Certified Assistant Yoga Therapist (AYTh)
Empowering Through Traditional Yoga and Therapeutic Wisdom
In affiliation with the Yoga Certification Board,
Ministry of Ayush, Government of India
(English with Japanese Translation)
(Online 75 Hours + Onsite 375 Hours)
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Facilitators:
- Dr. R. S. Bhogal
- Dr. Sharadchandra Bhalekar
- Prof. R. K. Bodhe or Dr. Ganesh Rao
- Shri. Neeraj Singh
- Medium of Communication: English with Japanese Translation
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Dates for Online:
- 7th to 10th August 2025
- 18th to 21st September 2025
- 2nd to 5th October 2025
- 6th to 9th November 2025
- 4th to 7th December 2025
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Dates & Fees for Onsite:
The dates, registration fees for the onsite sessions will be announced once the online module begins – this will be completed in 2 different batches of 15 + 15 days ONSITE
Please Note: The registration fee for the onsite component will differ from the online program. -
Time for Online:
- Time in India: 9:30 to 14:55 (IST)
- Time in Japan: 13:00 to 18:25 (JST)
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Total Duration: 400 Hours
- Online: 75 Hours
- Onsite: 375 Hours
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Fees for Online 75 Hours: 54,100 /- INR / $632
- Instalment 1: 18,500 /- INR / $216 (Pay before 6th Aug 2025)
- Instalment 2: 18,500 /- INR / $216 (Pay before 6th Nov 2025)
- Instalment 3: 18,500 /- INR / $216 (Pay before 6th Jan 2026)
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Course Format: Hybrid Learning
This is a Hybrid Certification Program combining both online and onsite learning, ensuring flexibility while maintaining hands-on therapeutic training. - Medium: Online / E-learning
- Platform / application: Zoom
Course Overview
The Assistant Yoga Therapist (AYTh) course at Kaivalyadhama is designed for individuals passionate about Yoga as a therapeutic science.
Grounded in traditional yogic wisdom and supported by Kaivalyadhama’s research-based and classical approach, this course enables learners to assist certified Yoga Therapists in managing specific health conditions.
Certification Title: Assistant Yoga Therapist (AYTh)
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to all passionate learners
- Minimum qualification: 10+2 (Higher Secondary)
Duration
- 400 hours
- 75 hours ONLINE + 325 hours ONSITE
Course Objectives
- To understand and apply the principles of Yoga Therapy
- To gain basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and traditional yogic scriptures
- To develop therapeutic demonstration, teaching, and communication skills
- To train under Kaivalyadhama’s holistic and evidence-based therapeutic model
Key Personal Attributes for Participants
- Compassionate
- Communicative
- Disciplined
- Patient
- Empathetic
- Approachable
- Observant
Syllabus Structure
Theory (60 Marks)
Unit 1: Basic Principles of Yoga Therapy
- Concepts, aims & misconceptions about Yoga
- Role, scope, and limitations of an Assistant Yoga Therapist
- Pre-therapeutic assessments and therapeutic use of props
Unit 2: Yoga Therapy in Classical Texts
- Yogic philosophy from Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Hathapradipika, Gheranda Samhita
- Therapeutic insights from Karma, Bhakti, Jnana, and Dhyana Yoga
Unit 3: General Anatomy and Physiology
- Systems overview: muscular, skeletal, digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, etc.
Unit 4: Yoga & Allied Sciences
- Introduction to Ahara, Vihara, Achar-Vichar
- Basics of Ayurveda, Naturopathy, and holistic living (Tridosha, Tridhatu, etc.)
- Maintain vitals and patient records
- Understanding therapeutic protocols
- Professional conduct and first aid knowledge
- Infection control and use of PPE
24 Credits on successful completion
Total Assessment: 200 Marks (60 Theory + 140 Practical – ONSITE)
Please note that during onsite hours, students will gain practical knowledge, complete assignments, and prepare reports.
Their evaluation will take place both during their onsite visit and afterwards. Upon successful completion, they will receive certification.
Practical (140 Marks)
Demonstration & Practice
- Shatkriyas: Neti, Dhauti, Nauli, Trataka, etc.
- Yogic Exercises: Sukshma and Sthula Vyayama
- Asanas: Comprehensive practice from Tadasana to Shavasana
- Pranayama: Nadishodhana, Bhramari, Ujjayi, etc.
- Mudras & Bandhas: Mula, Uddiyana, Jalandhara, Shanmukhi, etc.
- Meditative Techniques: Yoga Nidra, Soham Japa, Ajapa Dharana
- Opportunity to observe and assist in real therapeutic settings
- Work under qualified Yoga therapists and medical experts
Why Choose Kaivalyadhama?
- Pioneer in Yoga therapy and yogic research since 1924
- Rooted in tradition, empowered by science
- Learn in a spiritually enriched and clinically integrated environment
- Legacy of global trust and authenticity
Our Faculty
At Kaivalyadhama, our faculty brings together a unique blend of traditional yogic wisdom and modern scientific expertise. With decades of experience in Yoga Therapy, Philosophy, Ayurveda, and Research, our teachers are not only scholars and practitioners but also compassionate guides. Many of them are actively involved in therapeutic work, academic publications, and international training programs—ensuring that every student receives authentic, in-depth, and practical yogic education rooted in our 100-year-old legacy
Dr. R. S. Bhogal
Dr. R. S. Bhogal is Joint Dir. Research at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala, with more than thirty years of research and teaching experience. Formerly, Principal of Yoga College of Kaivalyadhama (Lonavala), he is Editor-in-Chief of Yoga Mimamsa (a biennial scientific Journal) of Kaivalyadhama, and is author of seven books, including
i) Psycho-physiology of Traditional Yoga (in Korean)
ii) Yoga and Modern Psychology (in English and German)
iii) Yoga and Mental Health and Beyond (in English, Bulgarian, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese & Korean)
iv) Yoga-Psychology & Beyond (English)
Dr. Bhogal is credited with a large number of scientific papers and is a recipient of many National & International awards and accolades. Widely travelled for spreading the message of classical meditation in many cities across Asia, America and Europe, he is a meditation expert sympathetic and ready-to-help disposition.
Dr. Sharadchandra Bhalekar
Dr. Sharadchandra Bhalekar is an Ayurvedacharya and has done his masters in counselling and Psychotherapy (M.S. con-psy). He is working as Asst. Professor at Gordhandas Seksaria College of Yoga & Cultural Synthesis, Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala.
Author of books, “Pranayama-mudra and meditation” and “Anatomy-Physiology of Yoga”,
Dr. Bhalekar has a unique blend of modern as well as traditional approaches to yoga in his teachings and writings. He has conducted profligate workshops at National and International conferences.
Shri. R. K. Bodhe
Shri. R. K. Bodhe is a M.A. (Philosophy & Sanskrit), M. Phil. (Philosophy) Worked as Research Officer, Philosophico-Literary Research Department, Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala, for 30 years. He is invited for delivering talks, workshops at several universities and institutions. In his career of 30 years, Prof. Bodhe has authored several research papers in Traditional Yoga and co-authored several Volumes. Prof. Bodhe is also working as the Associate Editor of Yoga Mimamsa. His areas of interest include Yoga Philosophy, Applied aspects of Traditional Yoga, Value Education and Philosophical bases of esoteric sciences
Dr. N. Ganesh Rao
Academic Qualifications
- M. Com.; D.M.S.; M.A. (Philosophy) – Rank Holder; Ph. D. (Philosophy) (Mumbai University)
- D. N. (Diploma in Naturopathy); D. Y. Ed. (Diploma in Yoga Education);
- M.Y.S.C. (Madhyama Yoga Siksha Certificate);
- Specialist Instructor in First-aid and Home Nursing
Yoga Experience
Dr. Rao is a highly acclaimed and inspiring name (one of the 100 most inspiring Yoga Teachers in India! Ref: Hellomyyoga.com) in the field of Yoga having conducted all over the world till date more than 23000 sessions in Yoga (including all aspects of Yoga – theoretical & practical)
Author
Dr. Rao has authored and co-edited several books besides publishing innumerable Articles in Newspapers / Journals and has recorded CDs for Yoga Nidra and Panchakosha Dharana, Yogic Counseling, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and Samkhya Philosophy.
Positions Occupied
- Professor & Ph. D. Guide in Yoga & Philosophy (8 students have received Ph.D. under Dr. Rao) in KKKSU & Mumbai University.
- “Chief Advisor – Academics & Training” for Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute.
- Director of IYA – Standing Academic and Accreditation Committee.
- Technical Expert for Yoga Certification Board (YCB).
- Ex-Secretary of Certification Committee and Technical Expert (Yoga) with QCI (for all matters pertaining to Yoga and Yoga Audit of Pr. CBs and Yoga Schools).
- Ex-Member of Selection Panel with ICCR (Indian Council of Cultural Relations).
- Member – Yoga Sub-Group of CII.
- Member of Board of Studies of Kaivalyadhama & Sri Sri University, Bubhaneshwar.
- Visiting Faculty in K. J. Somaiya, Mumbai University, Kaivalyadhama, C.D.M. (College of Defence Management, Secunderabad), M.N.L.U. (Maharashtra National Law University), Yoga alliance (USA), Sri Sri University, Bubhaneshwar and ITM (for Western Philosophy).
- Awardee of Yogaratna Award (2021).
Work Experience
Dr. Rao resigned as Finance Executive from Tata Motors Ltd. after a distinguished service spanning two decades.
Sports Excellence
- Dr. Rao has excelled as a professional soccer player for more than 17 years at the National level. He has represented Maharashtra State Football Team in National Championships for six years and was part of the National Camp for Selection of Indian Team for Asian Games, 1982.
- Was honored by Tata Sports Club with the Special Award for Contribution to the Cause of Sports for the year 2003-04.
- Has coached Maharashtra State Teams, Mumbai University Teams, Maharashtra State Police Football Team, Mumbai Port Trust Football Team and others.
- As Chief Football Coach of PDP Sports Complex, Mumbai for 20 years (1991 – 2010), he has coached / trained more than 5000 players of all age groups!
Passion
Dr. Rao continues to be a regular high-altitude trekker in the Himalayas since past 25 years.
Shri. Neeraj Singh
Shri. Neeraj Singh is an experienced yoga teacher at Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavala. He has been teaching Yoga at Kaivalyadhama for many years; and with his guidance, many people have benefited. Shri. Neeraj has been holding a Sunday Asana class on online workshop medium since 2020 with Kaivalyadhama, along with the collaboration of Yoga & Wellness Chandra, Japan (with a consecutive interpretation into Japanese by Dr. Motoko Saito who is a founder of Yoga & Wellness Chandra, Japan) and it has been a huge success. Mr. Neeraj has a deep knowledge of traditional Yoga.
(*kindly note that this can be changed if there are some unseen circumstances – you will be notified of the same via email)
Dates for Online:
Total Hours: Online – 75 Hours | |
| 9:30 to 10:30 (IST) 13:00 to 14:00 (JST) | Lecture 1 → 1 hour |
| 10:40 to 11:40 (IST) 14:10 to 15:10 (JST) | Lecture 2 → 1 hour |
| 13:00 to 14:00 (IST) 16:30 to 17:30 (JST) | Lecture 3 → 1 hour |
| 14:10 to 14:55 (IST) 17:40 to 18:25 (JST) | Practical Session → 45 minutes |
- Next Steps: Upon finishing the 75-hour online module;
- The onsite module is tentatively scheduled for 15 days in October 2026 and 15 days in 2027. This timeline will allow for visa applications and flight bookings in advance. The exact dates will be confirmed soon (Coming soon).
- Once the onsite dates are announced, all details regarding the schedule, facilities, and registration fee for onsite program will be communicated to you via email.
- After completing 75 hours of online training and 325 hours of onsite instruction, you will receive certification as a Yoga Therapy Assistant at Kaivalyadhama.
- Please be seated in a well-ventilated place during the workshop, especially for comfort during the practice sessions.
- Keep yourself hydrated throughout.
- In case you have consumed a heavy meal, kindly practice after a gap of at least 2 hours.
- After snacking on moderate foods (solids/liquids), practice after a gap of at least 1 hour.
- A meal can be taken after 30 minutes of practice.
- Recordings for each session will be available till 31st March 2026
- Please be mindful that recording/s are being shared in good faith to support you in your practices or study.
- Kindly honour its intellectual property rights by not downloading it on your device or forwarding it to any other person.
Registration For Online 75 Hours
Requirement
Zoom app downloaded on your tab, smartphone or PC / Laptop with internet connection.
Fees
In INR
Fees: 54,100 /- INR
OR
Pay in 3 instalments 18,500 /- INR
In USD
Fees: $632
OR
Pay in 3 instalments $216
Date and Timings
Dates:
- 7th to 10th August 2025
- 18th to 21st September 2025
- 2nd to 5th October 2025
- 6th to 9th November 2025
- 4th to 7th December 2025
Time in India: 9:30 to 14:55 (IST)
Time in Japan: 13:00 to 18:25 (JST)
Payment Option in INR
OR
Payment Option in USD
Fees
$632
OR
No refund policy
For any query
Write to us: Onlineworkshops@kdham.com or info@yogatherapy-chandra.jp (for Japanese student)
Participants who were in the basic batch of Yoga Therapist (2023): Please email us at any of the above email ID’s and we will get back to you with details pertaining to your situation.
Potential Path to Becoming a Yoga Therapist
Upon completing this course, you will be certified as an Assistant Yoga Therapist. If you wish to advance and become a Yoga Therapist, you will need to complete an additional 400 hours of course. Kaivalyadhama will organise this course after the current batch concludes, and further details will be shared with participants accordingly.