Yoga has a long and debated history. No one is quite sure when or where the practice originated. Most scholars agree the practice began somewhere in the Indus Valley, but they are unsure which civilization, if only one, created it. Some suggest the Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1900 BCE), while other suggest the pre-Vedic or Vedic civilizations of north-eastern India.
Pre-philosophical mentions began to appear in texts ca. 500-200 BCE. What this means is ascetic concentrations and body postures were mentioned but not the more philosophical considerations such as cosmological implications of certain postures. Around 200 BCE- 500 BCE, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism began to take shape, creating an environment for more formal yogic practices.
Patanjali
Around 400 CE, the Hindu philosopher Patanjali compiled the Yoga Sutras. They are the foundation of Ashtanga Yoga and considered the oldest codified text on yoga practices.
The West
After the codification of practices by Patanjali, yoga began to grow and expand as a practice. More and more schools of thought and practice began to appear around Asia. The discipline did not reach the Western World with any impact until the 19th century. Bengali physician N.C. Paul wrote Treatise on Yoga Philosophy in 1851 which introduced the discipline to educated Western audiences who had grown interested in Hindu and Indian philosophies. The first true instructor did not begin operating until the 1890s. Roughly fifteen hundred years had passed since its beginning.
Transcendentalism and other esoteric philosophies popular in the United States at the time made for a fertile ground for yoga to spread.
Yoga in Oakland, throughout the rest of California, and the United States usually refers to Hatha Yoga and its postures. This is a branch of the practice originally believed to have been created by Shiva himself. Its postures became popular as a form of exercise and are what is usually referred to in the West as simply “yoga.” Hatha Yoga, first codified by Patanjali, consists of a six-limbed approach to achieving samadhi, concentration of the mind. The six limbs are disciplines, postures, purification procedures, gestures, breathing, and meditation.
Therapeutic Uses
The Western understanding of hatha yoga or simply “yoga” as exercise is a fairly modern interpretation. Nonetheless, scientists and physicians have studied the practices as exercise, therapy, or alternative medicine. While yoga can improve quality of life and sense of well-being, it does not treat diseases. However, mindfulness, peace of mind, exercise induced endorphins, and heart health are all positive factors towards recovering from physical or mental illness. While yoga might not treat diseases directly, it creates an environment in the mind and body more conducive to healing.
One study found hatha yoga to be helpful in the treatment of anxiety and depression amongst some sufferers. Also, increased cardiovascular health, muscular fitness, and a closer mind body connection create for an overall healthier and happier individual. Research is inconclusive on yoga’s direct benefits in treating diseases such as cancer or chronic illness. However, exercise in general and yoga in specific have been shown to greatly improve quality of life. An improved quality of life has been shown to aid in recovery.
