Origins of yoga
Yoga is an ancient Hindu system of mental, physical and spiritual training, which is aimed at bringing all three into union, through a variety of techniques and practices. There is evidence of yogic practices dating as far back as 4000 years ago, however, the system we use today was complied by Patanjali, an Indian sage, in about 300 BC. Although the practice is divided into eight limbs, hatha yoga (incorporating asanas, the postures and pranayama, the breathing techniques) is the one most commonly practised in the West, and the one with which most people are familiar. Hatha Yoga, as a practice by itself, was brought to the West during the Victorian Era, and since its boom in the 1960s, has spread throughout every corner of the world.

How does yoga work ?
One of the principles behind yoga is that all tension stored in the body is a direct result of stress, that more often than not, has been a result of our thinking and reactions to situations. Thus, both the mind and the body need to be relaxed and exercised, to change habits that cause us stress. This stress and tension is not natural to our bodies - we were not born clenching our jaws and hunching our shoulders. The asanas, or postures, when practised consistently, bring flexibility, suppleness and strength to the body and also help to tone muscles correctly. Above all, they teach one how to use the body correctly by re-educating the muscles, so that dis-ease and pain are eliminated, leaving you to live a healthy and comfortable life. In addition, the physical postures are combined with breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditative practices to relax and calm the body and mind, and further enhance overall health. Traditionally, the aim of yoga is to stimulate the prana (vital energy) to flow through the correct energy channels (nadis) in the body. There are seven major wheels of energy, called chakras. The feeling of vitality and well-being that is felt after a yoga session is the result of these chakras being brought into balance. Yoga releases tensions and stress patterns that have built up in the body, and the benefits can be felt almost immediately. One of the most widely practised forms of yoga, Iyengar Yoga (developed by BKS Iyengar), involves, among other techniques, the Sun Salutation, which a vigorous series of 12 asanas. This practice raises the heart rate and is an excellent low-impact cardiovascular workout.

What happens during a yoga session ?
The best way to learn yoga is with the guidance of a qualified instructor. Yoga classes are especially beneficial for beginners, as opposed to learning from a book, as hands-on help is essential in learning the poses correctly initially, and are a good way to start a disciplined yoga practice. Your yoga teacher will also know which poses should be performed in sequence to get the maximum benefit, and is there to help, should you experience pain or difficulty. Once the basics have been grasped, you can effectively practice yoga anywhere, and will gain more benefit by practising at home as well. Classes usually start off with a brief meditation, or breathing exercise, to focus one's thoughts and turn concentration wholeheartedly towards the yoga practice. Classes will differ according to what sequences are being used (e.g. back bends, forward bends, standing poses), but always start with a warm-up and then move onto the more specific positions. These postures can be adopted by anyone, at any age or state of health, but any medical problems must be discussed with the instructor, as there are some poses that should be avoided, but have adaptations which give the same effect. Most sessions will end with a 10 - 20 minute relaxation and meditation, in which the body is given a chance to rest and assimilate the benefits of the practice. Classes are usually about one and a half hours in duration.

Who can yoga help ?
Everyone can benefit from yoga - among other things, it stimulates the involuntary nervous system, and improves circulation, energy levels and vitality. It is specifically indicated for anyone suffering from the physical symptoms of stress - high blood pressure, back pain and anxiety. It has also been found immensely beneficial by those suffering from arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, headaches, pre-menstrual tension and asthma, as well as other respiratory ailments (e.g. emphysema, hay fever, sinusitis). Irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn and ulcers are among some of the digestive disorders that yoga has been found to relieve. Yoga is also used by pregnant women in preparation for childbirth. On a mental-spiritual level, yoga brings calmness and a sense of well-being. This is not only the result of the meditation practice (raja or mantra yoga), but is very much a part of the physical exercise too.