The word yoga originates form a Sanskrit phrase "to yoke", it means unity, the union of the mind, body and spirit, the unity of ones consciousness with universal consciousness. Or more simply, yoga is a way to balance all aspects of the self; the phyisical body, the emotional, mental and spiritual and to bring out the best in each individual. Through the practice of asana (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), mudra (gestures), bandha (locks), shatkarma (purification practices) and dhuana (meditation) yoga offers us a way to live a healthy and harmonious life.
Yoga tones the muscles without straining them, promotes healthy blood flow, combats fatugue, balances the neuro-endocrine system, stabilizes emotions and reduces stress.
Yoga asana are a tool to bring the mind into the present and prepare the body for meditation, bring supplness, giving one the ability to sit comfortably and still and awakens ones awareness to the body. The breath is also a tool we use in yoga to begin to quietten the mind, by bring ones awareness to the breath and giving the mind a point to focus on.
There are many reasons that bring people to search for a yoga class, such as flexibility, strength, recovery from injury and relaxation. Yoga offers a non aggressive and non competitive practice allowing a safe and nurturing environment to open and connect the body, mind and spirit.