Yogic practices have been practiced for thousand of years mainly for the sake of the final goal of liberation from the cycle of re-birth and the pain associated with it. These practices were intended to influence the mind more than the body. Hathayogins, who flourished during 15th century AD, gave more emphasis on the body. Their ultimate aim was also the same, namely attainment of the state of Samadhi. But their means were more suited to the abilities of the common man.

A healthy individual must have all tissues and organs of the body developed properly. Then ancient masters of Yoga were fully aware of maxim ‘healthy mind in a healthy body’ and hence they developed a unique system of practices which takes care of all the tissues of the body and their functions in a holistic manner.

Maintenance of bodily health depends on two factors namely, supply of nourishment in adequate amount and quick removal of waste materials which are produced in the tissues as a result of metabolic activity. A tissues cannot get proper nourishment if it remains inactive and waste materials are also not removed from it efficiently. If tissues are exercised regularly by causing the muscles concerned to contract and stretch, the capillaries are pressed, and the tissues get increased supply of blood, oxygen and the nutrients.

Surya Namaskar
Surya Namaskar is the most useful and popular mode of Yogic exercises which briefly bestows the benefits of Asanas, Pranayamas and Mudras altogether. It consists of a series of 12 postures which are performed early in the morning facing the rising Sun. Surya Namaskar energizes the entire neuro-glandular and neuro-muscular system of the body and its regular practice ensures a balanced supply of oxygenated blood and perfect harmony to all the systems of the body, thus invigorating the entire psychosomatic system of human constitution.

Asanas
These are special patterns of postures that stabilize the mind and the body through static stretching. Their aim is to establish proper system in the neuromuscular tonic impulses and improve the general muscle tone. Two basic principles governing the performance of Asanas are stability and confort. This suggests that the nature of Asanas is psycho-neurophysical and not only physical. Every Asana should be performed effortlessly and maintained for a comfortable time. There should be no jerks and the performance of Asana should not lead to undue fatigue.