What is Yoga?
Yoga is essentially a method of self development or self improvement of each individual's physical, mental, intellectual, emotional and spiritual capacities. Regular practice develops our body, conscience and levels of perception. This can be developed by tuning into and opening up our own energy centres, known as chakras.

Many people have now realised that our scientific age has not brought us the inner happiness we secretly crave despite its breathtaking advances in so many fields and the comforts and leisure that come in its wake, at least for those fortunate enough to have access to these.

However yoga is essentially 'scientific' since it is based on a deep understanding of people’s fundamental needs; not just basic material needs, but physical and mental health issues as well as emotional, philosophical and spiritual issues.

It is for this reason that yoga contains elements that address problems on every level:

Asanas or yoga postures are practiced to tone and also to relax the muscles, improve posture, massage the internal organs and circulate vital energy (prana or ki) in the body. Yoga also stimulates circulation of blood and lymph, calms the nerves, improves digestion and libido and works in fact on all body systems. Practising asanas also helps us develop concentration, breath and will power.

Pranayamas are special breathing exercises that slow down breathing and help regulate the flow of energy in the body.

Relaxation helps us to relax at will - both our physical body as well as our mind. These exercises can be done any time or especially

What is Yoga?
Yoga is essentially a method of self development or self improvement of each individual's physical, mental, intellectual, emotional and spiritual capacities. Regular practice develops our body, conscience and levels of perception. This can be developed by tuning into and opening up our own energy centres, known as chakras.

Many people have now realised that our scientific age has not brought us the inner happiness we secretly crave after more strenuous exercises or anytime that stress accumulates and we feel a need for it.

Meditation helps us calm the mind so that we may rise above simple emotional reactions and develop serenity and mental composure.

Yogic nutrition is based on the Indian medical system know as Ayurveda. This is not some strange or exotic system but is in fact based on common sense. The basic principles are easily understood and applied and are not exclusive to Indian culture. They are universal principles that find their echo in many other cultures.

Philosophy is also based on common sense. Although based on it’s own cultural and spiritual heritage it has universal appeal and one may readily find parallels in other cultures such as ancient Greece, Egypt or China.

In this sense yoga is a therapy and not just a workout. It is both preventive and curative. It may help us to simply keep fit or to surmount great problems, helping us bring more balance and harmony into our lives as well as guiding us towards our higher self. Above all it is a great pleasure to practice and everyone can and should practice according to their own individual capacities, not forcing the body into unnatural postures. There is no need to fight against oneself, instead yoga should be practised with enjoyment.