Yoga and Ayurveda are inseparable sisters. Ayurveda is the science and Yoga is the teacher of science. Ayurveda and Yoga originated as a part of the greater system of Vedic knowledge. Yoga originated in the Yajur Veda and Ayurveda originated in the Atharva Veda and Rig Veda.

Yoga is believed to be a natural way of healing. The basic principle of Ayurveda is based on shloka, "yat pinde tat brahmande" which means microcosm is equal to macrocosm. In other words, whatever within us, in our cells, is equivalent to that what’s in the universe.

Why Yoga and Ayurveda?

Yoga and Ayurveda deals with an understanding of how the body works and the effect that food and medicines have on the body. It is based upon the principles of trigunas (sattva, rajas and tamas) and panchmahabuthas (earth, air, fire, water and space).

Yoga and Ayurveda is a divine profession where work is worship and mitigation of suffering is the ultimate tool. No other profession is so unique and important. Ayurveda is similar to Naturopathy, but the main difference is that in Ayurveda, the traditional remedies and medicines are implicated to a greater extent and the treatment is aimed at specifically curing and relieving ailments. Making a way in these industries is difficult but love for the profession, high spirits and by being creative will help you the way to reach higher.

Education Requirements

Yoga

In order to join bachelor's degree , the minimum requirement is that of 10,+2 with 50%  marks and for post-graduation, minimum qualification is a bachelor's degree in any stream preferably philosophy from a recognised university. Courses are available in degree/diploma and certificate levels. At times, specific qualification is not required. Instead experience is counted in this field. A complete training and certificate of completion is required after the degree to get into this field to become a Yoga instructor.

Ayurveda

In order to take admission in this field, one must pass the pre-universitywith more than 85% in PCB. A bachelor's degree in Ayurveda is awarded to a student after five and a half year of course study including one year of internship. Three year course for post-graduation and three year for Ph.D. There are diploma and undergraduate degrees that provide foundational knowledge about ayurveda's three bio-energies, vata(motion), pitta (metabolism) and kapha (growth). Graduate and doctoral degree programs, prepare individuals to practice advanced clinical Ayurveda.

In United States, one might consider premedical, physiology or human anatomy degree programs that are coupled with specialised ayurvedic courses. Also, the students can go for traditional medical degree programs and take specialised courses in holistic and alternative medicine.

Institutes for Yoga and Ayurveda

1. Sri Dhanwantri Ayurvedic College, Chandigarh.
2. Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences.
3. Gujarat Ayurveda University, Jamnagar, Gujarat.
4. J B Roy State Medical College, Kolkata.
5. Ayurvedic Medical College, Kohlapur.
6. Himalaya Toga Valley Centre, Goa.
7. Rishikesh Yoga Institute, Rishikesh, Uttrakhand.
8. Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Mandevali, Chennai.

Job Prospects

Yoga

Yoga proves to be effective not only in curing diseases, but also in preventing several diseases as well. In this, one can choose a career in the field of research and training or can work as a Yoga Therapist to treat minor ailments and disorders by imparting coaching in yoga. It also provide a wide career for yoga experts to become yoga instructors in gym, schools, health centres, resorts and large organisations. One can become self-employed by opening yoga class or centre. Even TV channels and many celebrities hire yoga instructors.

Ayurveda

Now a days, ayurvedic medicines are gaining more importance than allopathic medicine because it has no side effects. Many pharmaceutical companies are manufacturing ayurvedic medicines and they are getting more popular day by day not only in India but also in other countries.There is a wide range of opportunities available in ayurveda with maximum profit and future growth. One can become an ayurvedic practitioner at government and private ayurvedic hospitals orcan start his/her own retail shops of ayurvedic medicine. They can work as supervisors in 'Panch Karma' i.e., ayurvedic massage/ health centre as tutors in ayurvedic colleges or can also do research, conduct workshops and seminars.

License Requirements

In U.S., ayurvedic training or degrees are rare and unregulated, practitioners are not required to hold state or federal licensure. However, if practitioners chose to combine Ayurveda with allopathic medicine, traditional medical licensure is required.

National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) keep record of formal training and certificate programs available in the States.

Career Scope

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a homeopathic medicine that was founded in India and have a great scope in future. The projected growth in this field in the time span of 2012-2022 is 20% for all health diagnosing and treating practitioners. Ayurveda plays an important role to remove the toxins from our lifestyle, food, medicines and environment.Ayurvedic medicine will become an alternative medicine in the coming year with more supply and demand.

Yoga

Yoga has been considered as the fitness industry of the country. Yoga teaching when compared to other professions is less lucrative but has mental satisfaction attached with the profession that draws the attention of individuals. Employment opportunities in yoga is expected to grow by 24% over the 2010-2020, which is much faster than the average for all careers. Preventative medicine is changing the way people think about health and many businesses are beginning to add fitness programs into their benefit packages.