Yoga FAQs
- What is yoga?
- How is yoga different from meditation?
- Do I have to practice all of the principles of yoga to benefit from it?
- I have never tried yoga before but want to do it now. Where should I start?
- How often and for how long should I do the asanas?
- Can I do the asanas by myself with the help of a yoga book?
- Are yoga classes safe?
- Do I need special equipment for yoga practice?
- Are there any other helpful guidelines for yoga practice?
- Do I need to be on a vegetarian diet to benefit from yoga?
- How is meditation practiced?
- What is pranayama?
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Related Yoga Articles:
Slim Bodies, Strong Minds - from Health & Living on MedicineNet
What is yoga?
The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning union. It is an ancient system of physical and psychic practice that originated during the Indus Valley civilization in South Asia. The first written records of this methodology appeared around 200 BC in Yogasutra of Patanjali. The system consists of the eightfold path, or Asthangayoga. A contemporary interpretation of yoga describes yoga as a systematic practice aimed at developing harmony in the body, mind, and environment.
Next: How is yoga different from meditation? »
| Printer-Friendly Format | | | Email to a Friend |
Living Better
Find the secrets to longer life.
From WebMD
Fitness Resources
- Best Ways to Reduce Cellulite
- Get Your Feet in Tip-Top Shape
- Can Supplements Help You Reach Your Fitness Goals?
Featured Centers
- Top 10 Asthma Cities
- Health Check: How to Choose The Right Vitamins
- 10 Triggers for the Holiday Blues
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine
Postexercise Muscle Soreness »
Hough gave the first detailed description of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in 1902.
Most Popular Topics
Explore 80+ Centers
- Allergy
- Allergy Medications
- Anaphylaxis
- Antidepressants
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Baby's Health
- Back, Neck, Head Injury
- Bioterrorism, Warfare
- Blood, Lymphatic System
- Bone, Joint, Muscle
- Brain, Nervous System
- Breathing Difficulties
- Burns
- Camping
- Cancer, Tumors
- Children's Health
- Cholesterol
- Cold and Flu
- CPR, Choking
- Cuts, Scrapes, Bruises
- Dementia
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Diabetic Coma, Insulin Shock
- Digestive System
- Dislocations
- Drowning
- Drug Overdose
- Ear, Nose, Throat
- Emotional Wellness
- Endocrine System
- Environmental Injuries
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Exercise, Nutrition
- Eye, Vision
- Fainting
- Fever
- First Aid, Emergency
- First Aid Kits
- Food Poisoning
- Foreign Bodies
- Fractures, Broken Bones
- Glaucoma
- Headache
- Health, Medical
- Heartburn, GERD, Reflux
- Heart, Blood Vessels
- Heart Attack
- Hepatitis
- Immune System
- Incontinence
- Infections
- Kidneys, Urinary System
- Lung, Airway
- Medications
- Men's Health
- Mental Health, Behavior
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Nosebleeds
- Osteoporosis
- Outdoor Living
- Overexposure
- Poisoning
- Procedures
- Psoriasis
- Public Health
- Scuba Diving, Swimming
- Seizures
- Senior Health
- Shock
- Skin, Hair, Nails
- Sleep Disorders
- Social, Family Health
- Sports Injury
- Sprains, Strains
- Statins
- STDs
- Substance Abuse
- Teen Health
- Teeth, Mouth, Oral Health
- Weight Management
- Wilderness Emergencies
- Women's Health
- Wounds


