What is Yoga?
In Sanskrit, the word yoga means union or joining. The ancient discipline of yoga teaches that the body and the mind (the
self) are one. Asanas, breathing and meditation connect the inner self with the external world.
History
Yoga has its origins in the ancient religion of Hinduism. As practiced traditionally in India, yoga includes a set of ethical imperatives
and moral precepts, including diet, exercise, and meditation to attain better health and a deeper level of consciousness.
How does it work?
Key elements of yoga include:
Asanas (postures)
Asanas are gentle stretching positions designed to keep the body strong, supple and balanced.
Pranayama
From Sanskrit prana
(vital energy) and ayama (to expand), pranayamas are specially
developed breathing techniques.
Concentration / meditation practice
Imagery, visualization, focusing on objects, and sound (mantra).
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Types of Yoga
The simplest form is Hatha yoga and the highest
is known as Raja, or "union by mental mastery."
Science and Yoga
Practitioners of yoga have long known that they are able to affect mental and physical responses. Recent scientific research confirms that many body functions traditionally thought to be beyond the conscious mind's control, can be altered through yoga such as:
blood pressure
body temperature
brain waves (as measured by electroencephalography EEG)
heart rate
metabolic rate
respiratory function
skin resistance (as in walking on fire)
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