If we become masters of our minds we become masters of our suffering (from the Yoga Sutras)

The root of the word Yoga is "yuj", which means "unity", indicating that the purpose of yoga is to unite ourselves with our highest nature. Yoga is a disciplines that sees mind and body as one, as we master our body we will are able to master our mind. It practised correctly, yoga will enable us to live more deliberately, to experience inner peace, harmony, and clarity of mind.

In Hatha yoga we learn to align our joints, bones and spine, engage our muscles and become aware of our internal organs. Through this alignment of the poses we begin to understand our physical body, which then enables us to focus on our breath (pranayama), that which gives us life. When we learn to coordinate our breath with the movements of our physical body, this is one way to become synchronised with our mental state, enhancing our concentration and awareness; it also improves the cardiovascular system (heart and arteries), the digestive system , musculo-skeletal, and the nervous system.  All the asanas in yoga have a therapeutic effect.

When the breath wanders the mind also is unsteady. But when the breath is calmed the mind too will be still, and the yogi achieves long life. Therefore, one should learn to control the breath. Hatha Yoga Pradipika

The father of contemporary  Vinyasa Yoga is undeniably Sri T. Krishnamacharya who was born in India in 1888 and died in 1989.  In Vinyasa Yoga every movement follows the breath. It is a dynamic and flowing form of yoga that resembles an ancient dance. During Vinyasa the breath is continusly flowing in and out, and should never be held. This type of yogaincreases stamina and endurance, as the dynamic movements increase the heart rate and build up muscle tone and strength. This in turn helps to support the joints, which are easily injured. Healthier joints and increased flexibility will allow us to live healthier and longer lives. In addition, dynamic movements and breath ceates heat in our body, which raises blood flow carrying oxygen to vital organs, resulting in increased body sweat which helps to get rid of toxins from our body.

Yoga ultimately teaches us that being present in our bodies will lead us to be present in the mind. 

Other practices of yoga include: Yama & Niyama, these are self observations and restraints to help clear negativity from the mind, body and heart. Pranayama, which means ‘the controlling of the breath’, this is the practice of breath regulation to expand and enhance our life energy. Pratyahara, which means withdrawing from sensory experiences, in the ancient scriptures it is said that by doing that we will realise that happiness lies within ourselves and not in external objects. Dharana, which means concentration and that can take many forms, e.g. focussing on the flow of the breath in harmony with a physical movement, on the glow of a candle flame. The aim of this practice is to clear and focus the mind to go into a meditative state. Through Dharana, Dhyana (meditation) is then achieved. Meditation allows us to go beyond time, space, and our own limitations, expanding our mind and consciousness and merging with the infinite. Samadhi,which is the final stage and means enlightenment, this is described as the bliss state of oneness. It is believd to be the ultimate yoga, it is a state of absolute liberation and bliss where nothing is needed, desired or required as we are one with the environment.