Overview

By the end of this course, you will (1) explain how Hatha Yoga influences the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and (2) apply breath, movement, and relaxation to reduce stress and improve recovery. You’ll study ANS physiology, breathing mechanics, and alignment so you can design safe, level-appropriate practices for different bodies and goals. Through expert video demonstrations, readings, and graded practice, you’ll learn to cue foundational poses, sequence for down-regulation or activation, and integrate pranayama, relaxation, and mindfulness into personal and clinical contexts. Unique to this course is its clear, practical bridge between yoga and neurophysiology—showing how specific techniques can shift heart rate variability, vagal tone, and perceived stress. You’ll also identify common contraindications and red flags, and practice adapting postures and breath for clients with pain, fatigue, or limited mobility. Leave with templates you can reuse to build safe, effective sessions that support nervous system balance, resilience, and whole-person well-being.

Syllabus

Introduction to Hatha Yoga - Regulating the Autonomic Nervous System

Explore how Hatha Yoga can be used to regulate and balance the autonomic nervous system. Guided by yoga educator Anthony Berlingeri, this course blends modern physiology with traditional yoga practice to show how conscious movement, breathwork, and mindfulness harmonize the body’s sympathetic and parasympathetic responses. You’ll learn to design and guide sequences that reduce stress, lower cortisol, and support the body’s natural processes of rest, recovery, and regeneration. Suitable for yoga practitioners, teachers, manual therapists, and healthcare professionals, this course offers a clear, science-informed approach to using yoga for nervous system regulation and overall wellbeing.

2. Practical Work

In this practical module, instructor Anthony Berlingeri guides you through a complete series of Hatha Yoga postures, breathing exercises, and sequencing strategies designed to regulate the autonomic nervous system. You’ll learn how to create balance between activation and rest through intelligent practice design, integrating stillness, movement, and conscious breath. Step-by-step demonstrations help you develop confidence in leading and adapting postures for different needs, while emphasizing safety, alignment, and mindful awareness. This hands-on module brings the course theory to life, allowing you to experience directly how yoga supports nervous system balance, stress reduction, and physical and mental restoration.

Guiding Through Common Misalignments

This module provides practical guidance for identifying and correcting common alignment errors seen in foundational yoga postures. Through clear demonstrations and cueing strategies, learners will develop the ability to support safe joint mechanics, improve posture integrity, and enhance movement efficiency during practice. The focus is on building instructor confidence in offering simple, supportive adjustments that help clients move with greater ease and awareness.

Reflective Practice Assignments

This module provides an opportunity to consolidate and apply what you’ve learned throughout the course. You will review key concepts, reflect on clinical relevance, and complete a short practice assignment and/or course reflection quiz. The goal is to reinforce understanding and strengthen your ability to integrate these skills into real-world client care.

Summary and Reflective Learning Exam

This final exam is designed to assess your understanding of the key concepts presented throughout the course. Please review all video lessons and written materials before beginning. A passing score of 70% or higher is required to successfully complete the course and earn your CE certificate. You may reference your notes during the exam. Once you pass, your certificate will be available for immediate download.