Course Overview

The spine is our central axis of support and our unifying scaffold for movement. Its unique structure makes it incredibly strong and mobile at the same time. Protector of the spinal cord, the spine is the home of our extended nervous system and provides the vital corridor for extending our brain into our body. Many people struggle with back and spine issues from daily activities such as sitting, driving, and working at desks. Yoga can be a very therapeutic practice for creating spinal awareness as well as strengthening the postural muscles that can become weakened by daily life. The yoga practice also provides a unique opportunity to move the spine in all directions through a full range of motion. By understanding the anatomy of the spine, you will be better equipped to confidently and safely teach asana in a way that can help safeguard and improve the spinal health of your students.


Course Curriculum

211: Anatomy Of The Spine

    1. START HERE

    2. HOW TO TAKE THIS COURSE

    3. Q&A

    4. COURSE MATERIALS

    1. LESSON OVERVIEW

    2. JOURNAL REFLECTION #1

    3. PURPOSE OF THE SPINE

    4. STRUCTURE OF THE SPINE

    5. ACTIVITY #1: SELF-PALPATION AND JOURNAL REFLECTION #2

    6. STRUCTURE OF THE SPINE AND ACTIVITY #2

    7. HUMAN VARIATION AND ACTIVITY #3

    8. ACTIVITY #3 DEBRIEF

    9. LESSON SUMMARY

    1. LESSON OVERVIEW

    2. OVERVIEW OF INTERVERTEBRAL DISCS

    3. DISC DYSFUNCTION

    4. SPINE-PELVIS RELATIONSHIP AND JOURNAL REFLECTION #3

    5. JOURNAL REFLECTION #3 DEBRIEF

    6. LESSON SUMMARY

    1. LESSON OVERVIEW

    2. OVERVIEW OF THE CERVICAL SPINE

    3. MOVEMENTS OF THE CERVICAL SPINE AND JOURNAL REFLECTION #4

    4. CERVICAL SPINE IN ASANA

    5. OVERVIEW OF THE THORACIC SPINE

    6. MOVEMENTS OF THE THORACIC SPINE AND JOURNAL REFLECTION #5

    7. THORACIC SPINE IN ASANA

    8. OVERVIEW OF THE LUMBAR SPINE

    9. MOVEMENTS OF THE LUMBAR SPINE AND JOURNAL REFLECTION #6

    10. LUMBAR SPINE IN ASANA

    11. LESSON SUMMARY

    1. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

    2. CONCLUSIONS & OUTSIDE PRACTICE

About this course

  • $45.00
  • 32 lessons

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Describe the functions of the spine, and accurately describe the structure of the spine and intervertebral discs.

  • Teach backbends safely to accommodate spinal mobility and health.

  • Analyze how the structure of the spine and spinal issues will impact the performance of a given yoga asana.

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Student Reviews

5 star rating

Made something previously esoteric to me very accessible ...

Naomi Boxall

Hurrah!

Hurrah!

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5 star rating

So many layers to the subtle body...

Abigail Watkins

I really enjoyed learning about the different models of the yogic approach to the subtle body. It is a full and rich body of knowledge and thought which add...

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I really enjoyed learning about the different models of the yogic approach to the subtle body. It is a full and rich body of knowledge and thought which adds so much depth to yoga. Well designed and delivered, I now feel that I have a good overview of these concepts.

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5 star rating

All the layers!

Amanda Alexander

Love this section. It just made me aware of how much I have to learn and how excited I'm am to do so. It's wonderful feeling to be re-energized by this learn...

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Love this section. It just made me aware of how much I have to learn and how excited I'm am to do so. It's wonderful feeling to be re-energized by this learning process.

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5 star rating

Subtle body

Jacqui Jesso

Solid introduction to complex health concepts with clear framing of the different models. This was helpful for bringing attention to balance in life and type...

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Solid introduction to complex health concepts with clear framing of the different models. This was helpful for bringing attention to balance in life and types of practice at different times and also invited more responsible engagement with students underlying nature. Thanks Rachel!

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5 star rating

Great class!

Jacqueline Sherman

Thank you for providing a great study course of yoga on the subtle body.

Thank you for providing a great study course of yoga on the subtle body.

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5 star rating

What's happening inside?

Susan Nelan

This was a really interesting course on concepts of yoga that before this, were only words to me! I loved learning about the koshas, the vayus, the doshas an...

Read More

This was a really interesting course on concepts of yoga that before this, were only words to me! I loved learning about the koshas, the vayus, the doshas and how they apply to yoga practice and life. As expected, all was presented in a relatable and accessible manner by Rachel. Thank you!

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Meet Your Instructor

E-RYT 500, M.Ed Fiji McAlpine

After a debilitating back injury at 21, Fiji discovered the transformative power of yoga. Not just a remedy for her physical pain, yoga became her lifeline out of anorexia, a struggle intensified by the societal pressures of California's culture.

In 2002, Fiji stumbled into teaching yoga when an instructor was a no-show. That "accident" ignited a passion for teaching and led to becoming the director of development at DoYogaWithMe, a platform with a noble cause: making yoga accessible to everyone. The platform boasts 1,000+ class videos, 300,000+ registered users, and has become a sanctuary for those recovering from eating disorders.

Fiji is also an international retreat leader and a certified Yoga Teacher Trainer, mentored by the indomitable Mary Prefontaine. For Fiji, yoga isn't just a physical practice—it's a "dress rehearsal for life." She's not just teaching yoga; she's teaching people how to be better versions of themselves.