What is Yoga

Yoga is a 5,000 year-old scientific system, designed to empower health, happiness, and a greater sense of self. The word yoga means "union" and refers to the oneness of mind, body and spirit. Yoga is not a religion. It supports and enhances all cultural, racial and religious backgrounds.

What is commonly referred to as "yoga" can be more accurately described by the Sanskrit words asana, which refers to the practice of physical postures or poses and pranayama, which refers to the practice of breathing exercises. Yoga helps tone the body and relax the mind. Through various postures and breathing, bones are brought into alignment and muscles are strengthened, stretched and relaxed. This process oxygenates the blood helping to tone the nervous system, improve circulation, promote flexibility and release tension. This practice of poses and breathing is only part of the picture. The foundation of yoga also includes the following:

• Yama which are ethical guidelines regarding moral behavior toward others such as nonviolence, truthfulness, and respect.
• Niyama which are ethical guidelines regarding moral behavior towards oneself including ideas such as respect, contentment, and continual learning.
• Pratyahara through which an individual learns to focus on what is occurring internally in both mind and body.
• Dharana and Dhyana which focus on concentration.
• Samadhi which includes ideas such as happiness and an understanding of how one’s own self connects to the rest of the universe.

A practice that encompasses all of these concepts helps to support a person’s personal growth and well being in all aspects of life – physical, social, mental, emotional and spiritual. It both requires and teaches concentration and discipline. Anyone, regardless of age, body type, experience, or physical abilities, can practice yoga.