Practicing Yoga

What is yoga?

Yoga is an ancient mind-body health system that began in India more than 5,000 years ago. It has been used in the United States since the 1800s. Yoga means "union" - a union of the mind, body, and spirit - and uses slow movement, precise posture, meditation, and breathing exercises to reach a state of relaxation.

How does yoga work?

Yoga classes may be offered as an adult education class or in health clubs and community centers throughout your area. Also, you may consider using an instructional book or videotape to learn proper yoga exercises and techniques.

Each yoga program is unique, however, some of the basic techniques are the same and include the following:

• A  yoga meditation session, which takes about 20 minutes to 1 hour at the beginning or the end of the day
• Sitting in an upright position, performing slow, gentle movements, and taking slow deep breaths that cause the abdomen to swell
• Guided relaxation, meditation, chanting, or thinking of a meaningful word or phrase, and/or visualization
• The use of dietary guidelines