Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that combines physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, which means to join or to unite.
Yoga symbolizes the unity of mind and body, thought and action, and harmony with nature.
Sage Patanjali systematically presented the ancient tradition of yoga in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
Sage Patanjali described yoga as a means to make the mind quiet and free from distractions.
Yoga postures or asanas help strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, and improve physical balance and endurance.
Regular practice of yoga postures helps to reduce body pains, especially lower back pain.
Breathing techniques and meditation in yoga help to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.
Practising yoga relaxes the mind, increases mental concentration, and improves the quality of sleep.
Yoga helps to boost the immune system, lowers blood pressure, and improves overall blood circulation.
Yoga can aid in healthy weight loss by burning calories and maintaining good physical health.
The World Health Organisation launched the WHO mYOGA app on 20th June 2021 to encourage global practice.
Yoga asanas must be practiced with awareness by coordinating each physical stretch with the breath.
Seals of the Sindhu-Sarasvati Civilisation show that yoga was prevalent in ancient India around 2700 BC.
The United Nations General Assembly accepted the proposal to celebrate 21st June as International Yoga Day.