Yoga is the Sanskrit word for union and is an old discipline from
India. It groups physical, mental, and spiritual practices aimed at
controlling and stilling the mind. The ultimate goal is to understand life
and the ego-self, and free oneself from mundane suffering to reach a
higher self. Yoga uses breathing techniques, exercise and meditation. It
helps to improve overall health and well-being.
A person doing yoga moves from one posture (called asana) to
another, but there are also other aspects which are important in yoga,
such as breath-work, mantras, mudras (postures of the hands and fingers),
meditation and much more (for more information, check out the
Yoga Sutras). For example, the Sun Salutation contains 12 poses of asanas, one after
the other. It is popularly known as Suryanamaskar, helps balance
body and soul, and is usually practiced at the start of classes as it is
ideal to warm up the body.
📚 Read more on the origins of yoga
🍦 Like flavors in icecream, also in yoga there are different types of practice according to one's preference: