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See Yoga for the family of spiritual practices that originated in India.

While Yoga evolved as a spiritual practice, in the West it has grown popular as a form of purely physical exercise. Some Western practice has little or nothing to do with Hinduism or spirituality, but is simply a way of keeping fit and healthy. This differs from the traditional Eastern view of yoga. While it is not always possible (or even desirable) to completely separate "exercise yoga" from "spiritual yoga," this article seeks to concentrate on the former.

Yoga was first introduced to American society in the late nineteenth century by Swami Vivekananda, the founder of the Vedanta Society. He believed that India has an abundance of spiritual wealth and that yoga is a method that could help those who were bound by the materialism of capitalist societies to achieve spiritual well-being.

Yoga, dating back to over 5,000 years ago, was a form of a spiritual practice. Today it has evolved from its founding philosophy. Globalization over the past decade has been opening new doors for many industries, and within the yoga industry it has resulted in commodification. Today, yoga is now a lucrative and growing business. About 16.5 million Americans now spend nearly $3 billion annually on classes and products, a February 2005 poll by Harris Interactive and Yoga Journal magazine revealed.

One argument against the globalization of yoga is that it is co-opting an ancient spiritual philosophy. Because yoga invokes ideals of harmony, health and balance, it “fits” well in the environment of modernity. On one hand, the acculturation of Yoga in America can be viewed as a welcome celebration of multiculturalism, promoting more open and tolerant cultural dispositions. On the other hand, the processes of commercialization may be considered to have debased the sacred practice.

Yoga as exercise has evolved into numerous subdivisions and variations. Naked yoga, chair yoga, acro yoga and hip-hop yoga are some of the few variations emerging. There is much debate whether the term Hatha Yoga properly describes yoga as exercise, since the traditional Hatha Yoga system originated as, and still is, a spiritual path in its own right.

Yoga Expenditure

Yoga expenditure is no longer confined to yoga-instruction, but involves the consumption of yoga apparel, props, literature, recordings and weekend workshops. According to Yoga Journal, the leading publication in the field, the average practitioner’s yearly expenditure on all things yoga can be estimated at a ballpark $1,500. This figure not only attests to an elitist lifestyle choice, but the growing commitment to consumption, which in effect contradicts the intended purpose of the physical practice and illustrates why this is becoming a significant social issue. While yoga was originally done bare foot, Nike has capitalized on the growing popularity by selling the first yoga shoe. Gucci has its own signature mat, Mark Jacobs crated a canvas and leather yoga-inspired handbag and Stella McCartney, a prominent trendsetter, has a line of yoga apparel.

While yoga is about cultivating self-love and self-actualization, it has taken on the youthful, beautiful, perfect images of celebrities like Christy Turlington. Advertisements that sell yoga products feature beautiful sun-kissed models, most likely airbrushed to reflect perfection at its most healthy. The emphasis of today’s exported Indian culture has shifted from holy men to beautiful, healthy models and even to the likes of pop artist Madonna.

Yoga as exercise for treating diseases

Most yoga classes in the U.S. consist of a combination of physical exercises, breathing exercises, and meditation. These characteristics make yoga a particularly beneficial kind of exercise for people with certain health conditions, including heart disease/hypertension, asthma, and back problems.

For people with heart problems, studies have shown yoga to help people young and old. Specifically, yoga seems to promote heart health in several ways, including lowering high blood pressure and improving resistance to psychological stress. Yoga also has the potential to buffer against the harmful effects of bodily self-objectification as well as to promote embodiment and well-being

For people with back problems, studies have shown yoga helps physically with strength, flexibility and endurance. Yoga also helps create relaxation through the breathing and meditation techniques employed, which has been shown to help people better proactively manage a chronic pain problem like back pain.

See also

• Yoga
• Ashtanga Yoga
• Iyengar Yoga
• Hatha Yoga
• Raja Yoga
• Naked Yoga
• Yoga (alternative medicine)
• Five Tibetan Rites
• Chair Yoga
• Cardiac yoga

References

1. December 2002. Yoga: What is yoga good for? Univ. of Maryland Medical website. Retrieved 11/30/06.
2. Minding the Body: Yoga, Embodiment, and Well-Being Sexuality Research and Social Policy: Journal of NSRC. Retrieved 03/07/07.
3. December 2003. Yoga for back problems Spine Health Medical website. Retrieved 11/30/06.

External links

• Yoga as a Treatment for Insomnia
• Tips to Prevent Yoga Injuries

• Yoga