Yoga in the Village

There are approximately 15 million people in the United States who practice yoga. Of these people, 30% of them live in the Midwest and yoga $27 billion dollars year are spent on the yoga products industry alone. The number of people practicing yoga in the United States continues to rise on average by about 20% each year. It could be safe to say, yoga is not a fad, it's a way of life. Many do it to heal injuries and illnesses, or use it as a preventative health measure.

Yoga Sutras, written 1,700 years ago by Patajali, is a classical work that describes the eight limbs of yoga. Here in the United States the most commonly practice limb of yoga is asana. This is the physical form of yoga which many of us know – it's the act of creating yoga postures. Not so commonly known are the other seven limbs which include: 

Yama: A total of five universal principles of mortality such as commitment to truthfulness

Niyama: A total of five personal observances such as contentment

Asanas: Body postures such as balasana or child's pose

Pranayama: Breathing exercises such as ujjayi breathing

Pratyahara: Control of the senses such as release of attachment to external objects

Dharana: Cultivation of inner perception or awareness such as focusing your mind in one direction

Dhyana: Devotion or mediation to the divine which is where religious studies can be found in the study of yoga as a whole

Samadhi: Union when your body and senses are at rest and your mind is active 

Asana is the most commonly practiced and accessible form of yoga in the West. Individuals can achieve many health benefits from the physical practice of asana. For example, Harvard studies show it can help combat anxiety and depression. Also, the American Medical Association proved yoga, meditation and massage can help with attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder. The American Cancer Society states, “Research has shown that yoga can be used to control physical functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, metabolism, body temperature, brain waves, and skin resistance. This can result in improved physical fitness, lower levels of stress, and increased feelings of relaxation and well-being.” 

The list goes on as so do the reasons why so many millions of Americans are adding a form of yoga practice to their daily routine. The rise in popularity means yoga studios are in nearly every neighborhood and village across the country. Finding a style of yoga you like is much like trying on blue jeans. You are encouraged to try different styles (and studios) until you find your perfect fit. 

Healing Foundations

2112 W. Belmont

Chicago IL 60618

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*Statisticbrain.com August 2012, Health.Harvard.edu, Cancer.org, Ama-assn.org/