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February 9, 2012
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Yoga Glossary of Terms

Medical Author:
Rick Kulkarni, MD
Coauthor:
Paul Kulkarni
Coauthor:
Geetha Kulkarni
Medical Editor:
Manoj Sharma, MBBS, PhD
Medical Editor:
Mary L Windle, PharmD
Medical Editor:
Thomas M DeBerardino, MD

Terms Used in Yoga

  • Asana - A low physical impact posture practiced in yoga

  • Aum - Sanskrit word meaning "all" represents the omnipresence of Paramatma (the supreme spirit)

  • Chakra - A point of intersection of the main channels of energy flow in the body (Chakras regulate the functioning of the body and correspond to the major endocrine glands in the body.)

  • Guru - Teacher; spiritual preceptor

  • Hatha yoga - The path of yoga that starts with the practice of asanas

  • Karma yoga - The path of yoga that starts with emphasis on performing one's duty (action)

  • Kundalini - Latent energy lying dormant at the base of the spinal column

  • Kundalini yoga - The path of yoga that starts with meditation

  • Maharishi - A great sage

  • Mudra - A seal; a sealing posture

  • Nadi - A tubular organ of the subtle body through which the energy flows

  • Nauli - A process in which the abdominal muscles and organs are made to move in a surging motion

  • Patanjali - Name of the first writer of the yoga philosophy

  • Prana - Breath; life; vitality

  • Pranayama - The rhythmic regulation of breath

  • Raja yoga - The path of yoga that starts with psychic control of the mind

  • Rishi - An inspired sage

  • Sadhana - Quest

  • Surya - The sun

  • Yoga - Union (The aim of Yoga is to practice the means by which the human soul may be completely united with the supreme spirit.)

  • Yogi - One who follows the path of Yoga 

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Yoga Glossary of Terms

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Yoga Overview

Yoga is defined as a systematic practice of physical exercise, breath control, relaxation, diet control, and positive thinking and meditation aimed at developing harmony in the body, mind, and environment. The practice entails low-impact physical activity, postures (called asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), relaxation, and meditation. Most people are familiar with the physical poses or yoga positions but don’t know that yoga involves so much more.

In the health fields, yoga techniques are being applied in health promotion programs, substance abuse treatment programs, and as complementary treatment for diseases such as anxiety disorders, depression, coronary heart disease, cancers, and HIV/AIDS. Yoga is a low-cost self-help approach to well being.

The origin is a Sanskrit word Yog meaning union. Yoga is a union of the organ systems in the body with the consciousness in the mind. Philosophically, yoga produces a ...

Read the Yoga article »


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