Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline that originated in ancient India. It has a long and rich history dating back over 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest forms of personal development in the world.
The origins of yoga can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization, where evidence of yoga-like practices has been found in ancient seals and artifacts. However, it was not until the Vedic period, around 1500-500 BCE, that yoga began to take on the form that it is recognized as today.
During this time, yoga was primarily practiced by ascetic sages who lived in the forests and mountains of India. These sages, known as yogis, were seeking enlightenment and a deeper understanding of the self. They developed a range of physical and mental practices, including breathing techniques, meditation, and physical postures, to help them achieve their goals.
Over time, yoga spread throughout India and beyond, and it became a popular form of personal development for people from all walks of life. Today, yoga is practiced by millions of people around the world and is considered a holistic approach to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Today, we will be going over some fun facts about yoga – facts that might genuinely get you on the mat. At the same time, we will be busting some popular myths. Let’s get to it.
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1. Yoga isn’t limited to what is done on the sticky mat
The age-old, sacred practice originated in India thousands of years ago and has gradually grown into something similar to modern stretching and gymnastics. In fact, the physical postures, Asana, are a tiny section of everything yoga stands for. Chanting, pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, and living a meaningful life filled with kindness and purpose are just as important as stretching and overall, they contribute to the yogi way of life.
2. Yoga could increase your lifespan
In addition to postures helping in strengthening muscles and reducing tension, breathing practices promote increased oxygen intake, improves bodily functions, and boosts circulation. When we slow down our breath and movement, the various bodily functions such as acidity, oxidization, and cell decay slows down as well, meaning our bodies get more time to repair and regenerate – eventually slowing down ageing.
3. It’s not just for lean women in skinny leggings
Many don’t know this, but fun fact about yoga – it was originally a practice for men. Women were only introduced to the world of yoga after renowned guru, Krishnamacharya invited his wife to join the sessions. Very soon Indra Devi gained worldwide fame as a yoga teacher. In fact, she taught Marilyn Monroe. Men became a much rarer sight in yoga classes for many years after. But they’re back now and everyone’s enjoying yoga in their own ways.
4. There are many styles to choose from
Every day, yogis are coming up with new yoga “styles.” With more than 100 different yoga schools, a beginner can choose from the traditional styles of tantra, sivananda, ashtanga, and “hatha”, to laughter yoga, equine yoga, rocket yoga, paddleboard yoga, and aerial yoga.
5. There’s something called “Dog-Yoga”
Here’s a fun fact about yoga we’re sure you would’ve never thought about. Dogs do yoga too these days, and it’s called “Doga.” This makes sense as most of the postures derive their names from plants, animals, and different aspects of nature, and “downward facing dog,” or “adho mukha svansana” is no exception. Doga, originated in 2002 in the Big Apple, has the pets practicing right by the owner’s side. The creator is Suzi Teitelman.
6. The oldest yogi
Tao Porchon-Lynch was a French-Indian yogi born on August 13, 1918. She was also a former model, dancer, and actress, and regularly taught worldwide till her demise in February 21, 2020. Tao was recognized as the “World’s Oldest Yoga Instructor” by the Guinness World Records in May 2021 when she was 93.
7. Yoga improves sex and orgasms
Multiple studies have concluded that yoga can truly help make your sex drive better. Engaging “root lock” or “mula bandha” has the yogi lift their perineum (like you would do when you’re trying really hard to hold in your pee), thus making the nether regions much more aware and improving circulation. It is said that by practicing this and remembering the process while sex, the practitioner’s sensation of an orgasm is heightened. Apparently it can also reduce premature ejaculation. So, there’s a fun fact about yoga for those who thought the exercise is only limited to stretching the limbs or losing weight.
8. Socks aren’t mandatory; and neither are clothes
“Hot nude yoga” exists and people practice it. Men and women in the West and East have shown increased interest in the unique style. If you have it in you to let everything go on the mat, this style will fit the bill.
9. In case you want to wear clothes while practicing, you would want to know…
Lululemon, a Yoga clothing industry giant is currently valued at about $1.3 billion and has over 280 stores across the globe. This is a big deal considering how yoga fashion wasn’t much even a few years back. Brands like H&M and Gap got interested too and have started promoting a more “athleisure” kind of style clothing; incorporating yoga pants in regular wear.
10. Yogis were traditionally vegetarian
You don’t have to go vegan when you start yoga, but it’s traditional. The moral vow, known as yama of Ahimsa stands for “nonviolence” and forbids harming or eating other living beings. However, it’s also said that since meat is dead, the “prana,” or “life force” is absent from it. Yoga practice is meant to enhance our life force energy (prana), so something that doesn’t add anything to our prana is considered harmful to the practice. And who even wants to do twists and handstands after munching on a pepperoni pizza?
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11. Where the swastika symbol actually came from
In contrast to popular belief, the swastika symbol didn’t originate from the WWII Nazis. It was mainly founded in Hinduism and Vishnu, one of the gods in the religion. Moreover, it symbolizes Surya, the Sun god, and represents the Sun’s daily course. Plus, it was always used as a charm to invite good fortune.
12. The body and mind are subject to topics of flexibility
When we tell ourselves we’re “not that flexible,” it has a significant effect on how “flexible” we actually are. If you step into a yoga class and constantly tell yourself you’re not flexible enough, you’re setting yourself up to stiff and rigid, as this is all you’ll be focusing on. This increases stress, discomfort, and fear, triggering the “stress response”. On the other hand, relaxing and focusing on the breath, the body will automatically start relaxing, enabling you a much wider range of motion and flexibility. Next time you’re practicing, try this; if the excessive jaw-clenching and pushing hasn’t done anything for your hamstrings, this may just do the trick.
13. How expensive is yoga?
In its primitive form, yoga is free. But as we know, not all classes are cheap. The yoga population of just the US spends over $10.3 billion on yoga equipment, clothes, classes, and holidays. That’s a multibillion dollar industry. This is why it's a good idea to learn yoga from home - check out these courses you can do from the comfort of your own living room.
15. The Yoga Olympics
Competitive yoga has been in India for quite some time now, but in 2016 it included official recognition from the Indian Government as well as many sponsors. Yoga is officially a part of the Olympics so people can show their prowess on the mat.
16. World record for most yogis in one venue
If you thought your yoga class is busy, think again. The biggest yoga class at one venue comprised of 35,000 people and was held on June 21, 2015 at the New Delhi Global Yoga Day.
17. Why we chant Om
Chanting is an essential part of yoga. Nada yoga, or the yoga of sound, can be extremely effective and impactful. The word “Om” is made up of three syllables: A, U, and M, made to represent the ancient “sound of the universe” – the sound from which all other sounds were born. They also symbolize the past, present, and future. On top of that, “Om” is chanted to create a sense of connection to the “bigger picture” and our surroundings.
18. Meaning of Namaste
“Namaste” is a traditional greeting exchanged at the end of the class, and it translates exactly to “the light in me bows to the light in you.” In a broader sense, it symbolizes a mutual respect between two living entities, and a spiritual recognition of humans’ deeper similarities, instead of the minor variations.
19. Why yogis lie down after the class ends
Savasana, also termed as “corpse pose” is intended to rest the nervous system and body to allow the practice to mix within us. Humans these days are trained to rush from one high intensity activity to another. Yoga reminds us that it’s important to let the body recharge and renew itself.
Bottom Line
Did you know about these fun facts about yoga beforehand? Yoga is beneficial is ways more than one, so even if you’re not considering starting it right now, it is always a prospective option when you want to find a more peaceful state of mind.