Yoga is not just an exercise form, it is a philosophy and a phyical science. Some even consider yoga an art. As first practiced at least 5,000 years ago, yoga was an “ethical blueprint” for virtuous, wholesome living. As the meaning of this Sanskrit word suggests, this science “yokes” or unites all aspects of the practioner’s inner and outer being: the physical, the mental, the emotional and the spiritual. The science was fundamentally described around 200AD in “The Yoga Sutra”, by the great Indian sage Patanjali. This text proclaims the “eightfold path of yoga”, also known as the eight limbs of Patanjali, which symbolizes the branches of a strong, steady tree. Each limb, which builds upon each other, represents steps toward reaching optimum balance, bliss and enlightenment through living yoga:

1. Yama is the ethical principles one incorporates into one’s social or outward behavior. It has five principles: nonviolence, truthfulness, non-grasping, purity and non-possessiveness.
2. Niyama is moral self restraint, achieved through the practice of the yamas. These restraints are cleanliness, contentment, self-discipline, sacred self-study, and divine awareness.
3. Asana is the physical aspect of yoga; most novice Westerners describe it as purely a practical exercise. However, the “postures” or asanas actually prepare the body for the future steps. It is through conscious stretching, strengthening and alignment in the asanas that the body cultivates flexibility and endurance.
4. Pranayama is the process of directing energy inward, primarily through controlled breathing. “Prana”, or life force energy, is existential and moves through each of us through inhalation, retention and exhalation. It removes distractions from the mind allowing for concentration, relaxation and centering.
5. Pratyahara is inner focus, obtained by withdrawl or non-attachment of the senses. It is the result of proper asana and pranayma practice, the mind becomes clear and distractions fall away.
6. Dharana or inner concentration follows. The mind becomes still as random thoughts are gently pushed aside. The Hindus refer to this as “one-pointedness.”
7. Dhyana is uninterrupted meditation. It does not require fixing the mind on one point or image but is a calm state of heightened awareness and oneness not found during simple concentration.
8. Samadhi is absorption of the infinite, the ultimate bliss or trance state found through pure meditation; a superconscious union between body, mind, spirit and the Universe - complete enlightenment.

Over the ages various schools of yoga have emphasized these different limbs or aspects, a few well-known styles are listed here:

Ananda is a gentle yoga which focuses on the movement of energy upward to the brain in preparation for meditation. Ashtanga is an energizied asana series; quite progressive and designed to heat up and detoxify the body; Power Yoga is a recently developed similar method which may be compared to flowing calisthenics. Both are for more advanced practitioners. Vinyasa is another more dynamic, flowing method. Hatha is meditative, synchronizing breath and alignment to build stamina and flexibility; Bikram is the heated method of Hatha, (the temperature is turned up to a least 95 degrees). It focuses on a series of 26 postures, which will give the muscular and cardiovascular systems an intense workout. Iyengar is slow-moving alignment; asanas are held longer and are often supported by props to ensure precision. This school promotes flexibility, stamina and balance and because it incorporates cushions, blankets, straps and block; it is accessible to all levels. Kripalu is gentle and considered the yoga of introspection; postures are held for extended periods of time to release blocks and improve inner awareness. Kundalini is yoga for the spine; the postures are combined with meditation and breathing techniques, which help draw energy upward.

When practiced all have the common ideological basis to prepare the body, mind and spirit for a soulful, enlightened existence. Students find that living yoga improves flexibility, stamina/strength, balance and circulation as well as reducing stress and supplying energy and vitality. Muscular, cardiovascular and digestive systems are improved and weight loss may be also be a benefit. Yoga can be for everybody, however before you begin your practice you should consult your physician, and always inform your instructor if you have any health issues.