Yoga originated in the Indian sub-continent several thousand years ago. It is a complete discipline for the mind, body and spirit. The word “yoga” is a Sanskrit term which means union. When we practice yoga, we aim to unite mind, body, breath and spirit.
Yoga improves posture and increases flexibility and stamina. It also improves the function of the respiratory, circulatory, digestive and hormonal systems. Yoga helps to relieve and reduce stress, and promotes deep relaxation, helping us to access our inner calm and self-confidence, and to live more fully in the present.
In a yoga class, students mainly study one of the eight parts of yoga called asana or postures. The yoga postures promote good health in both body and mind. Whilst the body gains strength and flexibility through the practice of the postures, both the body and the mind are refreshed, rather than left feeling exhausted. There are many different postures, each one having a slightly different effect on the physical, physiological and the psychological aspects of our being.