There are too many misconceptions clouding the science of Yoga. People perceive it to be some kind of black or white magic, sorcery, physical or mental debauchery through which miraculous feats can be performed. For some, it is an extremely dangerous practice which should be limited to only those who have renounced the world. Few others think it to be a kind of mental and physical acrobatism that is compatible only to a Hindu mind. So what is it exactly?

What is Yoga?
Yoga is one of the most ancient cultural heritages of India. It was invented by Hindu yogis over 2500 years ago. The word yoga means ‘unity’ or ‘oneness’ and is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’ which means ‘to join’. In this sense, it is an exercise in moral and mental cultivation that generates good health (arogya), contributes to longevity (chirayu), and the total intrinsic discipline culminates into positive and perennial happiness and peace. It works on all aspects of the person: the physical, mental, emotional, psychic and spiritual. Therefore, yoga is the said to be indispensable of the ultimate accomplishment in life. It is a science that affects not only the conscious self but the subconscious as well.

What does Yoga consist of?
Yoga usually includes three elements of the traditional yoga techniques: postures (or asanas in Sanskrit), breath control (or pranayama) and meditation.

Yoga asanas

Yoga asanas are the physical stretches or postures familiar to many of us when we think of yoga. Asanas come in standing, sitting, and inverted forms and are designed to improve suppleness, flexibility, and posture. They also stretch the muscles, and help to build stamina and strength in the body, as well as calming the mind.

Pranayama

Breathing exercises are designed to master the movement of prana (or life-force) within us. The practise of pranayama enhances lung capacity, oxygenating and energizing the body, and improves the circulation. Like the asanas, pranayama also calms the mind, allowing a feeling of tranquility and emotional well-being to develop over time.

Meditation techniques

Meditation allows us to become aware of how our mind works and allows us to accept ourselves. We become more single minded, our concentration improves, and we give up on habitual thought patterns, allowing us to become self-confident, open, and honest with ourselves and others.

What are the benefits of Yoga?
Regular yoga practice offers numerous benefits to body, mind, and spirit, including:

Toning and strengthening. As a form of isometric exercise, the prolonged holding of yoga postures tones the muscles as well as internal organs.
Increasing flexibility. Gently holding yoga poses at the edge of comfort, stretches and lengthens muscles, tendons, and ligaments allowing them to become more flexible.
Improves respiration. Deep breathing during yoga practice opens the chest and strengthens the diaphragm.
Improves concentration. Moving mindfully while maintaining awareness of the body and breath develops focus, attention, and concentration.
Promotes relaxation. The combination of gentle stretching, deep breathing, meditation, and guided relaxation releases body tension and calms the nervous system and emotions, giving a sense of renewal to the body, mind, and spirit.
Builds internal and external awareness. As a focused practice, yoga builds awareness of the body and feelings, along with increasing awareness of the needs of others, our communities, and our world.
Facilitates improved health. In addition to exercising the mind and muscles, yoga exercises and massages the glands and organs and increases circulation throughout the body, resulting in improved digestion, elimination of toxins, and the promotion of overall health.
Who can benefit from Yoga?
Yoga can be practiced by anyone, at any age, with any physical condition, depending on individual needs. It is pertinent to all people irrespective of his caste, creed, sex, and religion. It can be beneficial to all; the good and the bad, the sick and the healthy, the believer and the non-believer, the literate and the ignorant, the young and the old. Yoga, therefore, is for all ages from 5 years to as long as we live.

How to Practice Yoga?
It is very important to practice Yoga with the full mind. Best time to practice Yoga is either in the morning or in the evening. Beginners find it easier to practice in the evening because the body is supple. It is best if practitioner practices Yoga at a time that best suits his or her schedule, as long as the stomach is empty prior to the practice.

Beginners to yoga will benefit from learning yoga with a qualified teacher. Before you decide on a class, examine what your motives are for joining a class and discuss your needs with any prospective teacher. You should also check that the teacher is qualified, and try to watch one of their classes in progress to get a real feel for how much attention each individual student gets from the teacher, the ability level of the class, and even ideas on what to wear for the class. Once you have learnt the basics, it is perfectly possible for you to continue to practice yoga on your own, although it is a good idea to attend a class occasionally to make sure you haven’t picked up any bad habits.