Introduction

Yoga provides one of the best means of self-improvement and attaining one's full potential. In the advanced stages of yoga, super conscious states are attained which result in a feeling of bliss, deep peace and the emergence of psychic powers.

Yoga was developed and perfected over the centuries by philosophers and mystics in India. It is basically a method by which we increase the body's supply of energy and remove any interference to the transmission of energy throughout the body. Yoga has specialized in this subject for thousands of years, and streamlined the methods to attain this aim. Along with meditation, it is probably one of the most popular alternative therapy.

Many physicians, who are skeptical about the efficacy of alternative medicine, support yoga with a passion. There are many clinical studies that show the effectiveness of yoga. And the best part of it is that it is something that can be done in the comfort of your home. A few breathing exercises recommended by yoga will go a long way towards better health and relaxation.

Practiced for more than 5000 years, yoga is one of the oldest forms of healing therapy. The amazing results of yoga are now being studied by scientists all over the world. Teams of doctors at the various yogic health centers in India, keep detailed records of patients treated with yoga for diabetes, respiratory ailments, digestive complaints and obesity. Now it is studied and accepted across the globe for its many healing and relaxation effects.

Why Yoga ?

Yoga works on the mind and the body at the same time, as well as exploiting their interdependence. No other system does this. Western psychology studies the mind, western exercise physiology studies the effect of exercise on the body, but there is no emphasis on the interrelationship of the mind and the body.

Yoga asanas (postures) and breathing deal with the physical body, but due to their effect on the brain, they also affect the mind. Thousands of years ago the ancient yogis turned their minds inwards and discovered their true nature. This allowed them to work out a system of body and breathing exercises which results in vitality, rejuvenation and peace of mind

What is Yoga ?

In practice, yoga is an applied science of the mind and body. It comes from the Hindu vedas (scriptures). Practice and study of it help to bring about a natural balance of body and mind in which the state of health can manifest itself. Yoga itself does not create health; rather, it creates an internal environment that allows the individual to come to his own state of dynamic balance, or health.

Basically, yoga teaches that a healthy person is a harmoniously integrated unit of body, mind and spirit. Therefore, good health requires a simple, natural diet, exercise in fresh air, a serene and untroubled mind and the awareness that main's deepest and highest self is identical with the spirit of God. As a result, to many devotees, yoga becomes a philosophy that offers instruction and insight into every aspect of life: the spiritual, the mental and the physical. Of course, because it is all-encompassing, people who want to pick and choose from its smorgasbord can do so without being disappointed. Yoga is equally satisfying as a physical therapy alone. 

 
Healing effects of Yoga

Yoga has been used for disorders such as:

	Acid Stomach
	Addictions,
	Asthma:
	Backache
	Bronchitis
	Cancer,
	Cold
	Constipation
	Depression
	Diabetes (not a cure!)
	Emphysema
	Eyestrain
	Flatulence
	Headache
	Heart Disorders,
	Hypertension (High Blood Pressure),
	Indigestion
	Insomnia
	Menstrual disorders
	Migraines,
	Neurasthenia
	Obesity
	Premenstrual Tension,
	Prostate troubles
	Rheumatism
	Sciatica
	Sexual debility
	Sinus
	Skin diseases
	Sore throat
	Stress And Tension
	Wrinkles

 Yoga is being assessed for its potential in treating illnesses such as:

	Multiple Sclerosis,
	Cerebral Palsy,
	Osteoporosis,
	Rheumatoid Arthritis And
	Depression Experienced After Childbirth.

Thousands of studies have shown that yoga can allow people to control a wide range of body functions, including

	Blood pressure
	Body temperature
	Brain waves (as measured by EEG)
	Heart rate
	Metabolic rate
	Respiratory function
	skin resistance

Studies show that people who practice yoga have:

	Reduced anxiety,
	Are more resistant to stress, and
	Have lower blood pressure,
	More efficient heart function,
	Better respiratory function, and
	Improved physical fitness.