Yoga is an ancient practice that has swept the Western world for years. But what exactly is yoga and what is its purpose?

The word “yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj” meaning “to unite” and “to yoke”. According to yogic scriptures, constant practice of yoga allows you to create a stronger connection with yourself and the world. It develops individual consciousness and creates a perfect harmony of your body and mind.

Its physical and mental health benefits are just natural consequences. But its main purpose is to align a person’s geometry with the cosmics – to achieve the highest level of harmony and perception in one’s self.

It is interesting how yoga has exploded today from its origins. With an audience of over 20 million participants in the West alone, here are some of the reasons why so many people fell in love with yoga.

Cultural Adoption

Another crucial factor of yoga’s popularity is the cultural adoption. As the western culture opened its door to diversity, many people from India shared their knowledge of this practice. The West has also allowed the birth of many diverse forms of yoga.

The open expression of yoga allowed people to alter certain styles to fit a different framework. As a result, these different alterations of yoga gained access to the people’s interest – whether it be for mental health improvement, weight loss, or strength training.

The newly developed and diverse styles offered a new form of living to those who practiced it.

Escape From Technology

Modern advancements and technological breakthrough have moved so fast over the last decades. Although they have positively contributed a lot to our society and way of life, it has definitely led us overstimulated. Naturally, our mind seeks a calm environment to help it feel relaxed.

Yoga slows us down, helps us understand ourselves and allows us to escape from the hustle and bustle of life. The breathing techniques teach you to feel calm and relaxed, which is literally the only thing we want when we live busy lives.

Hence, yoga has fulfilled our subconscious craving for inner harmony that technology has caused us to disconnect with.

Spiritual Answer To Exercise

Although yoga is popularly practiced as a meditative solution, the idea that it is can push your body while tapping into a spiritual awakening is massively appealing to people.

In tradition, yoga has been used to find an inner connection. But as the western world adopted this practice, many styles and variations were added, resulting to a unique fitness program that anybody can try.

A Victor Of Ailments

One crisis that the world is experiencing today is the growth of chronic diseases. As more people continue to live a poor and reckless lifestyle, it has been an increasing need to find preventative measures and solutions to health problems.

For many years, people have been fascinated on how yoga practitioners and students stayed healthy and diseases-free. As a result, people tried practicing yoga.

It is no longer uncommon to see yoga as a part of a person’s holistic lifestyle. It is an approach people now adopt to stay healthy. It is also used to treat diseases like arthritis, back pain, diabetes, skin disorders and even solve the problem of obesity.

Opportunity of Commercialization

When yoga started to run a smooth and upward course, its popularity has definitely enticed many business moguls, which led to the commercialization of yoga.

Though there are many people who grave the idea that yoga is being commercialized up to this day, it still birthed a 27-billion dollar industry in America alone. It has also benefited the economy of this country.