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Yoga’s global embrace: From ancient Indian roots to modern wellness
Counting down to International Yoga Day, we explore the history, types, poses, and proven benefits of yoga—an ancient Indian practice that has found a global following.
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Avinash Harpaul - Wed, 11, Jun 2025
- 17:14 EDT
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Representative image / Canva
Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word yuj, meaning “to unite,” is the union of mind and body through breath, movement, and discipline. Though widely practiced today for wellness and fitness, its roots trace back thousands of years to ancient Indian scriptures, including the Rig Veda and the Upanishads. Yoga also finds deep philosophical grounding in texts like the Bhagavad Gita, where it is framed as a spiritual path toward self-realization.
Five Core Types of Yoga
Over time, yoga has evolved into various forms. Among the most widely practiced are:
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Hatha Yoga: Ideal for beginners, it focuses on physical postures (asanas), breathing (pranayama), and meditation.
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Vinyasa Yoga: A dynamic style that links breath with fluid movement—more physically demanding.
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Ashtanga Yoga: A rigorous practice built on fixed sequences and strength-based postures.
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Iyengar Yoga: Emphasizes precision and alignment, often using props like blocks and straps.
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Bikram Yoga: A 26-pose series practiced in a heated room to promote detoxification through sweating.
Meditative and Physical Practices
According to Yogasanas and Sadhana by Dr. Satya Pal Grover, yoga can be broadly classified into meditative and physical categories. Meditative postures such as Padmasana, Siddhasana, and Sukhasana are designed to calm the mind, while physical poses improve bodily function and strength.
Examples of beneficial asanas include:
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Trikonasana (Triangle Pose): Enhances digestion and supports liver, spleen, and intestinal health.
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Ardhachandrasana (Half Moon Pose): Strengthens core and limbs, improves cardiovascular function, and aids digestion.
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Suryanamaskar (Sun Salutation): A sequence of 12 flowing postures, offering a full-body workout. Each step—from Pranamasana (Prayer Pose) to Tadasana (Mountain Pose)—is synchronized with inhalation and exhalation, making it both a physical and meditative experience.
Proven Benefits of Yoga
The physical and mental benefits of yoga are well documented in both traditional Indian practice and modern science. Regular yoga can improve:
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Flexibility, balance, and muscular strength
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Stress reduction and emotional regulation
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Mental clarity, focus, and sleep quality
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Heart and lung function
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Immune health and posture
Yoga’s Global Reach
Though rooted in Indian spiritual and cultural traditions, yoga today transcends religious and geographic boundaries. In the United States and around the world, yoga has become a mainstream wellness practice embraced by people of all ages and backgrounds. Classes are now offered at gyms, schools, studios, and digital platforms—making this ancient tradition more accessible than ever.
As we count down to International Yoga Day, yoga remains not just a set of exercises, but a powerful lifestyle tool for cultivating balance, awareness, and resilience in a fast-paced world.
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