Yoga Therapy for the Respiratory System

April 2–4 & 18, 2027

With Melinda Atkins, M.Ed., M.S., C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, and Adam Flores, LMT, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, YACEP

Discover the Therapeutic Benefits of Yoga for Respiratory Health

Explore the relationship between breathing, respiratory function, and overall well-being through the therapeutic applications of yoga.

Join Melinda Atkins and Adam Flores for a comprehensive, evidence-informed training that integrates respiratory anatomy and physiology with traditional yogic practices and contemporary approaches to respiratory health.

Through interactive instruction, guided practices, and practical applications, participants will deepen their understanding of breathing mechanics, recognize patterns of respiratory dysfunction, and explore individualized yoga therapy approaches to support people experiencing a variety of respiratory conditions.

Designed for yoga teachers, yoga therapists, healthcare professionals, and individuals interested in respiratory wellness, this training combines foundational knowledge with practical skills that can be applied in personal practice and appropriate therapeutic settings.

100% Live Online via Zoom: Participate from the comfort of your home through interactive instruction, experiential learning, and guided practice.

Continuing Education: This course is designated as an Approved Professional Development (APD) offering by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), providing 33 continuing education credits.

No prior yoga teaching certification or medical credentials are required to enroll.

2027 Training Dates

All sessions are conducted live via Zoom. Times are Eastern.

• Friday, April 2, 2027: 6:00–9:00 PM
• Saturday, April 3, 2027: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
• Sunday, April 4, 2027: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
• Sunday, April 18, 2027: 11:00 AM–1:00 PM — Protocol Review

Course Content & Learning Objectives

This training explores the therapeutic applications of yoga for respiratory health, integrating contemporary understanding of respiratory anatomy and physiology with traditional yogic practices and individualized yoga therapy approaches.

Participants will explore:

• Foundations of Respiratory Health: The anatomy, physiology, and mechanics of respiration, including the relationship between breathing patterns and overall health.

• Breathing Patterns and Respiratory Dysfunction: Understanding healthy and dysfunctional breathing patterns, common respiratory conditions, and signs of respiratory distress.

• Respiratory Assessment: Observing and evaluating breathing patterns and exploring appropriate methods of respiratory assessment within the scope of yoga therapy.

• Therapeutic Yoga Practices: Exploring and adapting asana, pranayama, and chair-based yoga practices to support respiratory function and individual needs.

• Integrating Eastern and Western Approaches: Examining traditional yogic perspectives alongside contemporary respiratory science and healthcare practices.

• Individualized Protocol Development: Designing appropriate yoga therapy protocols based on respiratory conditions, individual assessments, and therapeutic goals.

• Clinical Integration and Practical Application: Exploring the role of yoga therapy in supporting individuals with respiratory conditions across healthcare and wellness settings, including appropriate collaboration with medical professionals.

Practical Application: Participants will develop individualized yoga therapy protocols and participate in a scheduled protocol review to support the integration of course concepts into their personal and professional practice.

What Students Are Saying

“Outstanding! I liked the pre-assessment resources…loved the lectures, their structure, and how we can use these concepts. I like that we had enough breaks to reset.”
— M. P.

“I didn’t have much prior knowledge of the subject matter before this course…I loved the anatomy, it really opened my mind to new perspectives on the ribcage and the organs.”
— J. M.

“I really appreciated that the instructor took time to thoroughly address all our questions. I appreciated that the instructor shared a lot of her personal experiences of working with her own clients. I liked that she was very truthful and honest about working with these types of clients.”
— A. P.

2027 Tuition & Registration

Early-Bird Rate Available Through March 1, 2027

• 4-Day, 33-Hour Certification: $575 Early Bird | $625 Regular

Regular tuition applies after March 1, 2027.

Cancellation & Enrollment Policy

• 21 days or more before the program: Full tuition refund, minus a $100 nonrefundable processing fee and an additional $150 course materials fee if the online curriculum has been accessed.

• 8–20 days before the program: Refund of 50% of tuition, minus the $100 nonrefundable processing fee and an additional $150 course materials fee if the online curriculum has been accessed.

• 7 days or fewer before the program: No refunds.

All fees are in USD. Refund deductions will not exceed the tuition paid.

Enrollment Policy: AUM hOMe Shala reserves the right to deny enrollment due to space limitations or other program-related concerns. If AUM hOMe Shala cancels the course due to insufficient enrollment, registered participants will be notified within 24–48 hours of the cancellation decision and receive a full refund.

Melinda Atkins, M.Ed., M.S., C-IAYT, E-RYT 500

Melinda Atkins is the founder and director of AUM hOMe Shala, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and IAYT-accredited yoga therapy school. A graduate of the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health and Loyola Marymount University’s Yoga Therapy Program, she integrates science, education, and compassion to expand access to therapeutic yoga for all ages.

Among the first yoga therapists in Florida certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), Melinda has more than 40,000 teaching hours and serves on the IAYT Accreditation Committee. She has developed yoga therapy programs for adults and children, including specialized offerings addressing autism, ADHD, emotional regulation, Parkinson’s disease, and other neuromotor conditions.

A contributing author to Yoga Therapy Foundations, Tools, and Practice, Melinda continues to develop community-based yoga therapy programs and pursue grant funding to expand access to therapeutic services.

Adam Flores, LMT, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, YACEP

Adam Flores is a licensed massage therapist, certified yoga therapist, holistic health counselor, herbalist, and owner of Down to Earth Yoga and Wellness in Port St. Lucie, Florida. With more than 20 years of yoga experience, he specializes in therapeutic yoga, massage therapy, and holistic wellness, with advanced training in neurodegenerative conditions and mental health.

Adam has taught yoga therapy for Parkinson’s disease through grant-funded programs at AUM hOMe Shala. His extensive experience serving underserved populations includes working with LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness, individuals in addiction recovery and transitional housing, and incarcerated transgender individuals. Through the Inner Truth Project, he develops holistic programs and provides education and support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

As an AUM hOMe Shala faculty member, Adam co-facilitates professional trainings in respiratory health, cardiovascular health, and Ayurveda, mentors yoga therapy students, and leads a weekly online, donation-based Pranayama (breathwork) class.