Yoga, which originated in ancient India over 5,000 years ago, is a holistic practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation, along with ethical principles, philosophy, and guidance on the awareness of the self.

Yoga is an ancient and ever-developing practice that integrates body, mind, and spirit. While often associated with physical asanas (postures), yoga is in fact an entire philosophy, and way of life that can guide us towards enlightenment. At its core, yoga is about creating union (‘yog’ or ‘yuj’ meaning to yoke, or unite) within ourselves, between our thoughts and actions, and between the individual and the wider world.

The physical asanas help build strength, flexibility, and vitality, while pranayama (breathwork) regulates the nervous system and supports emotional clarity. Meditation is also an essential element, helping practitioners quiet mental chatter and connect with a deeper sense of self and awareness. Through consistent practice, yoga becomes a tool for both physical health and emotional resilience, offering space for healing, reflection, and personal growth.

The history of yoga stretches back over 5,000 years, with its earliest roots found in the Indus Valley Civilisation of ancient India. The first significant textual references to yoga appear in the Vedas - ancient Hindu scriptures composed around 1500 BCE - which speak of meditative practices and rituals aimed at spiritual connection.

As the centuries progressed, these ideas were refined in the Upanishads, spiritual texts that emphasised inner transformation, and introduced concepts like the atman (self) and Brahman (ultimate reality). Around 400 BCE, the sage Patanjali compiled the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text that outlined the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga - a systematic approach to achieving mental clarity and spiritual liberation:

Yama – Ethical restraints (how we relate to others)

Niyama – Personal observances (how we relate to ourselves)

Asana – Physical postures

Pranayama – Breath control

Pratyahara – Withdrawal of the senses

Dharana – Concentration

Dhyana – Meditation

Samadhi – Enlightenment or absorption

Styles of Yoga - A Timeline: 400 BCE – Raja Yoga / Ashtanga Yoga / Classical Yoga:

The early stages of Classical Yoga were focused on the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga, exploring ethics, posture, breath, meditation, and the path to spiritual enlightenment.

800–1300 CE – Post-Classical / Tantra Yoga:

This period brought about an integration of body, energy, and sacred rituals. This also was the start of the awareness of the power of mantras (sacred sounds, words, or phrases), mudras (hand gestures), chakras (energy centers within the subtle body), and kundalini (a primal energy existing at the base of the spine).

11th–13th century - Hatha Yoga:

During the period of start and evolution of Hatha Yoga, asanas, pranayama, and shatkarma (cleansing techniques) were the central focus. Aimed at purifying the body to awaken spiritual energy, texts such as Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and Gheranda Samhita helped shed light on the path to achieve such states.

Late 1800s–Early 1900s - Jnana Yoga (wisdom), Bhakti (devotion), and Raja Yoga (Ashtanga):

In 1893, Swami Vivekananda, a renowned Indian spiritual leader, philosopher, and reformer played a pivotal role in introducing Indian philosophy, Vedanta (one of the six classical schools of Indian philosophy), and yoga to the Western world.

1920s–1930s - Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga (Pattabhi Jois), Iyengar Yoga (B.K.S. Iyengar):

Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, a highly influential Indian yoga teacher, scholar, and healer, often called the “Father of Modern Yoga, started to teach a dynamic, physical approach combining asana, breath, and tradition across India. Combining traditional yogic teachings with a deep knowledge of Sanskrit scriptures, Ayurveda, and gymnastics, he was able to adapt yoga practices to individual needs and on a wider scale, emphasising therapeutic benefits alongside spiritual growth.

1940s–1980s - 26 & 2 (Hot) Yoga, Sivananda Yoga, Power Yoga:

Throughout the 20th century, Hatha became the most popular form of yoga in the West, and the umbrella for many physical styles. Towards the end of the century, styles such as Power and Hot yoga emerged, with a heavy emphasis on asana practice.

1990s–Today - Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yoga, Resorative Yoga, Kundalini, Yoga, Ariel Yoga, Acro Yoga, Trauma-Informed Yoga…:

Today, the styles of yoga evolving are endless. As our understanding of the human mind and body develops against the backdrop of humankind’s desire to return to spirit, yoga remains one of the most widespread practices in the modern world.

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