This is a rich, accessible and genuinely fascinating deep dive into the history and philosophy of yoga — from its origins as an oral tradition thousands of years ago, right through to what we know today — and how it applies powerfully to the mental health challenges of our modern world.

Whether you want to enrich your teaching, deepen your personal practice, or simply explore eastern philosophy for the sheer love of it — this course will give you knowledge that stays with you for life. Open to yoga teachers, birth workers, and anyone with a curious mind. No prior experience required.

Completely self-paced ~ Study in your own time Access three in-depth video conversations with Clare Maddalena, taking you through yoga history and philosophy from its roots to today. Plus full access to our beautifully written, easy-to-read manual — packed with insights and practices to use in your classes or your own life.

What You'll Explore

Ancient Wisdom.
Modern Relevance.

Two beautifully structured areas of study — the deep roots of yoga, and its extraordinary relevance to the mental health challenges we face today.

Part One

The History & Philosophy of Yoga

Yoga as an oral tradition — its ancient origins
The early writings and key texts
The 7 major branches of yoga
The 8 limbs of yoga
Nadis, chakras, koshas and the subtle body
Dharma, karma and reincarnation
Mudras, mantras and chanting

Part Two

Yoga for Modern Mental Health

How yoga philosophy applies to today's world
Anxiety, depression, burnout and stress
The neuroscience of yoga's effects on the nervous system
Polyvagal theory and the regulated body
Creating classes that genuinely support wellbeing
Holding space when students bring difficulty into the room
Yoga as a tool for trauma-informed care

How It Works

Self-Paced ~ Study Entirely In Your Own Time

Access all videos and your detailed manual from day one ~ no deadlines, no live sessions required

Investment

£395

One payment gives you lifetime access to all video content and your comprehensive course manual.

Once purchased please email us and we'll send your welcome email and course access straight away.

Enrol Now →

What You'll Learn

The Full Curriculum

Seven rich areas of study — from the origins of yoga to the neuroscience of why it works for mental health today.

Origins of Yoga

Yoga as an oral tradition. The journey from ancient India to the early texts — and what it means for how we practise and teach today.

The 7 Branches & 8 Limbs

A thorough exploration of the major branches of yoga and Patanjali's eight limbs — the ethical, physical and spiritual framework that underpins all yoga.

The Subtle Body

Nadis, the 7 chakra system, koshas and the six acts of hatha yoga. Concepts that bring extraordinary depth to your teaching and practice.

Dharma, Karma & Reincarnation

The philosophical foundations of eastern thought — and how they offer a genuinely useful lens for navigating modern life.

Mudras, Mantras & Chanting

Practical tools to weave into your classes. The meaning, tradition and evidence behind these ancient practices.

The Neuroscience of Yoga

How yoga affects the nervous system. The science behind why it works for anxiety, depression, burnout and stress — with polyvagal theory explained clearly.

Yoga for Mental Health in Practice

How to create classes that genuinely support mental wellbeing. Holding space with skill and compassion. Trauma-informed approaches for the modern yoga teacher.

Everything You Need

What's Included

Three in-depth video conversations with Clare Maddalena covering the full curriculum
Full access to the detailed, beautifully written LushTums Yoga History & Philosophy manual
Self-paced study — access everything from day one, no deadlines
Practices and insights to use in your own classes or personal life
LushTums certification upon completion
Ongoing access to the LushTums birth worker and teacher community

Who Is This For?

This Course is For You If…

You are a yoga teacher wanting to deepen your knowledge and enrich your teaching

You are a birth worker, doula or midwife curious about the philosophy behind the practice

You want to understand how yoga supports mental health — for yourself and your students

You are drawn to eastern philosophy and want to explore it properly

You want a CPD course you can study entirely in your own time

You are curious, open-minded and ready to be genuinely inspired

"Understanding the history and philosophy of yoga doesn't just make you a better teacher — it changes the way you live. This is the content that gives your teaching real depth and soul."

Clare Maddalena ~ LushTums Founder