About Yoga
Yoga means the experience of oneness or unity with your inner being.
The yoga postures
The yoga postures, or Asanas, mean a state of being in which you can remain steady, calm, quiet and comfortable, physically and mentally. In the ancient text on yoga by Patanjali, called the Yoga Sutras, there is a concise definition of yogasanas: Sthiram sukham asanam meaning 'that position which is comfortable and steady'. So the asanas in this context are practised to develop the person's ability to sit in one position, without discomfort, for extended lengths of time, as this is necessary during meditation.
Asanas
Asanas can also be performed for curative or health reasons. By gently stretching the muscles, massaging the internal organs and toning the nerves throughout the body, the health of the practitioner can be wonderfully improved and many diseases, even the so-called 'incurable' ones can be eliminated or eased.
Asanas have deep effects on the physical, mental and spiritual health, and as such, they can be more comprehensive than physical exercise. Asanas are performed with relaxation and concentration. They influence the nervous system, endocrine glands and internal organs as well as the muscles, encouraging them to function properly. Thus, asanas have a physical and psychosomatic effect, which is helpful in preventing or curing diseases. Asanas can be done by both healthy and unhealthy people, of all ages. They are most useful for both concentration and meditation and reduce the toxins in the body.