History of yoga

For thousands of years people have practiced yoga, which initially came from India, Tibet and China. Varied streams of culture, traditions and strains of thought in these places evolved to influence today’s yoga traditions and styles. The history of yoga is complex, but we do know that yoga schools agree on certain ideas. Mainly, they believe human consciousness exists and exploring it brings people immense wisdom and insight into the nature of reality. We also know that yoga improves health and well-being on multiple levels, for people of all ages.

Yoga quickly became popular is in the late 20^th century, after teachers from the East, mostly India, travelled to the West to teach yoga to ‘householders’  – ordinary people with jobs, busy lives and families. They realised that ancient yoga tools provide a much-needed antidote to the increasingly fast-paced, stress-filled modern world. Of the various schools of yoga that exist, hatha yoga was the most commonly taught, focusing on the physical aspects of yoga.

Now, in the 21^st century, yoga is gaining popularity and becoming mainstream in many places. Yoga is regularly practiced by women more then men (which is ironic given the fact that before the mid-20^th century, yoga was typically restricted to men and boys). Prenatal yoga is growing in popularity, as it gives physical and mental strength, as well as time for the mother to relax and connect with the unborn child. Children’s yoga and baby yoga grew mainly from Americans, who started teaching yoga at home to their own children, or in schools where they saw how yoga helps children focus and channel their energy.