Though yoga originated in India as a religious practice, it has evolved into different forms of discipline. When chosen as exercise, it can benefit almost everybody.

The term is a derivation of a Sanskrit word that means union. In its more common usage, the term refers to the poses or asanas that are one of the means to achieving a sense of well being. The poses combine stretching with controlled breathing. There may also be meditative segments and guided imagery.

The key to benefiting is to establish a practice or regular routine. Flexibility and fitness are not required since there are modifications available. As strength grows, practitioners can move into more difficult variations and further increase the suppleness of the muscles. Classes are available in many places including community centers, health clubs, and yoga studios. Very little special equipment is required.

There are several branches. They emphasize different types of poses as well as variations in intensity. Finding the form that feels right on one’s body can take time but is well worth the effort. A good version to try first is Hatha. Its pace is slower and its poses are relatively easy.

Studies have shown that yoga may help limit the effects of certain conditions like asthma and PMS. However, it is also very well suited to reducing stress and anxiety. With a consistent practice, at each session, the body becomes both relaxed and energized. It may be the controlled breathing that targets stress best. Focusing on the breath takes the mind away from other worries.

Here is one asana anyone can try now as long as the back is healthy. It is called the cat pose. It increases familiarity with the body’s center and helps with coordinating movement and breathing. Begin on all fours, preferably on a padded surface so that there will be less pressure on the knees. Make sure the hands are straight down from the shoulders and the knees are straight down from the hips. Rock forward and back gently to find the place where the spine is straight and the body is balanced. Inhale. On the exhale, pull the abdominal muscles up and curve the spine. Drop the head so there is a single semi-circular line running from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Inhale and release the pose.

Developing a yoga practice requires commitment and discipline. However, it is well worth the effort. Not only will the body become stronger and more flexible, the mind will be more relaxed and resilient.

This activity seems fresh and new, invented in the late nineties, but it has, at least, 3000 years old, when it was created in India. The term yoga comes from word in Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages on the east, and it means to unite body, mind and spirit.

Yoga is much more than just physical activity, where this exercise is just one of the components of the lifestyle that is yoga. The main objectives of this lifestyle are to train your body, mind, breath and connect all this components with your spirit.

That physical activity that everybody knows as yoga is called Hatha. This Hatha is based on poses or Asanas. The person goes through some specific poses, and in the same time controls his breathing. In some cases there is also meditation and chants. Yoga is not a simple activity, as there are a lot of Hatha different types that I will list below:

- The type of yoga where the practitioners focuses on precise body alignment during the poses is called Iyengar. Is normal to use accessories like blankets, straps, blocks or chairs.
- When people focus more in slow stretches, deep breathing and flexibility, this is called Gentle yoga.
- Bikram, also known as Hot yoga, is practiced in very heated rooms, up to 100º F, focusing in purification and stamina.
- Restoractive relaxes the body completely by going through simple still poses for big periods of time.
- The point of Ashtanga is to build strength, stamina, flexibility and concentration. It is based on vigorous moves through predetermined poses, very focused on the breathing.
- Vinyasa, also known as Power yoga, is very similar to the Ashtanga, as they the two very vigorous types of yoga, focused on strength, flexibility and stamina. This type of yoga is very practiced in the US.

As you can see, yoga can change your life. It is an activity full of benefits since strength, flexibility, stamina and balance. More than these benefits, yoga is a very healthy lifestyle. People claim that it good for your sleep, anxiety and stress and even improves your mind.

Are you aware of your breath? Chances are, unless you have a background in performing arts, you probably take your breath for granted and don’t realise the power of your breath. However, when you practice yoga you will notice that your yoga teacher pays a lot of attention to your breath and will regularly remind you to tune in and be aware of it.

Breathing correctly and practicing breathing exercises form an integral part of your yoga practice.
As a yoga teacher I receive many inquiries from potential students about breathing exercises; why are they included in a session and the benefits and purpose of using your breath correctly.

Here are the five most popular questions I am asked by new yogis about yoga breathing exercises.

1. Should I breathe through my nose or my mouth? This is one of the most popular questions I am asked. Generally speaking, in yoga, breathing is done consciously through your nose. Your nostril is lined with tiny filters. When you breathe in through your nose, these tiny filters cleanse your in breath of dust, pollen and other airborne germs and pollutants. Your mouth does not have this protective filter, which means if you breathe in through your mouth you may have a dry mouth and pick up all kinds of airborne germs.

2. What is prana? Yoga philosophy teaches you that your breath is your life. Learning to breathe correctly enhances the quality of your life. Breathing is the most important function of your body. It is the source of energy. “Prana” is your life force and is the energy which flows through your whole body. It is the physical manifestation of your breath and is instrumental in all you do. When you breathe well you have more energy and vitality. Some Eastern schools refer to prana as chi or ki.

3. What is “pranayama” – what does it do? Pranayama is a Sanskrit word and means “control of the breath/prana”. The purpose of pranayama is to increase your physical and mental health. Pranayama is the term given to yoga breathing exercises, for example Alternate Nostril Breathing.

4. What is the connection between my breath, mind and body? Your breath is your connection between your mind and your body. Have you noticed that when you are stressed, upset or tired, you tend to hold your breath and your breath is short, shallow and maybe rapid? When stressed, friends may advise you to “take a deep breath”. By being aware of how you are breathing, you are more able to control your emotions and changes in the way you feel.

5. What are yoga breathing exercises? Yoga breathing exercises are specific exercises you practice as part of your daily yoga practice or during a yoga lesson. There are many different types of exercises but their purpose is always the same, to increase your vital energy, to cleanse the body and calm, clear and steady your mind. These exercises are an ideal preparation for meditation.

Learning how to breathe well is vital to ensure you get the most of your life, improve your health and live well. Take a deep breath in now and slowly release it. Repeat this three to five times and see for yourself just how great you feel.

In the hectic pace of life, we often deal with many kinds of stress like a noise, crowd, a bad relationships, meeting, and project deadlines. These stresses can generate headaches, heart palpitations, gloominess, frustration, and it could be worse if it affects our sleeping habits. Most of the people don’t know that these stress can hinder with the metabolic activities of our body, which could lead to diseases like diabetes, blood pressure problem and much more.

In the ancient days, it was believed that Yoga is the only medical way to cure the diseases; it was also believed that yoga can initially help a person to stay healthy, and it helps in regulating metabolic activities of our body. Yoga is basically a meditative practice that enables a person to attain a harmony of mind and relaxation of the body.

Yoga has a lot to offer as we approach 21st centuries. It gives us the means to complement medical technology with the holistic system of health care that addresses the problems of the mind and spirit, as well as those of the body.

Yoga just not only helps in reducing the causes of diseases. Yoga aims to treat illness by improving health on all levels simultaneously and by restoring inner harmony. Yoga contains elements that address problems at every level; asanas yoga is a type of practice, in yoga that helps in relaxing and toning a muscle and massages your internal organ, pranayama is another form of yoga that controls breathing and regulates prana (According to yoga experts, prana is responsible for the heart beating and breathing. Prana enters the body through the breath and is sent to every cell through the circulatory system), relaxation and meditation that helps to calm your mind and emotion culturing to heal your spirit.

The different types of yoga practice augment each other and are more effective when done together. When you do the asanas and stretch your muscles, muscular tension is released and you are more able to relax. Likewise, when you relax the mind and release suppressed emotions you tend to become less tense on a physical level. Regular practice of yoga can restore your natural balance and positive good health to all parts of your life.