Yoga

How does yoga work?
 What is yoga?
 History
 Philosophy
 Chakras
 Types
 Benefits
 Risks and side effects
 Summary
Yoga is a mind and body practice that can build strength and flexibility. It
may also help manage pain and reduce stress. Various styles of yoga
combine physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation.
YogaTrusted Source is an ancient practice that may have originated in India.

It involves movement, meditation, and breathing techniques to promote
mental and physical well-being.
There are several types of yoga and many disciplines within the practice.
This article explores the history, philosophy, health and wellness benefits,
and various branches of yoga.
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What is yoga?
Yoga is an ancient practice that involves physical poses, concentration, and

deep breathing.
A regular yoga practice can promoteTrusted Source endurance, strength,

calmness, flexibility, and well-being.
Yoga is now a popular form of exercise around the world. According to a 2017
national surveyTrusted Source, one in seven adults in the United States
practiced yoga in the past 12 months.
History
The first mention of the word “yoga” appears in Rig Veda, a collection
of ancient texts. Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which means
“union” or “to join.”
Yoga can be traced back to northern India over 5,000 years ago.
Indian monks spread their knowledge of yoga in the West during the late
1890s. Modern yoga teachings became widely popular in Western countries
by the 1970s.
Philosophy
The overall philosophy of yoga is about connecting the mind, body, and
spirit.
There are six branches of yoga. Each branch represents a different focus and
set of characteristics.
The six branches are:
 Hatha yoga: This is the physical and mental branch that aims to
prime the body and mind.
 Raja yoga: This branch involves meditation and strict adherence to a

series of disciplinary steps known as the eight limbs of yoga.
 Karma yoga: This is a path of service that aims to create a future free
from negativity and selfishness.
 Bhakti yoga: This aims to establish the path of devotion, a positive

way to channel emotions and cultivate acceptance and tolerance.
 Jnana yoga: This branch of yoga is about wisdom, the path of the
scholar, and developing the intellect through study.
 Tantra yoga: This is the pathway of ritual, ceremony, or

consummation of a relationship.
Chakras
The word “chakra” means “spinning wheel.”
Yoga maintains that chakras are center points of energy, thoughts, feelings,
and the physical body. According to yogic teachers, chakras determine how
people experience reality through emotional reactions, desires or aversions,
levels of confidence or fear, and even physical symptoms and effects.
When energy becomes blocked in a chakra, it triggers physical, mental, or

emotional imbalances that manifest in symptoms such as anxiety, lethargy,
or poor digestion.
Asanas are the many physical poses in Hatha yoga. People who practice
yoga use asanas to free energy and stimulate an imbalanced chakra.
There are seven major chakras, each with its own focus:
 Sahasrara: The crown chakra, which is at the crown of the head,

symbolizes spiritual connection.
 Ajna: Located between the eyebrows, the third eye chakra has to do
with intuition.
 Vishuddha: The throat chakra corresponds to immunity and verbal

communication.
 Anahata: The heart chakra, which is in the center of the chest,

influences professional and personal relationships. Any imbalances in
this chakra will affect oxygen, hormones, tissue, and organ control.
 Manipura: The solar plexus chakra is in the stomach area. It

corresponds to self-confidence, wisdom, and self-discipline.
 Svadhishthana: The sacral chakra, which is beneath the belly button,

connects pleasure, well-being, and vitality.
 Muladhara: The root chakra, which is at the base of the spine,

connects the mind and body to the earth to keep a person grounded. It
controls the sciatic nerves and the parasympathetic nervous system.

Yoga

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How does yoga work?

 Risks and side effects

YogaTrusted Source is an ancient practice that may have originated in India.

Yoga is an ancient practice that involves physical poses, concentration, and

A regular yoga practice can promoteTrusted Source endurance, strength,

The six branches are:

 Raja yoga: This branch involves meditation and strict adherence to a

 Bhakti yoga: This aims to establish the path of devotion, a positive

 Tantra yoga: This is the pathway of ritual, ceremony, or

The word “chakra” means “spinning wheel.”

When energy becomes blocked in a chakra, it triggers physical, mental, or

 Sahasrara: The crown chakra, which is at the crown of the head,

 Vishuddha: The throat chakra corresponds to immunity and verbal

 Anahata: The heart chakra, which is in the center of the chest,

 Manipura: The solar plexus chakra is in the stomach area. It

 Svadhishthana: The sacral chakra, which is beneath the belly button,

 Muladhara: The root chakra, which is at the base of the spine,

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