Yoga teaches us to appreciate our bodies, as they are right now, no matter what bulges they may have. Yoga teaches us to appreciate our bodies for what they are, instruments of self-expression and beauty, instead of saying they aren't thin enough, or muscular enough, or good enough. It is only through this appreciation of what we are that we can become what we dream about being. Yoga teaches us to love ourselves enough to want to care for ourselves. Yoga is a profound system of holistic health, which originated in India over 5,000 years ago.
Yoga is defined as having eight branches.
Perhaps the first and most profound benefit most Westerners notice is stress reduction. The next benefit is in your circulation, which most physicians seem to support. Although Hatha Yoga improves your flexibility, most people aren't aware that Yoga Asanas are also good for strength. The whole idea is to balance strength and flexibility. Once the system comes to closer to balance, most practitioners notice an increase in vitality and an overall sense of well-being.