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Yoga is a philosophical therapeutic system which is a unique combination of spirituality and physical exercises. It works on the principle of a union of body and mind, the synchronization of the inner and outer realities of man, each controlling and rejuvenating the other by that cohesive action.

This physical cum metaphysical system is one of the oldest disciplines expounded by man. Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, a text which is of fundamental importance to the proponents of yoga, is dated around 300 BCE and there are references to the system in texts written much before it as well.

Yoga is an extensive system and covers a wide variety of practices. Karma Yoga, Raja Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Hatha Yoga are all branches of this discipline. Each has within it, in one form or other, the synergy of body and mind. Karma Yoga is based on the perception of proper and good action and its lasting, if not immediate effects on an individual. Raja Yoga is a higher form of the more popular Hatha Yoga, with an added emphasis on introspection and contemplation. Jnana Yoga is concerned more with intellectual development and Bhakti Yoga is about devotion and reverence to creation.

The bulk of what has been today popularized and is known to the common man as Yoga is the practices of Hatha Yoga.

Yoga discipline's curative and restorative potential is very high. The system involves several asanas or postures which are physical exercises, and breathing exercises. Many of these exercises, though they may appear difficult to the beginner, can be mastered by almost every one, by slow and steady practice. It is a discipline of sequential progression.

Yoga sessions generally start with overall warming-up exercises. This is followed by slow, prescribed and guided movements of neck, shoulders and eyes. Then comes Surya-namaskara, the first of the more important exercises. The word literally means paying respects to Surya' and the exercise is referred to in English as the sun salutation pose.

This sun salutation exercise is considered one of the best exercises for human body. It is a series of movements that involves bending the head down without bending the knees, raising oneself on toes and palms, touching the forehead to the floor by curving the whole body and then coming back to the original position. All this is managed together with synchronized inhaling and exhaling and holding the breath in-between as prescribed. By stretching practically all muscles of the body, this exercise helps

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