Namaste and greetings from the Indian Yoga Association!
We are pleased to share the new developments in IYA of recognising Yoga Chikitsa training programs and therapists in a graded manner.

During the International Yoga Summit by IYA at DSVV, Haridwar we honoured 18 pioneers of Yoga Chikitsa with IYA recognition as YOGA CHIKITSA RATNA. This is our small way of expressing our loving gratitude to the illustrious pioneers in whose footsteps we continue to move forward with their blessings. Further three more luminaries were honoured during the States Conclave of IYA held at Art of Living Ashram, Bangalore from 24–26th February 2024.

The list of Yoga Chikitsa Ratnas can be viewed on the IYA website at https://www.yogaiya.in/yoga-chikitsa-ratna/The next stage in this elaborate process was the grandparenting of individuals as YOGA CHIKITSA ACHARYA (Yoga therapy Consultants). Till date 43 Yoga Chikitsa Acharyas have been recognized and the list of Yoga Chikitsa Acharyas can be viewed on the IYA website at https://www.yogaiya.in/yoga-chikitsa-acha-rya/
The following are the criteria for candidates to be eligible for grandparenting as Yoga Chikitsa Acharya (Yoga therapy Consultants).

1. Must be Life Member of IYA
2. Must provide details of Yoga Chikitsa training & education including (at least 2 of the 3 below mentioned)
   a. Minimum 1500 hours of Yoga + Yoga Chikitsa training
   b. Undergone mentorship with IYA recognised Acharya/Guru
   c. Documentation of any education qualifications as Yogacharya/Yoga Chikitsak
3. Documentation of Healthcare qualifications if appropriate
4. Evidence of practice as a Yoga Chikitsak/ Yoga Chikitsa Acharya for more than 10 years
5. Evidence of beneficiaries of the Yoga Chikitsa provided
6. Details of significant trainees who have become Yoga Chikitsaks
7. Details of significant work in Yoga/Yoga Chikitsa research (projects/publications/books)
8. Evidence of serving in Yoga and Yoga therapy organizations and committees (State/National/International)
9. Nomination from the MI/AC/EC.
   New nominations can be made from member institutions and associate centers through the linK https://forms.gle/UWTZVKLbfXDpLASs5

We are now pleased to announce a systematic process to approve grandparenting of YOGA CHIKITSAKA (Yoga Therapist) and YOGA CHIKITSA SAHAYAKA (Yoga Therapy Assistant).

This will be open for a year and then onwards all recognitions will only be by the MI/AC who adopts the IYA YOGA CHIKITSA SYLLABUS currently being formulated by our sub-committee under the SAAC.

As a Member Institution / Associate Centre of IYA, you are requested to if so desired submit names and contact information of the individuals from your institution/ tradition that fulfill the above criteria. These names may be provided in order of merit to facilitate scrutiny. The individuals so nominated will be directed to fill up a Google form encompassing all requisite details and proofs as attachments.

Nominations can be made at https://forms.gle/PM7FoK8EFiu3xvuYA
Eligibility Criteria for Yoga Chikitsaka (Yoga therapists)

The following are the criteria for candidates to be eligible for recognition as Yoga Chikitsaka (Yoga Therapist).

1. Must be Professional Member of IYA
2. Must provide details of Yoga Chikitsa training & education including (at least 2 of the 3 below mentioned)
   a. Minimum 1500 hours of Yoga + Yoga Chikitsa training
   b. Undergone mentorship with IYA recognized Acharya/Guru
   c. Documentation of any education qualifications as Yogacharya/Yoga Chikitsak
3. Documentation of Healthcare qualifications if appropriate
4. Evidence of practice as a Yoga Chikitsak/ Yoga Chikitsa Acharya for more than 3 years
5. Evidence of beneficiaries of the Yoga Chikitsa provided by applicant (certified by mentor/ Guru/ Acharya/ institution of training)- documented case studies of beneficiaries
6. Evidence of attending Continuous Yogachikitsa Learning Education (CYCLE) programs
7. Details of significant work in Yoga/Yoga Chikitsa research (projects/publications/books)
8. Evidence of serving in Yoga and Yoga therapy organizations and committees (State/National/International)
9. Documented Yoga Seva for community
10. Nomination from the MI/AC/EC.

Eligibility Criteria for Yoga Chikitsa Sahayaka (Assistant Yoga Therapist)
The following are the criteria for candidates to be eligible for recognition as Yoga Chikitsa Sahayaka (Assistant Yoga Therapist).

1. Must be Professional Member of IYA
2. Must provide details of Yoga Chikitsa training & education including (at least 2 of the 3 below mentioned)
   a. Minimum 1000 hours of Yoga + Yoga Chikitsa training
   b. Undergone mentorship with IYA recognised Acharya/Guru
   c. Documentation of any education qualifications as Yogacharya/Yoga Chikitsak
3. Documentation of Healthcare qualifications if appropriate
4. Evidence of attending Continuous Yogachikitsa Learning Education (CYCLE) programs
5. Documented Yoga Seva for community
6. Nomination from the MI/AC/EC.

Please note:
• These applications will be first scrutinized by the Screening Committee, followed by the Yoga Therapy Subcommittee and then the SAAC. The list submitted by SAAC will be finally vetted by the EC of IYA. The decision of the Executive Committee of IYA is final and binding.
• Last date for receipt of applications for the first round is 24thMarch, 2024.
• The fee for processing the application of Yoga Chikitsaka is INR 4000 (for resident Indians and SAARC nationals) and USD 75 for applicants from other countries.
• The fee for processing the application of Yoga Chikitsa Sahayaka is INR 3000 (for resident Indians and SAARC nationals) and USD 50 for applicants from other countries.

Only eligible persons will be given the final approval for this round of selection whilst others can re-apply in future.

Another great news!

We are also pleased to share news of a new program by IYA that will be known as CYCLE — Continuous Yoga Chikitsa Learning and Education

The EC has also approved of the conduct of the Continuous Yoga Chikitsa Learning and Education (CYCLE) programs that will have invited Zoom sessions by the Yoga Chikitsa Ratnas and Acharyas once a month. This will be an opportunity for those interested in Yoga Chikitsa to learn from the pioneers themselves.

Attendance at this program will be an essential prerequisite for yoga Chikitsa recognition by IYA.

You can register online at https://www.yogaiya.in/cycle-continuous-yoga-chikitsa-learning-and-education/

Yogacharya Dr Ananda
Balayogi Bhavanani, Editor