The following is the recommended reading list for the Integrative Yoga Therapy 800-hour Certified Yoga Therapist program at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockbridge, MA. I am working toward becoming a C-IAYT, a Certified Yoga Therapist as designated by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). There are SO many good books on Yoga and Yoga Therapy! The information on the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual benefits of Yoga and Yoga Therapy ranges far and wide. The following is a good starting point for anyone interested in Yoga Therapy. If you are considering becoming a Yoga Therapist, these books will likely become some the most “go-to” books on your shelf.
The program at Kripalu is set up as eight modules. The following lists the recommended reading for the topics covered in the modules. The links below are to places to buy the books. Most go to links to Amazon, but a few will lead to other websites when the books are not available from Amazon or are only available from specific websites.
Module 1: Foundations of Yoga Therapy, Part 1
Anatomy of Movement, by Blandine Calais-Germain
Mudras for Healing and Transformation, by Joseph and Lilian Le Page
Also available is the companion set of Mudra Cards, highly recommended!
Pranayama, by Allison Gemmel LaFramboise with Yoganand Michael Carroll
The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook: A Seasonal Guide to Eating and Living Well, by Kate O’Donnell
The Principles and Practice of Yoga Therapy in Health Care, by Sat Bir S. Khalsa, et al.
Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, by Robert Sapolsky
Yoga Toolbox for Teachers and Students, by Joseph and Lilian Le Page
Module 2: Foundations of Yoga Therapy, Part 2
Every Bite Is Divine: The Balanced Approach to Enjoying Eating, Feeling Healthy and Happy, and Getting to a Weight That’s Natural For You, by Annie B. Kay
Yoga and Diabetes, by Annie B Kay, MS, RDN, C-IAYT, and Lisa B. Nelson, MD
The Inside Tract: Your Good Gut Guide to Great Digestive Health, by Gerard Mullin and Kathie Madonna Swift
Yamas and Niyamas, by Deborah Adele
Yoga for Depression, by Amy Weintraub
Yoga for Emotional Balance, by Bo Forbes
Yoga Toolbox for Teachers and Students, by Joseph and Lilian Le Page
Module 3: Practicum
No specific recommended or required resources
Module 4: Yoga Therapy Applied in Medical Settings
(Reading list to be expanded. Module 4 to be held in 2020)
Yoga Chikitsa, by Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani
Yoga Therapy and Integrative Medicine, by Larry Payne, Terra Gold, and Eden Goldman
Module 5: Yoga Therapy Applications Within the Mental-Health Field
Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, by Robert Sapolsky
Shadows of the Sacred: Seeing through Spiritual Illusions, by Frances Vaughan
Yoga and Psychotherapy, by Swami Rama et al
Yoga for Depression, by Amy Weintraub
Yoga for Emotional Balance, by Bo Forbes
Yoga for Emotional Trauma, by Mary NurrieStearns
The iRest Program for Healing PTSD, by Richard Miller
Yoga Nidra: A Meditative Practice for Deep Relaxation and Healing PTSD, by Richard Miller
Module 6: In-Depth Anatomy of Asana
Recommended in 2018:
Anatomy of Movement, by Blandine Calais-Germain
Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual Movement Therapists, by Thomas W. Myer
Recommended in 2019:
Science of Yoga by Ann Swanson
The Anatomy of Yoga, Marlysa Sullivan
Mudras for Healing and Transformation, by Joseph and Lilian Le Page
Also available is the companion set of Mudra Cards, highly recommended!
Yoga Toolbox for Teachers and Students, by Joseph and Lilian Le Page
Module 7: Pranayama, Mudra, and Subtle Anatomy Applied in Yoga Therapy
Mudras for Healing and Transformation, by Joseph and Lilian Le Page
Also available is the companion set of Mudra Cards, highly recommended!
Pranayama, by Allison Gemmel LaFramboise with Yoganand Michael Carroll
Module 8: Embodying the Principles of Ayurveda in Yoga Therapy
(Reading list to be expanded. Module 8 to be held in 2020)
Yoga & Ayurveda, by Dr. David Frawley
Ayurveda and the Mind, by Dr. David Frawley