Yoga has been derived from the Sanskrit root (Dhātu) ‘Yuj,’ which means to ‘join,’ to ‘unite’ or to ‘yoke’ to get cognitively absorbed (Samādhi). According to Mahaṛiṣhi Patañjali, Yoga helps to control the modifications (Vṛtti) of the mind-stuff (Citta). As per Yogic scriptures, the practice of Yoga leads to the union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness. Yoga has been used since ancient times to heal lifestyle diseases and detox the body. This also leads to a feeling of balance, inner fulfilment, and mental relaxation.
A centre that conducts Yoga classes of basic Yoga practices for promoting health and wellness based on traditional Yoga practices. With the increasing popularity of Yoga, several Yoga centers are running in the country with their styles and patterns. Yoga instructors are also providing home-based Yoga classes to the aspirants/Sadhaks. In order to bring uniformity and benchmark the services being provided in the Yoga centre, it was felt to formulate an Indian Standard for Yoga centres.
The Bureau of Indian Standards, through Health, Fitness and Sports Services Sectional Committee, SSD 05, has formulated an indigenous Indian Standard, IS 17913: 2022 – Yoga Centre – Service Requirements. This standard provides the service requirements for operations, benchmarking, and infrastructure, including minimum qualification for Yoga wellness instructors and staff of the Yoga centre
The standard covers:
1. The roles and responsibilities of the Yoga center’s management for implementing statutory and regulatory requirements, including administrative decisions.
2. Physical environment and safety prescribed in the standard ensure the compliance of requirements of the Living Environment, Infection control, First aid, Potential risks, Fire, security, and other emergencies.
3. The minimum resource requirements for the functioning of the Yoga centre, include requirements of the Yoga wellness instructor and staff and the infrastructure requirements like yoga hall, facilities, and equipment.
4. The operational requirements prescribed in the standard cover the procedures for the admission process, feedback process, complaint handling, work plan, and financial resources and documentation.
5. The minimum educational qualification for Yoga wellness instructors and staff of the Yoga centre. Yoga wellness Instructor has to undergo a certified course in Yoga of not less than 400 hours from government recognized/accredited institute and shall have 12 months of experience in the field of Yoga.
6. The provision for review and improvement of services provided by the Yoga centre.
Yoga has been practiced from ancient times. On practicing it regularly, yoga can make the body flexible and help your body to attain the balance. With the increase in the trend of yoga, many yoga centers have opened but do you know these centers must follow certain standards in order to maintain the uniformity and provide high level of service and experience to Yoga aspirant/Yoga Sadhak.
Written by,
Dharamsoth Santhosh
Scientist-C/Deputy Director
Service Sector Department