Yoga is a complete system of physical and mental training. The word "Yoga" is Sanskrit for "union".

Yoga originated over 5,000 years ago in India. It was originally practised by Hindu Ascetics.

Patanjali originally described the path of the yogi in the 3rd century. Yoga was then introduced to the west in the 19th century.

Millions of people each year are now doing yoga. In its purest form yoga is a system controlling all aspects of life.

There are a series of spiritual stages on the path to enlightment. This starts with ethical guidlines, healthy eating habits and personal hygiene.

It then progresses through the practice of asanas (physical positions) and pranayama (breathing) to meditation. Eventually this leads to a supreme level of pure consciousness.

There are many types of yoga. A number of medical studies have indicated that yoga may benifit a wide range of conditions.

Asanas are done to have an impact on the physical body stimulating organs and nerve centers. Meditation and breathing techniques influence the flow of prana (life energy).

When the mind and body are in harmony you are then able to focus on spiritual goals.