What are Asanas?

Asana is a Sanskrit word, which meaning the “Seat” or the “Posture.” Aasanas constitute the “Eight Limbs of Yoga”, as written by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras. There are millions of different asanas.

Asanas are not just physical exercises. Nor are they a collection of complex postures. So, what exactly are asanas?

Asanas are a sublime blend of physical movements and mental drills, which inject vitality in the body and infuse tranquility in the mind. Asanas not only channel one’s energies, but also help these energies in such a way that they fortify one another to make the mind and body a strong single entity. This makes one stable, supple, composed, and strong.

In simple terms, asanas enable one to realize the stockpiles of strengths and abilities lying wasted in one’s veiled inner self. Asanas awaken the mind and activate the body. Thus, paving the way for a happy and healthy existence.

Yoga and Disease (Roga)

Author's Note: The following depicts the opinions of the author, based on personal experience and the experience of other yoga practitioners. These claims have not been validated by any medical professional or organization.

Yoga is a great elixir for all diseases. In Sanskrit, the word for disease or ailment is Roga. Different forms of medical systems are still trying to discover the real cause of different diseases and how to eliminate them. These systems of medicine have done wonders for treating these diseases, or alleviating symptoms, but none have been able to eliminate them once and for all.

Yoga is the only system on earth that completely defeats and kills disease. It works on the body system in such a way that it not only protects the body from future roga attacks, but also kills any disease already in the body. That’s the beauty and utility of yoga. That yoga can prevent and cure zillions of diseases and ailments is corroboration to the fact that it has some surreal attributes. These attributes emerge from yoga’s deft understanding of the mind and the body.

Some of the ways that Yoga kills Roga are:

Yoga purifies the body and the mind

Yoga increases self-control, self-discipline, and self-confidence

Yoga improves the physical and mental health

Yoga enables one to manage his/her body and mind well

Yoga cures a wide array of diseases like diabetes, blood pressure, cancer, kidney and lung diseases, asthma, back pain, blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, metabolic and endocrine imbalances, allergies, depression, diabetes, epilepsy,
headaches, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, stress, Parkinson's disease, insomnia, arthritis, hernia, infertility, depression & anxiety.

Yoga strengthens the immune system.

Yoga’s key constituent Pranayama activates the parasympathetic nervous system

Yoga takes one towards a healthy lifestyle

Yoga enhances strength and stamina

Yoga reduces stress and tension

Yoga perks up the concentration power

Yoga reduces Fat, Weight, and alleviates weight related problem

Yoga improves blood circulation

Yoga decreases cholesterol

Yoga decreases the pulse rate and the respiratory rate

Yoga increases Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), Cardiovascular Efficiency, Respiratory Efficiency, Hemoglobin, and Thyroxin

Yoga improves posture, memory, and intelligence

Why Study Yoga?

Yoga empowers the body and the soul. The main objective of yoga is to create an uplifting harmony between the body, mind and spirit. Yoga takes care of the outer body and the internal organs as well. It has the ability to infuse peace and tranquility in our minds.

Yoga's Pranayamas (breathing exercises) and Asanas (poses) give one a healthy body, an unperturbed mind and a virtuous soul. No other form of exercise does this. That is why people from all over the world are turning towards yoga. According to a recent survey taken in the United States, more than 16 million Americans are into yoga.

Learn Yoga Online

Different Styles of Yoga

There are many different styles of yoga in the world. Each one may specialize in a certain aspect of the Eight Limbs of Yoga. Some of these styles include:

Ashtanga Yoga
Ananda Yoga
Shvananda Yoga
Viniyoga
Satyananda Yoga
Bikram Yoga
Kundalini Yoga
Swaroopa Yoga
Jivamukti Yoga
Kripalu
Kali Ray Triyoga

.....and many more.


One of the most popular styles of yoga today is Iyengar Yoga. People worldwide practice this form of yoga.

B.K.S. Iyengar, the originator of Iyengar Yoga says,

"When I practice I am a philosopher; when I teach I am a scientist; when I demonstrate I am an artist."

Guruji Iyengar believes that different people have distinct body types and alignment, and varied compositions. Meaning, everyone is different and each should practice yoga according to his or her own strengths and weaknesses.

He also encourages the use of modern yoga equipment, including mats, straps, belts, blocks, etc. My own yoga experience is based largely on Iyengar Yoga.

What is Yoga?

Yoga originates from India, and is over five thousand years old. The word comes from the Sanskrit root "yuj", which means "union". This constitutes the union between oneself and one's higher power, or god.

The ancient Indian sage, Patanjali, is regarded as the Father of Yoga. In the "Yoga Sutras", Patanjali discusses the eight limbs or stages of yoga. These are:

Yama - Social Behavior
Niyama - Inner Discipline
Asana - Physical Postures
Pranayama - Breath Control
Pratyahrya - Discipline of the Senses
Dharna - Concentration
Dhyana - Meditation
Sammadhi - Self-Realization

Although all eight limbs are equally important, today only the Asanas and Pranayama are regarded as yoga, as these are the elements most people are interested in.