| Yoga is considered a form of complementary and | | | | The numerous schools of yoga incorporate these eight |
| alternative medicine utilizing the practice of mind and | | | | limbs in varying proportions. |
| body, with origins in ancient Indian philosophy. There are | | | | HATHA yoga, the most commonly practiced in the |
| many styles of yoga which combine physical postures, | | | | United States and Europe, emphasizes two of the |
| breathing techniques, and meditation. Yoga typically | | | | eight limbs: postures (asanas) and breathing exercises |
| involves using your conscious mental process to do | | | | (pranayama). The principles of Hatha yoga involve |
| certain techniques-such as focusing attention on | | | | perfecting the mind by way of perfecting the body. |
| maintaining a specific posture-to suspend the stream | | | | Some of the major styles of hatha yoga include |
| of thoughts and relax the body and mind. | | | | Ananda, Anusara, Ashtanga, Bikram, Iyengar, Kripalu, |
| Yoga is a typically thought of as a form of exercise | | | | Kundalini, and Viniyoga, some of which are described |
| that stretches and strengthens the body through | | | | further below: |
| various poses, also known as Asanas. But, yoga is far | | | | ASHTANGA yoga is considered a type of aerobic |
| more than a series of awkward poses and routines. | | | | yoga as it involves quick and smooth transitions |
| Yoga in its full form combines physical postures, | | | | between poses. |
| breathing exercises, meditation, and a distinct | | | | KUNDALINI yoga involves awakening and focusing |
| philosophy. Yoga is intended to increase relaxation and | | | | what is known as kundalini energy, or what is known |
| balance the mind, body, and the spirit. | | | | as life energy that lies dormant in our bodies, which is |
| Early written descriptions of yoga are in Sanskrit, the | | | | represented by a coiled snake. |
| classical language of India. The word "yoga" comes | | | | MANTRA yoga, however, focuses on calming the |
| from the Sanskrit word yuj, which means "yoke or | | | | mind and body through the use of words and sounds. |
| union." It is believed that this describes the union | | | | The well known 'OM' chant is commonly heard in this |
| between the mind and the body. The first known text, | | | | yoga practice. |
| The Yoga Sutras, was written more than 2,000 years | | | | Yoga is a very diverse practice, no matter which |
| ago, although yoga may have been practiced as early | | | | school you choose. People young and old can gain |
| as 5,000 years ago. Yoga was originally developed as | | | | many benefits from regular yoga practices, and |
| a method of discipline and attitudes to help people | | | | asanas (poses) can be adjusted to fit physical |
| reach spiritual enlightenment. The Sutras outline eight | | | | limitations and different levels of experience in the |
| limbs or foundations of yoga practice that serve as | | | | practice. |
| spiritual guidelines: | | | | Yoga entails mastery over the body, mind, and |
| 1. yama (moral behavior) | | | | emotional self, and transcendence of desire. It is said to |
| 2. niyama (healthy habits) | | | | lead gradually to knowledge of the true nature of |
| 3. asana (physical postures) | | | | reality. |
| 4. pranayama (breathing exercises) | | | | Practicing yoga will help you strive toward physical |
| 5. pratyahara (sense withdrawal) | | | | well-being, as well, as spiritual. If you are looking for a |
| 6. dharana (concentration) | | | | change from your normal gym workout, using |
| 7. dhyana (contemplation) | | | | treadmills, stair climbers and the like, why not try a |
| 8. samadhi (higher consciousness) | | | | yoga class? |