Yoga is a style of mind-body fitness that involves a combination of muscular activity and internally directed mindful focus on breath, self, and energy. It is a 5,000-year-old practice originating in India which aims to develop an integrated personality, wherein the focus lies on equal development of the mental, physical, spiritual, and social planes.

The word “yoga” originates from the Sanskrit word “yuji,” meaning union or yoke.

Which yoga style should I choose?

There are several styles of yoga you can choose from, depending on your physical and mental condition and fitness goals. Gentle styles like hatha yoga and Iyengar yoga are most suitable for beginners, whereas challenging styles like ashtanga yoga, power yoga, and Bikram yoga are great for people who like to break a sweat in every session.

No matter which style of yoga is chosen, it will help you stretch the muscles, strengthen the body, focus the mind, and relax the spirit

What is yoga therapy?

Yoga therapy is being increasingly recognized as an alternative therapeutic approach to several health-related issues. It involves both stress management and exercise. It incorporates asanas (postures), Dhyana (meditation), pranayama (breathing exercises), and philosophical practices to induce a sense of well-being.

Why should I do yoga?

Daily practice of yoga helps the body and mind reap many benefits. Whether you are already fit or have not been active for some time, there is a class to suit every one. It is important to find a good yoga teacher who has the experience to deal with any underlying medical conditions. Also, you must always consult your doctor before starting a yoga program.

Evidence-based benefits of yoga

• Reduces stress and promotes relaxation
• Decreases symptoms of anxiety
• Reduces inflammatory markers in the body and prevent pro-inflammatory diseases
• Reduces risk factors for heart disease and improve heart health
• Significantly improves quality of life, reduces fatigue, uplifts mood
• Decreases cortisol levels, thus reducing depression symptoms
• Reduces chronic pain in conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis
• Improves quality of sleep by increasing the secretion of melatonin, the “sleep hormone”
• Improves flexibility and enhances balance
• Improves breathing and lung capacity
• Relieves migraine due to its stimulating effect on the vagus nerve
• Encourages mindfulness, leading to healthy eating habits
• Builds strength and muscle and boosts endurance

Regular practice of yoga helps improve some common health conditions such as lower back pain, limited mobility, headaches, high blood pressure, poor blood circulation, stress and tension, depression, breathing trouble, arthritis, and osteoporosis.

Yoga can help you find relief from these conditions, it can help reduce symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

Why is yoga so popular?

The popularity of yoga stems from its versatility and its therapeutic benefits. Combined with a healthy lifestyle, yoga can enhance your quality of life and also make it easier to perform more challenging physical activities like swimming or dancing.

Yoga also helps perform daily activities with ease, such as lifting a heavy bag of groceries, gardening, or picking up a child. As you become more experienced in the practice of yoga, the mental and spiritual benefits begin to manifest. The biggest learning from yoga isn’t the ability to do physical poses—it is the ability to control the mind.