ABOUT US
Welcome to the Asian Yoga Therapy Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to the practice and education of yoga therapy. We to provide a platform for individuals to the benefits of yoga therapy and its positive effects on their. Our mission is to raise awareness about this ancient practice and ensure it is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or experience. Established in 2016, the Asian Yoga Therapy Association is among the pioneering efforts in the field, aiming to unite therapy professionals and institutions worldwide. AYTA was founded to a long-held desire among yoga therapists physicians to connect, share expertise through, exchange programs, and standardize yoga therapy.
Our Vision
We are here
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To advocate for evidence-based yoga therapy as complementary medical discipline.
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To establish a platform for professionals in yoga therapy, doctors, yoga therapists, and instructors.
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To connect all stakeholders, fostering interaction and collaboration among them.
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To set standards for clinical services related to yoga and the yoga therapy association.
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To share knowledge official annual international conferences, seminars, and specialized workshops on therapy for various diseases.
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To develop directory of practitioners and therapists.
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To create global job and opportunities.
Yoga Therapy
What is yoga therapy and how is it different from regular yoga? Yoga therapy is a system of healing in which any specific ailment is approached in a holistic way. It generally deals with non-communicable diseases (NCD’s) and lifestyle disorders. Whereas regular yoga is a way of life that can be practiced for positive health and spiritual growth
History
Our founders are well known as the pioneers in the field of yoga therapy. Their extensive research has contributed towards the promotion of health and ineffectively treating NCD. Their work dating back to the early 1980s has laid a path towards making Yoga an evidence-based practice for human maladies.
Our chief patron Dr. H. R. Nagendra, Chancellor of S-VYASA, a world-renowned Yoga University, is a well-known expert in the field of yoga and related sciences since the year 1975. His association with the Ministry of Health, Government of India’s projects speaks for his commendable position in the field of yoga. It is worthwhile to mention that he is the monitoring mentor for IJOY - the International Journal of Yoga (ISSN # 0973-6131), a multidisciplinary tri-annual scientific Yoga journal, dedicated to Yoga research and applications. His approach, which is a gurukula way of education combined with modern scientific methods, has taken S-VYASA to its peak of excellence.
Laying emphasis on using an integrated approach in the treatment of ailments he has led many studies, research projects and laid the foundation for many organizations and associations. Chairperson Dr. Nagarathna, an M.D. in modern medicine has dedicated her life in the field of yoga therapy for over four decades and has created a model of the holistic health care system. Vice President Kazuo Keishin Kimura, who has devoted himself to making traditional yogic wisdom accessible in Japan, has been contributing internationally to the development of Yoga therapy through the medium of books. He has also established the Japan Yoga Therapy Society in 2003. Their valuable study papers published in peer-reviewed journals and recognized worldwide by experts and fraternities could be used as guiding lights by WYTA members in their journey in the field of yoga research.
Timeline
2015 – Formation of Asia Pacific Yoga Therapy Association
In 2015, India and five other founding countries—Japan, China, South Korea, Singapore, and Sri Lanka—came together to form the Asian Yoga Therapy Association. The goal was to unite yoga professionals and bring scientific, research-based yoga programs onto a shared global platform. The founders aimed to preserve ancient yogic wisdom while integrating modern research to promote holistic health. This association set the foundation for global recognition of yoga as a safe, evidence-based complementary science. It was envisioned to become a guiding force for future yoga therapy advancements.
2016 – 1st Asian Yoga Therapy Conference
The first AYTC was held in 2016 at the Shanghai Ever Bright International Hotel in China. The conference brought together doctors, researchers, therapists, and teachers from the yoga community. It served as a platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. Institutions pioneering yoga therapy connected to share expertise. The event marked the beginning of international cooperation in yoga therapy.
2017 – 2nd Asian Yoga Therapy Conference
The 2017 AYTC took place in Miryang City, South Korea. With a theme focused on global peace through a healthy mind, it brought leading yoga masters and researchers onto one platform. Participants shared insights on how yoga contributes to health and world harmony. The event strengthened bonds within the global yoga community. It emphasized the role of yoga in promoting peace and well-being.
2018 – 3rd Asian Yoga Therapy Conferenc
The third AYTC in 2018 was held in Sendai, Japan, alongside the 16th Japan Yoga Therapy Society meeting. Its theme centered on global trends and future directions in yoga therapy. Over two days, experts highlighted the international growth and potential of yoga therapy. Discussions focused on its role in integrative medicine and how to maintain high professional standards. The conference showcased yoga therapy’s expanding global influence
2019 – 4th Asian Yoga Therapy Conference
The 2019 AYTC took place at Prama Resort in Bali, Indonesia. The conference explored yoga therapy’s role in modern medical science. Topics included neuroscience, sports medicine, and treatment approaches for common ailments. Experts discussed how yoga therapy aligns with current medical practices. The event further strengthened yoga therapy’s position as a respected therapeutic discipline.