Cascade Yoga Studio - Photo of Student Sitting in Meditation

What Is Yoga?


Yoga is a profound system of holistic health which originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Some people come to yoga for relief of pain, some as a form of exercise and some as a way of life. Yoga encompasses all of these, but ultimately the main intention of yoga is to liberate the human being. The word yoga means to unite or draw together all aspects of the person into harmony. Yoga is a tool used to reconnect the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects with an inner wisdom in which there is no doubt as to the connection of all things.

What are the benefits of yoga?

Yoga's benefits affect each person in a different way. Many find that it helps them to relax; others find themselves feeling healthier and more energetic. All systems in the body, from the lymphatic to the nervous to the digestive to the cardiovascular, benefit from yoga. Yoga benefits every aspect of our bodies, inside and out. We have highlighted just a few common benefits below.

The benefits of yoga require a consistent practice and do not happen overnight. However, the benefits are long lasting and build over time.