As the Chairman of the Yoga Therapy Subcommittee under SAAC, I am pleased to share a new development of the Indian Yoga Association: recognising Yoga Therapy training programs and therapists in a graded manner.
As the first step towards this accreditation we have initiated the process of grand parenting in Yoga Chikitsa, the application of Yoga as a therapy. This has been for long a felt need as the IYA is fast becoming the Gold Standard for Yoga globally.

We have already set up recognition for the Yoga training through Foundation Courses, Certificate Courses and Advanced Certificate Courses offered through IYA Member Institutions and Associate Centres. These courses are popular and many enthusiasts have taken up such accredited training worldwide.

The field of Yoga Chikitsa has however not taken off yet and finally during this Navaratri Season we have taken the big step towards recognising eminent experts in the field as Yoga Therapy Consultants (Yoga Chikitsa Acharya).

To be eligible for this grand parenting as a Yoga Chikitsa Acharya, a Yoga Therapy Consultant, one must be a life member of the IYA and have at least 10 years of experience as a Yoga therapist. One should also have publications in Yoga Therapy, be providing Yoga Therapy extensively to clients, and have trained numerous Yoga Therapists.

This is the first part of our efforts to streamline Yoga Therapy certification. We are also planning a systematic process to approve Yoga Chikitsaks (Yoga Therapists) and Yoga Chikitsa Sahayaks (Yoga Therapy Assistant).

The window for grand parenting opened on 10th October 2023 and the first set of certifications will be issued during our International Yoga Summit from November 17 to 19 at Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya (DSVV). We will continue to accept applications for another 12 months and simultaneously soon open the window for the Yoga Chikitsaks (Yoga Therapists) and Yoga Chikitsa Sahayaks (Yoga Therapy Assistant) certifications.

We will also be honouring pioneers in Yoga Chikitsa on the occasion with the honorary recognition as a Yoga Chikitsa Ratna. This is only by nomination and not by application.

I wish to place on record my gratitude to our Respected Chairman and other Gurus of the Governing Council as well as our dear President and other elders in the Executive Council for blessing us in this process. I also personally thank Yogacharya S Sridharan for his inspirational guidance of our Yoga therapy Sub-Committee and Dr Ganesh Rao for his clear headed leadership of the SAAC.

Welcoming everyone to join us in creating a new Global Standard in Yoga Chikitsa!

Eligibility Criteria for Yoga Chikitsa Acharya

The following are the criteria for candidates to be eligible for grandparenting as Yoga Chikitsa Acharya (Yoga Therapy Consultants).

• Must be Life Member of IYA
• Must provide details of Yoga Chikitsa training & education including (at least 2 of the 3 below mentioned)
• Minimum 1500 hours of Yoga + Yoga Chikitsa training
• Undergone mentorship with IYA recognised Acharya/Guru
• Documentation of any education qualifications as Yogacharya/Yoga Chikitsak
• Documentation of Healthcare qualifications if appropriate
• Evidence of practice as a Yoga Chikitsak/ Yoga Chikitsa Acharya for more than 10 years
• Evidence of beneficiaries of the Yoga Chikitsa provided
• Details of significant trainees who have become Yoga Chikitsaks
• Details of significant work in Yoga/Yoga Chikitsa research (projects/publications/books)
• Evidence of serving in Yoga and Yoga Therapy organizations and committees (State/National/International)
• Nomination from the MI/AC/EC.