There is a tremendous worldwide trend towards self betterment. Bookshops have numerous shelves filled with books on how to improve in any way one could possibly think of. The internet, too, is host to thousands of sites devoted to self improvement. People now have more choices that they have ever before enjoyed, but a large number of people yearn for personal growth. Individuals that have chose yoga in Temple TX claims that they have found the perfectly balanced discipline.

Also known as Asana, this discipline is often misunderstood. Many people see it as rituals that are performed as part of a religion. Others think that it is merely a series of low impact exercises and some people even think that it is a mystic discipline performed by people following new age philosophies. None of this is strictly true. Asana simply aims to help practitioners to improve their spirits, minds and their bodies.

The origins of Asana are obscure but it is a well known fact that Vivekananda, a Hindu philosopher, introduced it to western nations. It became popular almost immediately and the number of followers kept growing to this very day. Just the United States alone has more than twenty million Asana practitioners. Asana is practices in all countries and it is popular with all cultures.

It is a common fallacy to think that Asana is merely a series of stretching exercises and a number of poses. It does use stretching exercises and poses, but they are used for various purposes, including increasing the flexibility and balance of the student. Poses are also commonly used to teach spiritual principles. In this way the poses and exercises become a tool in the hands of the teacher.

Students of Asana gain many benefits. They are fitter and they are lithe. Most students report that they are better able to concentrate and they enjoy a high level of energy. Practitioners normally sleep better and they enjoy a large measure of contentment. There is never any form of competition in classes and each student is allowed to progress at his own pace. Student range in ages from very young to very old.

There are many other benefits to be had by practicing Asana. In fact, numerous scientific studies have found that it is extremely beneficial for people suffering from asthma and many forms of chronic pain. It has even been proved that cancer victims benefit. On a psychological level Asana has been beneficial for people suffering from disorders such as depression and anxiety. That is why so many therapists encourage their patients to take up this discipline.

It is easy to start. There is no special clothing or equipment needed. Many people join formal classes and although many people enjoy the classes it is not necessary to do so. There are numerous excellent sites online that contain video material that aim to teach the various poses and exercises. There are also many reputable books on the subject. Asana can be practiced anywhere.

It is clear why millions of people all over the world practice yoga. There are numerous benefits and almost no chance of sustaining an injury. Everybody can do it and it is therefore ideal as a family activity. Best of all, it does not cost a lot of money and it can be practices anywhere.