Physiological Effects Of Yoga

Abstract

Yoga is the science of right living and can be incorporated into daily life. It works on all aspects such as physical, vital, mental, emotional, psychic, and spiritual. The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word “yuj”, which means “to join” or “to unite” (i.e., union of the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness.). It consists of shatkarma, asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha, meditation, etc., (Saraswati, 2008) Yoga is an ancient Indian science which is known to improve health and wellbeing. Although currently Yoga is being practiced for the promotion of heath and prevention of various diseases by the people, the information deals with its origin, evolution, philosophy/concepts, and types/techniques are lacking. Previous reviews deal mainly with Yoga and its effects separately. Hence, this particular review provides a summary of the information related to history, philosophy/concepts, types/techniques, and physiological/therapeutic effects in various systems of the body with possible side effects of Yoga based on the available traditional and scientific literature