About Yoga
Originating in India, “yoga” refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines and the goal achieved by those disciplines. The word is derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj” meaning to control or unite.
Outside India, what is commonly referred to as "yoga" can be more accurately described by the word “asana” meaning the practice of physical postures or poses. Hatha Yoga is the style that many people associate with the word "yoga" today, as it describes any of the physical practices of yoga.
Yoga is really about the integration of the body, the mind, and the spirit. Balance in the body can be created through developing both strength and flexibility, and is achieved through the use of movement, breath, posture, relaxation and meditation.
A practitioner of Yoga is called a Yogi (unisex) or Yogini (female).
The practice of yoga has many health benefits and can assist with the following: flexibility, strength, range of motion, balance, posture, breathing, pain prevention, muscle tone, depth perception, weight reduction, stress reduction, mental calmness, self confidence, mood, concentration, learning efficiency, anxiety and depression, memory, blood pressure, cholesterol, respiratory efficiency, gastrointestinal function, immune system, hand-eye coordination, reaction time, energy level and more.
There are many different styles of yoga, each having different focus and benefits. Some popular sytles include:
| Amrit Ananda Anusara Ashtanga Baptiste Bharata Yoga Bikram Hatha Integral Integrative Yoga Ishta Iyengar Jivamukti Jnana Kali Ray TriYoga |
Kripalu Kriya Kundalini Meditation Hot Yoga/Bikram Power Yoga Pranayama Prenatal Yoga Postpartum Yoga Raja Retreat Centers Sivananda Svaroopa Yoga Tantra Viniyoga Vinyasa/Flow |
