What is Yoga?
Yoga is a system of physical, mental, and spiritual practices created to bring together the body, mind and soul. The word yoga stems from the Sanskrit word “yoke” or bring together. Practices include physical posture, breathwork, relaxation and many meditation techniques. Yoga as a philosophy originated around 5,000 years ago in northern India.
Yoga is often utilized as a system for health and fitness in modern western use. This ancient practice began and continues to be a meditative process to foster self-discovery, transformation and liberation. There are many different styles of yoga, some vigorous, some based in deep relaxation. The benefits of practicing yoga include improved physical health, such as flexibility, mobility, strength, balance, mental health with a decrease of stress and anxiety, and emotional and spiritual resilience.
Yoga is appropriate for all people, depending on the type of yoga being taught. Many modern teachers are well educated in modifying a yoga practice safely based on injuries, mobility, and physical changes such as pregnancy.
