Yoga for Menopausal Women

Abstract

Yoga originated in ancient India more than 4000 years ago. It’s a holistic art of living aimed at achieving physical, mental, moral and spiritual health and well-being. Patatanjari Muni, the founder of Yoga, described the practice of yoga of eight limbs (Ashtanga) as a practical way to evolve the mind, body and spirit, but the most commonly performed Yoga practices are posture (Asana), controlled breathing (Pranayama) and meditation (Dyana) [1]. Hatha Yoga, the basic of modern yoga style, was developed in India in the 15th century. Theoretically, the term Hatha is composed of the Sanskrit terms “Ha” and “Tha”, which refer to the sun, or heating and activating properties and to the moon, or cooling and calming properties, respectively. By balancing these opposing qualities, physical and mental health is fostered and the development of self-awareness and mind-body unity are cultivated [2].