Traditional Yogic philosophy is based on the principle that mind, body and spirit are united. If one is out of balance, illness occurs.Hatha Yoga is one of the most common forms of yoga and involves different body positions and movements with stretching, holding and breathing exercises.

The postures, breathing exercises and meditation techniques taught in yoga classes are all aimed maintaining that balance. On a practical level, yoga can help you relax, relieve stress, maintain fitness and flexibility and may even reduce blood pressure.

Recent studies claim that yoga can help alleviate a whole range of serious ailments such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and mental sluggishness. The prestigious medical journal The Lancet refers to a study on deep, slow breathing and the benefits for people with chronic heart conditions, helping them breath and exercise with greater ease

(See L. Bernadi, et al., "Effect of breathing rate on oxygen saturation and exercise performance in chronic heart failure" The Lancet 351, 9112 - May2, 1998)

Yoga may be used safely for most people, however if you're pregnant, check with the instructor before hand to ensure positions used are safe during pregnancy.

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