Yoga is the traditional meditative practice that originated from Buddhist and Hindu disciples and has been said to promote physical and mental health and well being. Yoga is part of the most of ancient Hindu religious philosophies that advocate a constant striving for moksha or salvation through these exercises. Practicing yoga is said to infuse peace and well being within ones soul and render a practitioner free from worry and puts him on the path to salvation. The word ‘yoga’ has numerous meanings, the most common of which is “to unite and control”. There are various different schools of yoga that have developed over time. The most widely practiced yogic techniques are those belonging to the Patanjali yoga system.
The ancient yogic practices have been incorporated in varying degrees into religions like Buddhism and even Islam. The regular practice of yoga is said to heal a person of many ailments and make him fit and healthy. Yoga has a positive influence on the mental health of a person as well. It is believed that it can cure ailments such as asthma, arthritis, diabetes and blood pressure. It is also said that it can even reduce the aging process and help people live a healthier and longer life. Yogic practitioners also claim that yoga can improve your sex life and also rid insomnia.
There have been mass movements to promote yoga throughout the western world as a panacea for all ills. Hundreds of yogic meditation centers have been opened in western countries and teachers of yoga can be found all over America and Europe.
