Yoga is an ancient physical and spiritual discipline that originated on the Indian subcontinent approximately 6,000 years ago. Though different types of yoga may differ in approach and technique, they all aim to balance the mind, body and spirit of the practitioner until they become one union. The practice of yoga produces many physical and mental benefits, both for people who are healthy and those who have health problems. Scientific research has supported the effectiveness of yoga as a therapy for conditions such as chronic back pain, heart disease, anxiety, diabetes and even cancer.
Hatha Yoga
The fundamental approach of Hatha yoga is the master of the physical body through the practice of asanas, or physical poses. When correctly and regularly practiced, Hatha yoga asanas benefit the flexibility, strength and endurance of the practitioner. In addition to physical postures, Hatha yoga includes techniques of controlling and focusing on the breath, called pranayama, which are integrated into asana practice and also practiced as a stand-alone technique. Pranayama increases the amount of oxygen absorbed into the blood and improves lung health and capacity, as well as relieves stress and increases awareness.
Raja Yoga
Raja yoga is concerned with the integration of the individual consciousness, body, subconscious mind and universe. Though physical exercise and breathing techniques play a role in Raja yoga, a stronger emphasis is placed on meditation, contemplation and study of Hindu philosophy. The ultimate goal of this form of yoga is a release from identification with the ego and the realization of the individual's true self, which is considered to be a union of the conscious mind, subconscious mind, physical body and external universe.
Karma Yoga
Karma yoga is a set of techniques and attitudes that are applied to the actions taken in day-to-day life. The fundamental idea of Karma yoga is that every action an individual takes in the physical world has a corresponding effect on his own mind. Like Raja yoga, Karma yoga aims to release the individual from identification with the ego. For a practitioner of Karma yoga, every action is considered an opportunity for spiritual growth. Through consistent concentration and mindfulness, attachment to the rewards of an action and the satisfaction of success are avoided, and the practitioner performs each action as if it were the only possible action he could take. As a result, the practitioner's perception of his own ego is decreased or even eliminated over time, and union with the true self is achieved.
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