as well as college students and medical practitioners looking for a deeper understanding of the physiological benefits of yoga. The value of taking this course is to understand the impact that yoga can have on reducing stress, and aiding in healing or preventing physiological pathologies. Throughout this course, we will learn about different physiological systems and highlight yoga practices that can influence different systems and reduce pathology. Reading material will include analysis of scientific studies that have successfully utilized yoga practice as a tool for treatment of various illnesses such as: hypertension, stress, diabetes, insomnia, chronic pain and PTSD. In order to understanding these conditions, lectures will provide a complete understanding of the correlating physiological system. The weekly course assignment will include physiology lectures, a weekly yoga practice, suggested readings, and optional discussions for a total of 3-5 hours per week. The course will provide a tremendous amount of information and hands on experience for those interested in alternative health perspectives and a more in depth scientific understanding of this ancient healing method.

Alexandra (Ali) Seidenstein held a faculty position in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department at NYU-Tandon where she taught courses such as Genetics, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology for the Biomolecular Science Program. She also oversaw the NYU-Tandon ‘Urban Food Lab’, a vertical farm which utilizes new technology in aquaponics to grow fresh produce. Ali’s PhD work in Neural and Behavioral Science led her to join the BlueStone Clinic at NYU-Dental School. Under Dr. Bradley Aouizerat, she investigates differential gene expression changes and epigenetics associated with trauma and PTSD. After spending three years studying yoga in Mysore, India, she received her authorization to teach yoga by the late Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois. As founder and president of the non-profit organization, Kids Who Care, Inc., Ali continues to work with at risk youth, as well as teaching yoga to trauma survivors at various NYC centers. Ali has been involved with numerous projects and research endeavors focused on the science of yoga, and its impact on long term treatment.

Eddie Stern is a yoga teacher, author, and lecturer from New York City. He is known for his multi-disciplinary approach to furthering education and access to yoga, as well as his teaching expertise in Ashtanga Yoga. He recently released his first solo book, One Simple Thing: A New Look at the Science of Yoga, which examines in clear and simple language the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms that make yoga an effective practice. He is the co-founder of the international Yoga and Science Conference, which bring together researchers, doctors, healthcare workers, and yoga practitioners to learn about the latest developments in yoga and meditation research. Eddie is also the co-creator of The Breathing App which guides the user in a paced breathing exercise that balances the branches of the autonomic nervous system. The Breathing App is a simple, effective tool that has been shown to be helpful in reducing stress, improving sleep, and creating deep states of calm and balance in the user. He has been participating in scientific research on yoga since 2010.

Nearly two decades of teaching, Prof. Lee has taught in various institutions like NYU, LIU, Citytech, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital along with Polytechnic Institute of NYU. He has taught a very wide range of biological topics from introduction to biology for non-majors to Pathoneurology to clinical students. He strives to place a logical approach into his teaching methods and reformulates biology to closely match the audience. At NYU: Poly, his discussion would encourage students to decipher biological systems for future patents. Whether the use of the Krebs cycle for a new hybrid engine design or using the actin myosin interaction as a helical gear system, he has always tried to fuse the biological world to the world of the students’ interest.