What is yoga and what benefits does it bring?
Explore the history and tradition of yoga to expand your awareness in your daily practice. What is yoga and what benefits does it bring to anyone who decides to embark on a personal journey with it? We present the most important facts.
Who can practice yoga?
One of the most beautiful aspects of yoga is that it's practically for everyone. Regardless of age, condition, or physical fitness level, yoga strengthens the body and soothes the mind for anyone willing to dedicate even a few minutes a day to individual practice. For some, yoga is a choice of an ethical path—it's not just exercise, but a lifelong philosophy. What is yoga, and what are the benefits of practicing it?
The history and tradition of yoga
The origins of yoga can be found in ancient Indian philosophy. As one of the darshans, or philosophical systems, yoga has its roots in the Vedas, the oldest texts of Indian culture. It was systematized by the sage Patanjali in the treatise "Yoga Sutras," which remain the most important text on the origins and understanding of yoga to this day. This is why the asanas performed during practice have both modern names, such as "downward-facing dog," and Sanskrit names—adho mukha svanasana. For ancient yogis, the practice of yoga allowed them, above all, to gradually transform their lives and achieve enlightenment.
In the early 19th century, the intense encounter between the two worlds of East and West led to the spread of yoga beyond the cultural spheres of Asian countries. In the 20th century, yoga masters and teachers increasingly traveled to the West, promoting its physical aspects ( hatha yoga ) and the benefits achieved through regular asana practice.
What is yoga today?
Therefore, today, the term yoga primarily refers to a set of specific exercises—asanas—combined with various breathing and meditation techniques. The popularity of yoga has meant that we can now choose from many varieties, such as Ashtanga, Iyengar, Power Yoga , Aerial Yoga , Hot Yoga , and Yin Yoga.
What are the benefits of practicing yoga?
Regular practice of yogic asanas offers many benefits, which participants can observe for themselves after just a few sessions. Strengthening the back and joints, as well as stretching the muscles, can help alleviate low back and shoulder pain caused by a sedentary lifestyle or injuries. Research led by Satoshi Ohno from Osaka University also shows that regular practice of asanas lowers cortisol levels (commonly known as the stress hormone) and blood pressure. The relaxation brought by each yoga session has a relaxing and rejuvenating effect on the body. Focusing on breathing and meditation techniques practiced in yoga also bring peace to everyday situations and increase mindfulness and concentration, helping us to accept every aspect of reality.
Yoga elements in other sports training
Individual asanas have long been used during other physical training sessions aimed at strengthening or stretching the body. Kumbhakasana, a popular plank position recommended for those seeking to sculpt their abs and glutes, prepares the body for advanced balancing asanas in yoga. Tent pose, a stretch for the abductor and hamstring muscles often performed by runners, is one of the standing asanas – padottanasana, which also stimulates blood flow to the torso and neck, enhancing concentration and stimulating the nervous system. Therefore, perhaps you practice yoga without even realizing it? Discover the full benefits of regular practice by embarking on a more conscious journey. We offer yoga clothing , accessories , and mats at JOYINME.
