“Yoga” means to “unite, coordinate, or energize” and is, quite simply, the most powerful system of overall health and well-being. It is the system of traditional medicine native to India and practiced for thousands of years throughout a variety of cultures. To learn more about the history of yoga dating from ancient Hindu scriptures to the modern, westernized practice, click here. We can perhaps attribute yoga’s popularity in the West to Swami Vivekananda, a Hindu monk who toured Europe and the U.S. in the 1890s to spread knowledge about Hinduism among intellectuals.
Yoga has an extraordinary healing potential to balance body, mind and spirit. With yoga, health extends far beyond simply not having aches and pains. It works to optimize the function of every system in your body – from muscles and digestion to circulation and immunity. Yoga is about emotional well-being, spiritual resilience, and buoyancy – even joy. It teaches that only when these elements are aligned can you maximize your chance for overall health and optimal healing.
The Value of Yoga
Yoga has also evolved into couples or partner yoga where you can both deepen your poses and your relationships.
The benefits are unlimited. Yoga can:
- reduce stress
- increase flexibility
- improve balance
- promote strength
- heighten cardiovascular conditioning
- lower blood pressure
- reduce weight
- strengthen bones
- prevent injuries
- lift mood
- improve immune function
- increase oxygen supply to the tissues
- heighten sexual functioning and fulfillment
- foster psychological equanimity
- promote spiritual well-being
