...The word 'yoga' is taken from the Sanskrit word 'yuga' which means 'to join.'

Pantanjali, an Indian philosopher, wrote what is thought of as the "bible of yoga" approximately two thousand five hundred years ago. While certain aspects of yoga were being done well before Pantanjali, his writing "encouraged" the practice of yoga and it began widespread practice throughout India.

Written in Sanskrit it contained the eight sutras that are the basic principles of Yoga practice. Physical activity focuses on the body, meditation on the mind and emotions. Yoga combines the practices to give you an overall sense of physical and mental health. Let's look at the sutras and learn a little about each one.

Those eight are:

1. Yama

2. Niyama

3. Asana

4. Pranayama

5. Pratyahara

6. Dharana

7. Dhyana

8. Samadhi

The first two sutras, similar to the Ten Commandments of the Bible, deal with moral and ethical issues. They are basic laws to govern the actions of humanity.

Asana refers to the different postures, or poses, that can be used to st...more

Yoga Class Etiquette - 10 Things You Should Know

...and make a commotion. This is rude and disturbing to those who were on time and are already centering.

Remove your shoes as soon as you enter the studio to keep the floor clean. The floor is where you will be spending most of your time.

Please be quiet during class instruction. It's great to share with friends, but it can be distracting to others to have an extended or loud conversation.

Remove noisy jewelry like bangles and bells before class starts.

Keep questions brief but do ask questions if you have them. Everyone will learn with you!

Turn off your cell phones and beepers before entering the studio.

Resist watching other students during their practice. First of all it's rude and it only encourages comparisons. Comparing yourself to others is not what yoga is about. There will always be different levels of physical flexibility and strength when a group assembles for a yoga class. Yoga is about being aware of your own personal flexibility, strength, and focus. You cannot be focusing inwardly when you are fo...more

The History of Yoga - A Comprehensive Global Guide

...I am sure you are eager to know about Yoga history. Where was it practiced the first time, when, how and its evolution, all until it spread worldwide and is practiced everywhere and by millions of people of different sexes, ages, and races.

At first, we should know the meaning of the word Yoga. It is derived from the Sanskrit root Yog, and it means to bind or to join, as it unites the body, mind and soul.

Actually, there is no exact knowledge of its history. Experts estimated that Yoga's origin was around 5,000 years ago, and it was in India. There was uncertain evidence that its origin was in Afghanistan. However, it is certain that Yoga's origin was in the East. Archeologists excavated stone seals from the Indus valley with artifacts and evidence of Yoga existence on it, as they found figures of people doing different Yoga postures. T...more

The Power Behind Yoga - See How Practicing Yoga Heals the Human Body

... us return to a healthy balance.

Continuous stress increases levels of cortisol in our body, which in turn suppresses the immune system resulting in serious health problems like those mentioned above and other symptoms like sleep disturbances, loss of sex drive and loss of appetite. Stress can cause wear and tear on organs as well, a symptom that might not be immediately apparent, but takes its toll in the long run.

Practicing yoga regularly lowers your respiration and heart rates, and your blood pressure. It stimulates and aids in digestion and helps regulate blood flow to all of your important organs and systems: digestive, reproductive, glandular, circulatory and immune! Yoga boosts our well-being and keeps us healthy.

Yogas asanas...more

Sondra A Pilates And Yoga Instructor