There are many millions of people in every country across the world that have become supporters of Asana. Asana is the name that the Indian philosopher Swami Vivekanada called his particular philosophy. When he visited Canada and the United States in the late eighteenth century to promote this philosophy he surely never thought that it will take on so quickly and that so many people will embrace it. With yoga Washington DC residents always feel better about life.

There are many misunderstandings about Asana, despite the fact that it is practiced everywhere and by so many people. There are still those that think it is an eastern form of religion that involves mysticism. Yet others think it is nothing but a series of stretching exercises and demanding poses. Asana is none of that. It is a holistic approach that aims to improve the spirit, the mind and the body.

Asana does entail certain stretching exercises and a number of poses that have to be learnt. However, the discipline is not about exercise alone. These exercises and poses are nothing but instruments that are used as vehicles to promote discipline, health, the ability to focus and a host of other benefits. There are many different forms of Asana. Some are more physically strenuous while others are more contemplative.

This philosophy involves no form of competition whatsoever. People practice Asana on their own at home or they attend classes. Classes consist of individuals at various levels and each person master new stretching exercises and poses only when they feel ready to do so. For many people, the absence of competition and a fixed program is a huge plus. This means that everybody can take it up.

A number of independent studies have been conducted to study the health benefits of this discipline. The findings are uniformly exceptional. Asana holds no dangers to practitioners at all. Instead, they benefit by becoming fitter, more flexible and healthier. People suffering from heart diseases, asthma, hypertension and a variety of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression have all benefited tremendously after they started practicing Asana. People concentrate better and they are generally more positive about life.

Anyone can take up Asana regardless of age or physical condition. It is easy to begin and no special clothes or equipment is required, which makes it affordable and accessible to everyone. One can start off in isolation at home, but it is recommended that beginners join at least a few classes. Reputable instructors will help beginners to identify their needs and to choose an approach to Asana that will suit them best.

There is absolutely no shortage of material on this subject. Numerous websites offer training programs, discussion forums and advice. In most cases these sites are free of charge. There are also numerous books on the subject. Unfortunately, because there are so many forms of Asana, beginners are often at a loss to decide just which site or book is best for them.

It is not surprising that yoga has become so popular all over the world. It offers many benefits and it is suitable for everyone. Practitioners are healthier, fitter and more flexible. They generally feel better mentally too and many practitioners say that Asana helps them to cope with the many demands of modern life.