The word ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root, ‘Yuj’ meaning ‘to join’ or ‘to unite’. Yoga is a group of physical, mental and spiritual practices which originated in ancient India. The fundamental purpose of yoga is to encourage harmony in the body, mind and environment. Yoga is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophical traditions.

According to Modern scientists, the one who experiences their oneness of existence in yoga, is termed as a ‘Yogi’, having attained to a state of freedom referred to as Mukti, Nirvana or Moksha. The aim of yoga is Self-realization.

• History

The practise of Yoga was started during the Indus- Sarasvati civilization in northern India over 5, 000 years ago. Yoga is Veda means Yoke. Yoga was mainly used in describing a warrior dying and overstepping into heaven while at the back of his chariot to the gods and the higher power of being. In the 3^rd century BCE, the word ‘Yoga’ became common in other religions like Jain, Hindu and Buddhist writings.

In the 5^th century, Yoga was meant for meditation and religion, not as a form of workout. The first version of yoga was meant for spiritual practices and revolved around several core values.

• Science Behind Yoga

Yoga is extremely popular in fighting stress, anxiety and depression in these times of our super-fast lifestyle. Apart from spiritual Yoga, it has physiological benefits too. So let’s, understand the science behind the yoga that makes it so useful and beneficial-

• Yoga moderates Stress Hormones

When our body gets stressed, it secretes a hormone called cortisol, which disturbs our body functioning in the long term. So, yoga reduces the stress level and moderates the production of cortisol and keeps the individual calm.

• Yoga Stimulates Parasympathetic Nervous System

Yoga stimulates the Parasympathetic nervous system which helps us to calm down and restore balance after the major problem or stress is over. It helps to reduce the heartbeat rate and lowering blood pressure.

• Improves Immunity Function

Yoga helps to reduce the cortisol hormone and due to which the immunity of our body also increases.

• Benefits of Yoga

Some of the Benefits of Yoga are-

• Yoga can help you to maintain your blood pressure, and it reduces insomnia too.
• Yoga helps you to increase
• Yoga helps you to improve respiration, energy and vitality.
• Yoga also helps you to reduce your weight.
• Yoga helps a person to manage stress. It also helps to improve a person’s mental wellbeing.

Today, Yoga is practised worldwide by millions of people in many forms.