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 YOGA

What is it?
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF YOGA
The word yoga comes from the root word yuj meaning "yoke" or "union" in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India where yoga originated. Contemporary practitioners often think of this in terms of the interrelationship between the mind, body and spirit or all living beings on the planet.  In the West, what is commonly understood by the word "yoga" is the physical practice of postures, known by the Sanskrit word asana (AZ-ana.)

Historically, yoga was a set of guidelines and practices to enhance mental and spiritual well-being rather than a primarily physical practice.

What is it used for?
BENEFITS OF YOGA
- Flexibility
- Strength
- Muscle tone and length
- Improved balance
- Pain prevention
- Better breathing
- Mental calmness and focus
- Stress reduction
- Body awareness 

Where did it come from?
HISTORY OF YOGA
Yoga has been practiced before the beginning of recorded history.  Archaeologists have discovered artwork of yoga positions that is over thousands of years old.  Although many believe that yoga originated from the Hindu religion, the practice of Hindu actually began much later and utilized some of the principles of yoga.  Other world religions have also adopted some of its techniques and concepts.
Yoga has been taught from teacher to student for centuries through various forms of instruction.  The current concept of yoga has thus resulted from the experiences of thousands of practitioners over several centuries.  The orientation and teaching process of a current yoga instructor is a result of the lineage of yoga practitioners preceding him.

What is it based on?
THEORY OF YOGA
One of the first known books of yoga was written by an individual named Patanjali.  His book was called Yoga Sutras (“Yoga Aphorisms”) and he recorded the practices of yoga during his time approximately 2000 years ago.  The system that he wrote about is known the eight limbs (ashta = 8, anga = limbs) of Yoga, generally referred to as Classical Yoga. The only actual yoga posture mentioned in the sutras was sitting, as in meditation. The eight steps of Classical Yoga are:

- Yama, meaning “restraignts” – refraining violence, lying, stealing, casual sex, and hoarding
- Niyama, meaning “observances” – purity, contentment, tolerance, study, and rememberance
- Asana, physical exercises
- Pranayama, breathing techniques
- Pratyahara, preparation for meditation, described as “withdrawal of the mind from the senses”
- Dharana, concentration, being able to hold the mind on one object for a specified time
- Dhyana, meditation, the ability to focus on one thing (or nothing) indefinitely
- Samadhi, awareness of the self’s essential nature

Current yoga classes as taught in Western countries focus more on steps three through five. 
Although yoga was available in the United States by 1900, few were aware of it until the 1960s.  As its positive effects became better known it became acknowledged and respected as a useful method for facilitating health, wellbeing, and the reduction of stress.  Yoga is now prescribed by many physicians whose patients are suffering from back pain, emotional difficulties, loss of flexibility and muscle tone, and other ailments.

How is it done?
WHAT A SESSION OF YOGA IS LIKE
There are hundreds of different styles of yoga being taught and practiced in the U.S. today. Although they derive from the same physical postures and techniques, each style has a particular emphasis.

- Hatha can be used to describe many styles of yoga.  A Hatha class will tend to be of a more basic nature, slower, and more suitable for those beginning a yoga practice. 

- Vinyasa or Flow Yoga are generally used to describe many different types of classes which tend to be more vigorous. These incorporate breath-synchronized movement based on the performance of a sequence of poses called Sun Salutations. The class generally begins with the Sun Salutations as a preparation for more active stretching that occurs later in the class. 

- Ashtanga is a fast-paced, intense style of yoga with several levels including the Primary Series and several Advanced Series.   Classes can last 2 hours, and poses are always performed in exactly the same order. Ashtanga tends to be more demanding since there is continual change between poses.

- Power Yoga has its roots in Ashtanga but can incorporate a different set of poses.
 
- Iyengar Yoga focuses primarily on the precise positioning of the body during each pose to attain peak alignment, gain more health benefits from the practice, and prevent injury.  Iyengar practice usually emphasizes holding poses over long periods and is characterized by the use of props, such as yoga blankets, blocks and straps.

- The emphasis in Kundalini is on the breath in conjunction with physical movement, designed to free energy in the lower body and allow it to move upwards. The effect of the breath (or prana) on the postures is essential.  It is characterized by quick, repetitious movements and instructor led chanting. 

- Bikram Yoga or Hot Yoga is practiced in a very warm room of approximately 100 degrees.  This application of heat encourages the flexibility of muscles and sweating.  The Bikram method is a trademarked series of 26 poses, but not all hot classes make use of this series.

- Anusara focuses on proper alignment as well as the philosophical belief that all living being possess innate goodness.  Anusara classes are multilevel, and poses are taught in a way that opens the heart, both physically and mentally..

- Jivamukti classes get their name from the New York studio run by the founders of this style. The word means finding spiritual freedom while still in the physical body. Classes emphasize chanting, meditation, and spiritual teachings. They are generally intense physically and involve chanting.

- Kripalu is connected to hatha yoga as well as a wellness center in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.  This practice takes a compassionate approach and emphasizes meditation, physical healing and spiritual transformation.  Kripalu emphasizes knowledge of the self and honoring the pace that feels best.

- Integral Yoga also utilizes a hatha style and can also contain chanting, meditation, and breathing exercises.
 
- Sivananda Yoga is rooted in five themes including correct diet (vegetarian), appropriate exercise, proper breathing, relaxation, and affirmative thinking and meditation.

Who does it?
YOGA PRACTITIONERS
Currently, there are no specific state or national licensing requirements to become a teacher of yoga, although most teacher trainings offer levels of certification to show completion of programs.

Yoga teacher training may range from a weekend course to several years of study with a teacher. Before attending teacher training, most schools require that students have practiced their style of yoga for at least one year or be recommended to the school by a practicing teacher.