Vision and Mission

Our Mission

The International Yoga Academy supports the continual research and education in the field of yoga.  It serves as a professional resource for yoga teachers and yoga therapists around the world. Their mission is to establish yoga as a recognized and respectable therapy for various conditions. 

An important aspect of IYA is to ensure the ethical and responsible conduct on the part of the Yoga Therapists and the running of the Yoga Therapy training programs.  Promoting quality educational standards of Yoga Therapy as an effective and safe yoga practice is the key to establish yoga as a recognizable and respectable therapy which can of service and benefit to the general public.

IYA regularly organizes and support various yoga events, yoga conferences, yoga competitions, yoga workshops, yoga seminars, yoga awareness camps, yoga retreats and various yoga teacher training.  The aim will help improve best practices across the field of yoga. 

International Yoga Academy partners with the Andiappan Yoga Community Hong Kong and Anahata Yoga Hong Kong to organize fundraising events to raise funds for the victims of various organisations and countries affected by natural disasters.

IYA pride itself in setting good standard for the industry in terms of best practises for yoga therapists and teachers alike. The key objective of the academy is to raise awareness of the benefits of yoga and yoga therapy.

Objectives

To help integrate the body, mind and spirit with yoga.  Incorporate both the elements of physical therapy and psychotherapy to help treat existing mental and physical health issues.  Yoga is great for the body and mind balance and prevents stress which leads to potential health issues.

The International Yoga Academy publishes “Asana – an International Yoga Journal” to provide up to date information and knowledge in the field of yoga.  The Chief Editor Dr. Yogananth Andiappan is an internationally acclaimed Yoga Teacher and Therapist with a professional background in yoga practice, education, research and runs the largest yoga NPO in Hong Kong.

To improve many health conditions through yoga therapy.  These include anxiety, asthma, children with autism, back pain, the side effects of chemotherapy, chronic fatigue, depression, heart conditions, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia and substance abuse issues (yoga positively impacts the parts of the mind and body susceptible to addition). 

Yoga also helps boost the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) which is important because GABA levels are statistically low in people who experience substance abuse, anxiety, and depression.

To help enable yoga accessibility across the society.  The International Yoga Academy is an active supporter of the Andiappan Yoga Community, a registered NGO based in Hong Kong which reaches out to various groups within the communities of Hong Kong.  All International Yoga Academy Teacher Training Graduates can register as a volunteer teacher of the Andiappan Yoga Community, Hong Kong to serve with the community class projects.

To develop innovative new ways for Yoga Therapists to implement Yoga Therapy treatments to ease or directly treat specific conditions.  The yoga techniques can range from simple pranayama practise to advanced and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and physical background.

To develop the knowledge base of the yoga therapists.  The International Yoga Academy is affiliated with and works closely with various renowned organizations such as the Indian Yoga Federation (New Delhi, India), a national organization recognized by the Indian Olympic Association, The Manonmanian Sundaranar University; and Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University, Asana Andiappan College of Yoga and Research Centre, Chennai  in running accredited Teacher training courses in India and abroad and the Yoga Alliance USA.

To set up more yoga schools and accredit more yoga studios to help provide a high quality training to yoga students and for yoga graduates to develop further.  Yoga Studios can apply to become accredited schools by meeting the requirements and guidelines set out by the International Yoga Academy.  Once approved, they can run yoga teacher training programs with the course materials, training and support provided by IYA.

To help reach more people with a large pool of well-trained yoga therapists on the potential benefits of yoga therapy on stress reduction, psychological well-being, improved diet, efficient functioning of body system, reduced anxiety, improvement across several dimensions of physical and mental health (including physical condition, relaxation and mindfulness).

To ensure yoga therapy sessions are conducted properly with an initial assessment which helps identify potential health problems, assess physical capabilities and lifestyle influence, discuss reasons for seeking yoga therapy and to create an individual plan on frequency and duration of sessions with set targets.

To help properly define the role of a yoga therapist and to ensure they have been accredited by completing the required course. The International Yoga Academy conducts professional full-time and part-time Yoga Teacher Training courses offering both residential and non- residential sessions. Upon successfully completing all the requirements of the course, all the Graduates of the Teacher Training course would qualify to become a member of the International Yoga Academy.  By becoming an IYA member, they will be listed on the IYA teacher directory. The membership will also give them the opportunity for further continuing education and support through various platforms and resources available.

To provide high-quality research and development information sessions and libraries that will promote the development of yoga therapy and enhance its various applications.

To improve the ability of yoga therapists to communicate using common medical and psychological terminology.

To help bring peace and harmony to the community.