Yogatherapycenter.org : : Trainings in Structural Yoga Therapy

Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy™
Certification Program

Updated October 2008

This training is based on an integration of teachings from Patanjali’s Classical Yoga text the Yoga Sutras and Mukunda’s insights into Ayurvedic Yoga. Much of the material was sourced from teachings given in individual sessions to Dr. Paul Copeland in India during 1971-73 by Krishnamacharya. Paul was presented a unique practice based on Krishnamacharya’s fundamental teaching principle of “adapting to the individual”. The method incorporates Classical Hatha, Tantra, and Raja Yogas to form a continuum of training that integrated the five bodies (pancha kosha) model of yogic anatomy. It is both profoundly practical and deeply spiritual.

The subject matter will cover all practices in Mukunda’s text, Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy. Hence it is advisable for students to read the book and his Yoga Sutras of Patanjali prior to coming, Students will be required to do this even if you have read these books (or other translations) previously. There will be 3 levels to the certification. The first will train you to be competent in your personal practice of this unique system of pranayama vinyasas, integrating Patanjali’s Classical Ashtanga Yoga’s first 6 limbs of the yoga tree – yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, and dharana into one flowing continuum practice. The second will be on adapting these teachings for class situations for yoga teachers. The third will be how to adapt the material as personalized sadhana for the current situation (vikruti) of the individual client. Thus while the practice may have some therapeutic benefit for health, the goal is to create yoginis not necessarily an absence of pathology.

Students will work closely together to set the pace, meeting times, and assist each other in study and practice, for cooperation builds yoga. The dialogue that emerges out of this cooperative effort, builds an ever-deepening understanding of Yoga and the True Self, out of which all healing flows. This course curriculum follows the guidelines of the Yoga Alliance 500 hr. registry program, but is not registered. Students can become registered by applying to the Yoga Alliance (under their section D requirements).

Ayurvedic Yoga practitioners 6 days of 7.5 hours for 45 hours. $900 Open to anyone.

Ayurvedic Yoga Teacher 12 meetings of 7.5 hours for 90 hours contact hours over 6 months. $1800.The course is open to all, without applying for certification. Those applying for certification one must be a CYT at the 200 hour level; contents -

• 200 contact hours consisting of 90 hrs. class hours and

• 30 hours apprenticeship with Mukunda observing AYT private sessions with peers on the day or days preceding trainings after your initial private session.

• An individual AYT session & follow-up with Mukunda to adapt the practice to your uniqueness. Appointments are booked as soon as your payment is made.

• 80 non contact hours to include your personal daily AYT practice and required readings.

Ayurvedic Yoga Therapists – May apply for training after completion of first 2 parts and approval of Mukunda.

No one will be denied training due to lack of funds, contact Mukunda to propose other payment plans.

The first phase of the training will consist of two 3 day sessions covering the practices from the Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy book and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras especially those relevant to AYT practice in chapter 2; how to read signs of beneficial and detrimental Yogasana practice. Once students have attended this introductory program they can apply for the full certification program. When 24 students are committed to complete the course it can officially begin. Required reading – AYT and Mukunda’s Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

The second phase of the training covering the next three 3 day sessions will be devoted to training how to present the material as a yoga teacher. Students will be encouraged to sit in on other styles of yoga to learn first hand their benefits and potential detriments. You will receive an assessment and AYT recommendations from Mukunda.

The final phase of the training will consist of three 3 day sessions and will focus on how to make AYT recommendations to learn guidelines for working with individuals.

Introductory programs can be found on the Workshops page. Certification classes will be held at the Yoga Therapy Center, Boulder CO.

Dates for AYT trainings – TBA once 24 students are committed to the program

A minimum of 24 students must register for the certification program for a new program to begin. Contact Mukunda to be put on a list to receive the latest updates.

• In depth understanding of Yoga Sutras chapter 2, application of principles to create individualized sadhana and Yoga Therapy

• Ayurveda as it applies to personalized practice, modifying recommendations for the dosha that is imbalances, based on Mukunda’s Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy book

• Practical demonstration of your ability to make beneficial recommendations for common problems an ability to restore peace and lessen pain.

NOTE - Missed training dates cannot be made up. Certification will be given as a sign of your competency to work with individual clients in the SYT method and a willingness to maintain an ongoing relationship with Mukunda, his staff and other graduates.

Open to anyone but specifically for AYT graduates to maintain their on going education requirement, sustain their certification, and receive referrals from Mukunda. Potential sponsors for these workshops and other topics are encouraged to contact Mukunda.