Yoga originated in Rishikesh, India more than 10,000 years ago.
In 1920, the practice of yoga was introduced to the western world by influential guru Paramahansa Yogananda, who founded the Self-Realization Fellowship in Los Angeles, California.
Practicers claim that it helps people heal mentally, physically, and emotionally.
There have been four main periods in yoga's rich history: pre-classical, classical, post-classical, and modern.
A 2016 study found that over 34 million people practice yoga in the United States alone.
In December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 the International Day of Yoga, just a few months after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the suggestion.
Modi apparently chose June 21 because "the date is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of the world."
There are six fundamental types of postures: standing poses, forward bends, back bends, twists, balances, and inversions.
All together, there are thousands of poses.
There are more than 100 different forms of yoga.
New York, New York. Source: WebMD
Yoga helps expand the lungs and is very beneficial for your heart, which helps increase lifespan.
The relaxing sensation is said to help people with high blood pressure.
A 2014 study found that practicing yoga can help with inflammation that is associated with chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
Yoga has also been proven to help with memory loss in people 55 and older.
In many cultures, especially Indian culture, it is believed that yoga goes far beyond posing on the mat and is instead a way of life.
