What is Yoga?

Yoga is a living science, one that has evolved over thousands of years and continues to evolve in accordance with the needs of humanity.  The underlying purpose of the practice of yoga is to reunite the individual self (jiva) with the Absolute or God or pure consciousness (Brahman), in fact, the word yoga means literally "to yoke or join."   Yoga is a complete science of life.   It is the oldest system of personal development in the world, encompassing body, mind, and spirit.

Do I have to tie myself in a knot to do Yoga?

No!  The goal of yoga, according to the great sage Pantanjali and Samkya philosophy, is liberation, not to do the headstand or "pretzel" poses.  In my 10 years of Yoga practice, I have found that yoga has been an unfoldment of my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual being.  In other words, it is a work-in-progress.  Where, I am today is where I start and where I am at the end of the day is where I leave off.  Yoga is not about competition or being the best in a particular pose.  It's about realizing and discovering your potential, and then rediscovering that your potential has changed and almost always improved.

Can anyone do Yoga?

Anyone can practice yoga, including children and the elderly.  In fact, I met an 80 year old woman doing some advanced yoga postures.  I asked her how long she had been practicing Yoga.  She said she started about 20 years ago, when she was 60!  It's never too late.

What are some of the benefits of Yoga?

Yoga postures or asanas exercise every part of the body, stretching and toning the muscles, joints, and spine.  Also, they help improve circulation, move lymph, and massage organs, glands, and nerves.  These are just a few of the benefits.

© 2001 Jim Morano, Doctor of Chiropractic   Austin, TX  • (512) 481-0300 • drjim@bigriverchiropractic.com