Deutsch: Yoga / Español: Yoga / Português: Yoga / Français: Yoga / Italiano: Yoga /
Yoga refers to the ancient art and philosophy that involves both mind and body and is aimed at self-development and self-realization. The physical practice of yoga involves performing postures (asanas) and using controlled breathing and meditation to stretch and tone the body and improve circulation.
It is an oriental practice that uses special positions (asana) and breath control to stretch and tone the body, improve circulation, calm the central nervous system and induce a meditative and all-embracing state of being.
It is an exercise system that integrates the mind and body by focusing on controlled breathing, flexibility and posture.
Yoga is a vast collection of spiritual techniques and practices all aimed at integrating mind, body and spirit and achieving a state of enlightenment or oneness with the universe. What is normally thought of as "yoga" in the West is really Hatha Yoga, one of the many paths of yoga. These different paths of yoga are simply different approaches and techniques that all lead to the same goal of unification and enlightenment.
Yoga is not a religion but a spiritual practice or Sadhana, which does not require any specific belief system to participate. The philosophies of yoga are universal and can be incorporated within any belief system.