Yoga means “unity” or “oneness” and derives from the Sanskrit word yuj, which means “to join”. This unity refers to the union of the body, mind and spirit.
Gurus would describe Yoga as the science of right living, and as so is intended to be incorporated in daily life. It has the capacity to work in all aspects of the person: the physical, vital, mental, emotional, psychic and spiritual.
On a more practical level, yoga refers to the balancing of the body, mind and emotions through the practice of asanas, pranayama, sense purification and meditation. There are many branches of yoga and each individual needs to find the style most suited for his particular needs and personality. Hatha yoga has become the most well known system of yoga and has proven to be beneficial for people of all walks of life, giving direct and tangible benefits to everyone regardless of their physical, mental and spiritual aims.
Hatha yoga works on the holistic principles of harmony and unification and yoga therapy using hatha yoga has been proven successful because of the balance created in the nervous and endocrine system which directly influence all the other systems and organs of the body. It also works directly with the nervous, respiratory and circulatory system to increase the flow and availability of oxygen into all cells of the human body.
Yoga as one of India’s oldest and most comprehensive traditions, has developed a vast arsenal of physical and mental techniques geared to gain control over the body and mind. Yoga provides real tools to combat social disconnection and malaise, by providing means for people to find their own way of connecting with their true selves. Through this connection with their real selves, it is possible for people to express compassion and empathy for others.
Yoga is far from being simply a form of physical exercises. In a time where values seem lost and competition, achievement and excessiveness seem to predominate, yoga becomes an aid to restore the perception of what is real and what is necessary, and how to become established in a way of life that embraces both inner and outer realities.