Frequently Asked Questions What is Yoga?
What is commonly referred to as “yoga” in the West can be more accurately described by the Sanskrit term “asana.” Asana refers to the physical poses or exercises that are the basis of most yoga classes in the Western world. Asana is only one of the eight “limbs” or parts of yoga, the majority of which are more concerned with mental and spiritual well-being than with physical activity. Today, however, the majority of yoga classes in Western countries focus on the physical postures and exercises, and on breathing techniques, also known as pranayama. The purpose of the physical postures in most yoga classes today is to improve strength, flexibility and endurance and to develop a balance of these strength and flexibility throughout the body. Specific breathing techniques used in yoga classes help improve both physical and mental health. Students learn how to breathe properly and use the full capacity of their lungs, while they also learn how to use their breath to relieve stress and tensio
