Yoga has a 5,000-year history and pinpointing a specific genesis has been difficult due to its multidimensional nature, which has entwined religion, philosophy, and, of course, exercise in the past. Some believe yoga's beginnings may be traced back to the Bronze Age Indus Valley Civilization in northeastern South Asia, while others have discovered references to yoga between 500 and 200 BCE., which corresponds to the time when Hinduism and Buddhism, in particular, were forming their philological ideas. It's worth noting that the references to yoga here are considerably different from what many people think of as yoga today. Yoga has been practiced for almost 5,000 years, but it wasn't until 2,000 years ago that Patanjali, an Indian guru, and author of multiple Sanskrit scriptures, systematized the practice and chronicled his work, the Yoga Sutras so that others could follow in his footsteps.
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras are often regarded as the cornerstone of traditional yoga. The Sutras provide instruction to assist the reader reach tranquility and fulfillment. At this point, it's worth noting that there were multiple authors with the name Patanjali, and research is still ongoing to identify who wrote the Yoga Sutras. Regardless of who wrote it, the prominence and subsequent popularity of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras is difficult to dispute. It is for this reason that, like the Gita, it has been added to our list of necessary yogic reading.
The establishment of the eight limbs of yoga is another distinctive feature of the classical yoga period. This will be very familiar to you if you are presently studying for or have recently completed your yoga teacher certification. You may argue that the eight limbs are as much a part of yoga as any other element or concept.
Yoga is an ever-evolving practice and form of exercise that is virtually organic in nature. It has a different meaning for each style or school of yoga, as well as for the individuals who practice yoga. It's easy to understand how it will continue to develop, grow, and adapt, given how far it's come in the last 5,000 years.
Yoga practice on a regular basis can be beneficial to both physical and mental health. The osteopathic approach to wellness is similar to yoga in that it emphasizes your body's natural desire to repair itself. While there are over 100 different kinds of yoga (or schools), most sessions include breathing exercises, meditation, and stretching and flexing different muscles through postures such as asana or poses.
Physical Benefits
Chronic discomfort, such as lower back pain, arthritis, headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome, can be relieved by yoga. Yoga can also help you sleep better and lower your blood pressure.
Yoga has a number of other physical advantages:
greater adaptability
enhanced respiration, and energy
preserving a healthy metabolism
Loss of weight
Cardiovascular and circulatory fitness
enhanced athletic ability
protection against harm
Mental Benefits
Back or neck pain, sleeping troubles, migraines, drug misuse, and inability to focus are just a few of the symptoms of stress. Yoga's blend of meditation and breathing can help with mental wellness. Yoga practice improves bodily awareness, reduces chronic tension, relaxes the mind, focuses attention, and improves concentration.