Yoga developed during the tantric civilization in India and all parts of the world more than 10,000 years ago. Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word yuj, which means 'to join' or 'to unite'. Practiced by more than 14% of American adults in 2017, most people have heard of yoga. Known for its movements, yoga also supports a healthy mind. It has not slowed in popularity or growth in decades, but little is known about its roots or historical practices.

What is Yoga?

As the interest in the discipline of yoga continues to increase worldwide, so does the study of its origins. Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction, is said to be the founder of yoga and Parvati, his first disciple. Parvati is considered the first consort of Shiva and goddess of the Himalayas. She is seen as the archetypal mother goddess of fertility. Originally yoga was taught and understood to be a spiritual practice used by the wise to enhance mental and physical health, and prosperity. As yoga grew in practice, it separated into different paths and disciplines based on the ideals and principles developed over millennia.

There are currently six more commonly recognized paths of yoga; four traditional practices, Jnana, Karma, Raja, and Bhakti, as well as two newer paths, Hatha and Kriya. This is not by any means an exhaustive list. There are many other paths, both those still in practice and those that are now defunct. Each practitioner is encouraged to find the type that meets their physical and spiritual needs to cultivate a stronger mind-body connection.

Common Yoga Practices

Below is a list of specific yoga practices:

• Jnana Yoga - is the path of philosophy concentrating on the systematic enlightenment of reality through contemplation.
• Karma Yoga - is the path of work. It promotes pleasure in labor-focusing on thoughts of success and failure.
• Raja Yoga - also known as Patanjali or classical yoga aims to train the mind to be effortlessly quiet, focused, and self-aware.
• Bhakti Yoga - is the systematic path of worship engaging the mind in the practice of divine love.
• Hatha Yoga - also called post-classical yoga, elaborates upon postures and breathing techniques to prepare for meditation.
• Kriya Yoga - centers on rapid spiritual growth of the person through tranquility and meditation.

Though each school's practices are different, they all view yoga as the science of 'right living'. In yoga, asana, or the 'state of being' one finds in specific poses, opens energy channels, and psychic centers in the body. These tools of higher awareness allow a person to explore body, breath, mind, and beyond by offering a stable foundation.

The Mind-Body Connection

History shows yoga is a spiritual, philosophical tradition often defined through religion instead of through the lens of physical fitness, health, and well-being. It hasn't been until recently that the true benefits of yoga are coming to light. Perhaps, the greatest benefit of yoga is its enhancement of the 'mind-body' connection often used in more holistic forms of healing.

Those who practice Tai Chi and other forms of martial arts focusing on the mind-body connection seem to have similar positive effects. "In scientific terms, mind-body modalities may influence the brain, which can influence the immune system, hormones, and involuntary functions such as blood pressure and heart rate, all for the better" (Bowling). On top of that, yoga also encourages practitioners to become more friendly and compassionate and to have greater self-control than they might otherwise. It engages people to become their own healers, teaching that the body's systems are interconnected.

Physical Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is a great form of exercise for every person. Yoga is such a great practice because there are hundreds of positions in yoga, and each can be modified to meet each practitioner's individual physical needs and limitations. This practice can increase strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility over time. Lower back pain, neck pain, and even headaches may be improved with yoga.

Research shows yoga may help prevent heart disease. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and body weight all showed modest improvements in small studies. Practicing yoga can improve brain structure and function which may help prevent age-related decline. Yoga also supports mental health by improving depression, anxiety, and lowering stress. It may also be helpful with addiction support. There are probably more health benefits, but research is still ongoing.

Wrapping It Up

Yoga is often inexpensive and is generally considered safe for most people to practice. If you are thinking of beginning a yoga practice, consult a health professional first. Make sure you choose a certified instructor, so they can help you learn postures safely for your body type.

Most importantly, let your fitness level guide you! Just because you are starting to learn about yoga doesn't mean you'll ever be able to do a handstand. That being said, you'll never know what you are capable of, especially in yoga, unless you invest in strengthening your mind-body connection. You can learn more about yoga and practices in your area by accessing the Yoga Alliance website.

Resources:

1. Bowling, Allen C., and Tom Stewart. 2006. "Mind over Yoga." Inside MS; 24(4): 54+. Gale Academic OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A156651074/AONE?u=lom_grandrapid&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=46f4cd50
2. Clarke, Tainya C., et al. 2018. "Use of Yoga, Meditation, and Chiropractors Among U.S. Adults Aged 18 and Over." NCHS Data Brief. US Department of Health and Human Services. Center for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics; 325.
3. Gothe, Neha P., et al. 2019. "Yoga Effects on Brain Health: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature". 1(Jan 2019): 105 - 122.
4. Manchanda, S C. 2014. "Yoga-A Promising Technique to Control Cardiovascular Disease." Indian Heart Journal; 66(5): 487-9. doi:10.1016/j.ihj.2014.08.013
5. Mishra, Ragini. 2022. "Tracing The Path of Yoga: The History and Philosophy of Indian Mind-Body Discipline'" Journal of Comparative Literature and Aesthetics; 45(4): 175+. Gale Academic OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A733039210/AONE?u=lom_grandrapid&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=dc2fd0b7
6. Mooventhan, A., and L. Nivethitha. 2020. "History, Philosophy/concept, Techniques of Yoga and its Effects on Various Systems of the Body." Yoga Mimamsa; 52(2): 76. Gale Academic OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A646907588/AONE?u=lom_grandrapid&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=0aad4a39
7. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. N.D. "Yoga: Effectiveness and Safety." Revised 2023. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/yoga-effectiveness-and-safety
8. Woodyard, Catherine. 2011. "Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Yoga and Its Ability to Increase Quality of Life." International Journal of Yoga; 4(2): 49-54. doi:10.4103/0973-6131.85485re