Yoga, an ancient practice that integrates body, mind, and breath — originated in India approximately 5,000 years ago. Derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning “union” or “connection,” yoga is far more than a sequence of physical postures (asanas). It is a holistic system that also encompasses breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, and ethical foundations. Today, it is practiced worldwide to support both physical and mental balance, as well as overall well-being.

History of Yoga

The earliest traces of yoga date back to the Vedic texts of India (1500 BCE).
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (2nd century BCE) are among the earliest systematic writings of yoga philosophy.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, teachers such as Swami Vivekananda and T. Krishnamacharya brought yoga to the Western world.
Today, yoga has evolved into many schools and styles, including Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Kundalini, Yin, and Restorative Yoga.

Core Principles of Yoga

Yoga is built upon an eightfold path (Ashtanga Yoga):

• Yama – Ethical principles

• Niyama – Personal discipline

• Asana – Physical postures

• Pranayama – Breath control

• Pratyahara – Withdrawal of the senses

• Dharana – Concentration

• Dhyana – Meditation

• Samadhi – State of unity and mental clarity

Benefits of Yoga

Modern research shows that yoga offers a wide range of physical and mental benefits:

• Improves flexibility and muscle strength

• Enhances posture and spinal alignment

• Reduces stress and anxiety

• Improves sleep quality

• Increases mindfulness and concentration

• Supports regulation of the nervous system

Yoga Around the World

In 2016, yoga was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Today, millions of practitioners in America, Europe, and Asia embrace yoga as part of their daily lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) also highlights yoga as a complementary method that promotes health and well-being.

Yoga in Türkiye

Yoga began spreading in Türkiye in the second half of the 20th century. Over the past two decades, numerous studios, teacher training programs, and internationally accredited instructors have emerged. Today, yoga plays a vital role in both personal practices and collective gatherings.

Yoga at Yosomind

At Yosomind, yoga is not just a physical exercise, it is a somatic practice that unites the body and mind. Through live classes, workshops, and teacher trainings, yoga merges with fascia-focused movement and somatic awareness, offering participants a deeply holistic experience.

Those wishing to experience yoga can join Yosomind’s group sessions or private workshops to explore classical poses enhanced by somatic awareness and mindful movement.

References

• Patanjali. (2012). Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Trans. Sri Swami Satchidananda). Integral Yoga Publications.

• Feuerstein, G. (2011). The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice. Hohm Press.

• World Health Organization. (2020). Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine. WHO.

• UNESCO. (2016). Yoga Inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.