Education
Several Yoga schools offer teacher training and certification programs. Yoga teacher training generally consists of Yoga techniques; teaching methodology; anatomy and physiology; philosophy, lifestyle and ethics; teaching practice; and personal practice. Specialized Yoga Therapy training that provides instruction on working with people with health challenges is available at a limited number of schools. It is highly recommended to seek out a Yoga teacher who has been trained and certified by an established Yoga school.

Official Licensing Bodies
At this time there is no official licensing for Yoga teachers. The Yoga Alliance, a collaboration of representatives of Yoga schools and independent Yoga teachers, has developed minimum standards for Yoga teacher training. Yoga teachers may register with the Yoga Alliance according to the following requirements, either:

200-hour training at a registered Yoga school

200-hour equivalent through independent study

500-hour training at a single registered Yoga school

500-hour training at a combination of registered Yoga schools

Yoga professionals who have met the minimum standards and registered with the Yoga Alliance may use the initials R.Y.T. (registered yoga teacher) after their name.

References
Benson H. The Relaxation Response. Avon Books, 1975.

Benson H., Stuart E.M. The Wellness Book. Fireside, 1992.

Desikachar T.K.V. The Heart of Yoga. Inner Traditions International, 1999.

Farhi D. The Breathing Book. Henry Holt and Company, 1996.

Iyengar B.K.S. Light On Yoga. Schocken Books, 1976.

Rama Swami. Science of Breath. The Himalayan Institute Press, 1998.

Satchidananda Sri Swami. Integral Yoga Hatha. Henry Holt and Company, 1970.

Satchidananda Sri Swami. Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Integral Yoga Publications, 1997.

Satyananda Saraswati Swami. Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha. Bihar Yoga Bharati, 199

Content last modified on Mar 28, 2003