Wht is Yoga?

Yoga is a physical and mental practice that involves the body, mind and spirit. The practice -- which originated in India -- is designed to enhance awareness, create a mind-body-spirit balance, cleanse, heal and strengthen the body, liberate the true "S"elf and (as practiced today) improve fitness. The most common form practiced in the U.S. is Hatha yoga, which includes specific movements or postures (Asana), various breathing techniques (Pranayama) and is often complimented with, meditation (Dhyana).
Yoga's gentle, mindful and controlled movements can provide a non- or low-impact workout for people in almost any physical condition. Yogic exercises -- and there are many -- can ease tense muscles, improve flexibility and enhance strength, balance and endurance.
The word "yoga" means to join or bind together, and the practice joins together the body, mind and spirit. (On a spiritual level, it can refer to the union of the individual with the absolute truth or true Self (Atman).)
Yoga is now practiced around the world for its psychological, physical and spiritual benefits. Americans have practiced it for at least 150 years, but it gained popularity in the 1960s as young people developed a taste for all things Eastern.