Yoga

   As yoga is called a set of disciplines and physical and mental practices that aims to achieve a balance between body and mind, as a way to reach enlightenment and union with the Absolute. As such, the word comes from the Sanskrit "yoga", which means "union", "effort".

   The origin of yoga is located in India, in the Indus Valley. However, his age is difficult to determine, but it is speculated that he may be between three and five thousand years old. As such, it is one of the classical doctrines of Hinduism, in which an important influence of the ancient philosophy of samkhya is recognized. His main theorist was Patanyali, the author of Yoga-sutra, a text composed mainly of aphorisms about yoga. As such, the essential goal of yoga is to reunite the being with the Absolute and access to the supreme consciousness that leads us to enlightenment.

   Today, yoga has become hugely popular in the West, which has led to a discipline based on Hindu theories, but which has focused primarily on practicing a set of techniques designed to gain greater control of body and mind. In this sense, modern yoga is more of a system of exercises that seeks the person to achieve balance and spiritual harmony, all through meditation and a series of postural and breathing exercises.

  The most common and practiced type of yoga today is hatha yoga, which includes a sequence of postures and breathing exercises that strengthen the body and promote relaxation. Also, in yoga the practice of pranayama, a set of exercises for controlling the breath, which is the vital energy and obtaining peace of mind is considered of great importance.

   Among its many benefits, yoga helps the individual to have a more harmonious relationship with his body, to control his mind and emotions, as well as to release stress, all of which contribute to achieving a state of well-being.