Yoga Therapy Policy

Last Updated: November 18, 2021

The Yoga Alliance Standards for Registered Yoga Schools do not credential yoga therapy techniques, including the diagnosis or treatment of a mental or physical injury or illness. Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Schools or Registered Yoga Teachers may not rely solely on or use their RYS, RYT, or YACEP Designations to present themselves as qualified to work as a “yoga therapist” or to train others in “yoga therapy” methods. This does not mean that members cannot advertise ‘yoga therapy’ services or ‘yoga therapy’ techniques if they hold supporting credentials.

Yoga Alliance considers “yoga therapy” references to include the terms “yoga therapy,” “yoga therapist,” or any claim to provide yoga-related training or instruction designed to diagnose or treat mental or physical health conditions, injuries, or illnesses. Yoga Alliance’s Scope of Practice includes the following commitment, binding on all registrants: Principle 5 prohibits members from advising or teaching in areas where the Member does not have appropriate credentials and competence.

Members may make “yoga therapy” references in the Registry directory, as well as in marketing or advertising materials that are independent of the Registry directory, as long as the source (other than Yoga Alliance) of the certification, accreditation, licensure, or other credential on which they base their “yoga therapy” offerings is clearly identified. Failure to identify a credential or qualification related to the teacher or school’s “yoga therapy” work or training activities would create the incorrect impression that the Yoga Alliance registration provides the foundation for the claimed “yoga therapy” expertise.

In addition, Directory listings may describe an emphasis on the therapeutic benefits of yoga practice and may reference the therapeutic benefits of yoga in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Yoga Alliance reserves the right to revoke a member’s right to use the RYS and RYT Registry Marks for violating this policy.