Traditionally Yoga is considered to be one of the six branches of Indian classical philosophy, referred to throughout the Vedas (ancient Indian scriptures). This is expanded upon in the later Yoga Sutras, attributed to the sage Patanjali, and can be referred to as ‘classical yoga’. The yoga we practice today stems mostly from Hatha yoga; Hatha is yoga of the body, or more accurately controlling the body to exert control over the nervous system and the mind. The first step in Hatha Yoga is to purify and strengthen the body through physical postures (asana), pranayama (breathing exercises) and other yoga techniques. In modern times, the practice of asana or yoga postures is what most people think of when talking about yoga. The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word Yuj†meaning to yoke, join or unite. This is thought to refer to integration of all aspects of the individual; the body, the mind and the higher or true self. It can be said that realisation of the true nature of the self is the purpose of yoga.
