Industry Overview
Most people are not aware that there are 17 forms of yoga. It takes a bit of work to research to find one you’re comfortable with. All forms have been practiced to a certain degree globally.
Originating in India, the spread of yoga was rapid when its healing powers became known to visitors to India’s many ashrams. Tantric Yoga can be traced back to 5000 B.C. It takes extreme discipline of the mind and body, relaxing both and providing a way of dealing with the world through spiritual tolerance.
Doctors employ the use of yoga therapy for patients who have breathing problems, stress related illnesses such as ulcers and high blood pressure, migraines, to improve circulation, as a cancer therapy and as a general mind-over-matter routine. The stretching and flexing routines of yoga along with the breathing exercises, makes it a formidable healing tool. Many major corporations have created yoga classes for their employees and their productivity has increased exponentially.
Yoga in San Francisco is a daily routine for many health advocates. Houston’s yoga community extends into NASA. Because it teaches how to control bodily functions, it is a favorite of astronauts.
Industry Trends
As the interest in yoga grows, more instructors are being sought. The American Yoga Association is one of many groups providing the answers to where to locate a good instructor and also general information.
More health centers, gyms and dance classes have included yoga as part of their warm-up routines and are hiring instructors with yoga and fitness backgrounds.
Yoga is being used more and more with children, to teach them discipline and study methods. Universities like Loyola Marymount and Syracuse University have yoga education classes.
Yoga Brands
Karuna Center for Yoga and Healing Arts in Northampton, Massachusetts, is yoga central for the area.