The Sanskrit word Yoga means Union, an entryway to balancing the spiritual, mental and physical aspects of the being. It has the distinction of being the oldest personal development technique known. Practiced for almost 5000 years, the body is gradually conditioned by emphasizing the strengthening of the mind and body, at the same time stimulating the soul - it is both a science and a philosophy.

Yogi and Yogini refer to male and female practitioners of yoga respectively. In practice this is an applied science of the body and mind and it is part of the six orthodox systems that make up Indian Philosophy. It is a vast subject and contains a great deal more than just sitting around in a lotus position just chanting along in unison.

Back problems and others arising from bad posture can be cured by yoga and it also reduces stress. The main reason this complementary therapy is used with cancer patients is the feeling of wellness it bestows. Many feel that the best time to perform the discipline is on an empty stomach, before any food is consumed in the morning.

This ancient holistic system has many styles to it and some are given below: Raja Yoga: This literally means kingly yoga and is one of the four main paths of yoga. The practice of this yoga is meditation and methods that help in controlling the body, mind, energy and the senses.

The Kundalini Yoga is a non stressful and safe practice which gives instant results. It is based on a set of special exercises or Kriyas. We also have Hatha Yoga which is an extremely wonderful system that is comprised of breath control and postures; it is the basis for all of the modern asana based discipline forms.

The Sahaja yoga is based on the experience of self realization that resides within each individual. This is a unique way of meditating. The precision of therapeutic yoga and the foundations of traditional yoga come together in a heated room under the system of Moksha hot yoga.

These days, yoga has enjoyed some really great popularity among kids and adults because it is excellent for everyone both old and young alike. Its growth and popularity as a form of exercise is due to the fact that here nothing is done to you, it is something you do to yourself. It is a great activity during pregnancy, being moderate but allowing for the buildup of flexibility and endurance.

Yoga is becoming popular among soldiers who are keen in working on their stamina, mental focus and flexibility as per Fit Yoga and the Associated Press. The crux of the matter is that this is not just a physical exercise routine but a discipline that provides an overall sense of wellness and inner harmony.