The word Yoga is a Sanskrit word which means 'union' i.e of the body, mind and spirit. This art originated, was perfected and practised in India thousands of years ago.

Basically Yoga is an amalgamation of breathing exercises and structured movement. It is an excellent tool to enhance the body's internal health and external beauty and to achieve a higher standard of overall health and immunity. It concentrates on the emotional and psychological health of a patient along with his/her physical condition. 'Asanas' (physical exercises) and 'pranayama' (breathing techniques), the integral parts of yoga, are performed in correlation with each other. The application of these yoga practices to cure various mental and physical diseases is called yoga therapy.

Medical science has acknowledged the practice of yoga, to possess many curative and preventive qualities. Regular yoga practice will create multiple and noticeable benefits to your health. Many physicians now recommend yoga to combat back ailments, sleeping disorders and other stress related problems. Yoga's stretching and breathing exercises improve your flexibility, helping joints, tendons and muscles stay limber. It is an excellent weight-bearing exercise that can improve your bone density. People suffering from hypertension can benefit from yoga tremendously, as yoga can lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Yoga benefits anyone's mental health, reduces anxiety and stress helping him or her relax, so it is an effective form of psychological therapy. Health and fitness have become areas of major concern in the fast paced life of today and the popularity of yoga is increasing in leaps and bounds all around the globe. And more importantly, people are reaping the immense benefits of this art.

Although the practice of yoga has been prevailing in India from several centuries, yoga as a career option has become popular only in the recent past. People the world over are taking up yoga as the best way to keep them healthy, the scope for taking up a career in this field is immense. One could become a yoga instructor or a therapist in the field and be healthy as well and enjoy its lucrative benefits.

Eligibility & Course Areas

Educational: Professional qualification in the field of yoga is imparted at both under graduate and post graduate levels. For under graduate programme, one has to pass 10+2 in any stream from a recognized Board. For post graduation programme, minimum qualification is a Bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognized university, although philosophy graduates are given preference. Courses are also available at degree/ diploma and certificate levels.

Personal Attributes: The job of a yoga teacher demands hard work and dedication. Excellent anatomical knowledge is the main attribute to be in this field. A positive attitude, professional conduct, a desire to learn and contribute to the students are essential. He/she should be smart enough to design a regimen to suit different needs of different people. Must have the ability to convince people and communicate complex ideas sensitively and clearly. He should have the ability to encourage and inspire the clients, to lead a healthy life.

Two major fields one can venture into, in yoga are in research and training, or as a yoga therapist. One can get employed in schools, health centers, fitness training centers, gyms, health clubs, yoga studios, spa and resorts, health centres and yoga schools. There are also chances of employment in TV channels where regular yoga shows are broadcast. On a professional level, trainers can specialize in postures for women (prenatal/ postnatal), kids, seniors, couples and so on.

In recent times, corporate firms have started recruiting yoga instructors as part of their employee welfare programme. NGO's working in the field of mental and psychological health also employ yoga trainers. Self employment is a best career option for an experienced yoga professional. He or she can start a yoga center of one's own and act as a yoga instructor. Many public figures like film actors or politicians appoint their personal yoga instructors.

Major careers in this area are that of yoga consultants, yoga therapists, yoga trainers/ instructors/ teachers.

Yoga Trainer/ Instructor/ Teacher - Career as a Yoga Trainer/Instructor is rewarding as well as a self satisfactory option. Life as a yoga trainer enables one to experience growth for oneself, besides the noble feeling of coming to the service of others. If we opt for a career as a yoga trainer, we can either work for some organizations like clubs, gyms, fitness centers etc or be a private tutor and start our own yoga centre. Nowadays yoga is part of curriculum even from the school level. Academic institutions and universities recruit yoga professionals as teachers.

Yoga Therapist- A yoga therapist tries to cure or control ailments through yoga. There are yoga asanas which can bring relief to specific body ailments or pains. We can work as Yoga Therapist in health centres, resorts etc. There is even scope to start yoga therapy center of our own and impart therapy to patients at their homes which is a more lucrative option.

REMUNERATION
This is a field that one is paid very handsomely in India as well as abroad. One can work as part time instructor as well as full time.

The amount of remuneration is based on the expertise of the trainer. For a well trained personnel sky is the limit with regards to earnings. Depending on his area of work, one can earn ranging from Rs. 20, 000 to Rs.70, 000 per month.

-Employment News
Dr. K. Jeyaprakash