Yoga is the journey of the self, to the self, through the self.
– Bhagavad Gita
Today more than 36 million people around the world enjoy yoga, an ancient practice originating in India.
Yoga, as we know it today, has been “westernized” and taught in various settings, from boutique studios to public fitness centers. Classes are offered in a variety of settings from rehab centers, prisons, schools, corporations, and hospitals.
Considered a “mind-body” practice, yoga has the ability when studied and applied to deepen our understanding between our states of mind and bodies making it not only physical but emotionally therapeutic as well if this area is desired by the yoga student.
Yoga comes with its own philosophical “guidebook” titled “The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali,” a collection of 196 Indian Sutras (aphorisms) on the theory and practice of yoga. The Sutras were compiled prior to 400 CE by Patanjali a Sage who organized knowledge about yoga from older traditions.
The beautiful essence of yoga is this, a lighthearted physical practice of connection and community. A means for the student to go beneath the surface for self-development, growth, and healing.
Namaste. May the light in me honor the light in you.
Whether you are simply curious to know more about all-things yoga or are a seasoned yoga student, enjoy these fun facts to pique your curiosity and offer inspiration.
Here Are 10 Fun Facts on Yoga
- One in three Americans has tried yoga at least once. Survey results are taken from Yoga Alliance and Yoga Journal study. (*)
- Yoga is the most commonly used complementary health approach in the U.S.
- There are more than 100 styles of yoga. These include Vinyassa, Yin, Power, Hot, Iyengar, Ashtanga, Kundalini, and Kriya to name a few.
- Yoga boosts your immune system and eases depression.
A Norwegian study that looked at the health benefits of yoga in relation to the immune system showed that practicing yoga caused an increase in the circulation of the body’s immune cells. Another study from the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine shows that intentional breathing in yoga and its movements can ease depression.
- Yoga is over 5,000 years old and one of the oldest disciplines in the world.
- The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit language and means “union.”
- Yoga helps control Diabetes.
The Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences found during a 2015 study that blood glucose levels dropped by 10% in those who practiced yoga for ten days in a row and attended talks on the correlation between yoga and diabetes.
- Yoga was introduced to America in the 18th century.
Yoga classes used to be just for men. Women were not invited until 1937. Today the split is around 70% women and 30% men.
- Flexibility and stress relief are some of the most popular reasons people start a yoga practice.
- Yoga in the workplace can help improve productivity.
A team at Bangor University found that yoga sessions within the workplace helped reduce back problems and the number of sick days taken by employees.
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– The Wellness Universe *Originally published on November 13, 2019.
Sources:
- Thegoodbody.com
- (*) according to a study done by Yoga Alliance and Yoga Journal (2016)
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