---
id:"kb-2026-00464"
title:"Yoga Practice"
schema_type:"TechArticle"
category:"health"
language:"en"
confidence:"high"
last_verified:"2026-05-22"
generation_method:"ai_assisted"
ai_models:["claude-opus"]
derived_from_human_seed:true
primary_sources:
  - title:"Light on Yoga (B.K.S. Iyengar)"
    type:"book"
    year:1966
    url:"https://www.harpercollins.com/products/light-on-yoga-bks-iyengar?variant=32117613527074"
    institution:"HarperCollins"
secondary_sources:
  - title: "MDN Web Docs — HTTP"
    type: "documentation"
    year: 2026
    url: "https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP"
    institution: "Mozilla"
completeness: 0.88
ai_citations:
  last_citation_check:"2026-05-22"
---

## TL;DR

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice originating in India (5000+ years). Modern yoga in the West focuses on: asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing), meditation. Styles: Hatha (gentle, foundational), Vinyasa (flow, breath-linked movement), Ashtanga (vigorous, set sequence), Iyengar (alignment-focused), Yin (long-held passive poses).

## Core Explanation

Key poses: Downward Dog, Warrior I/II/III, Child's Pose, Tree Pose, Cobra. Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar): sequence of 12 poses. Benefits: flexibility, strength, balance, stress reduction, body awareness. Breath (ujjayi): ocean breath — inhale/exhale through nose with slight throat constriction. Yoga is not about touching your toes — it's about what you learn on the way down.

## Further Reading

- [Light on Yoga (B.K.S. Iyengar)](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/light-on-yoga-bks-iyengar?variant=32117613527074)