The word yoga means unity or oneness and is derived from the Sanskrit word "yuj" which means "to join". On a practical level yoga is a means of balancing or joining the body and mind.

The science of yoga begins to work on the outermost aspect, the physical body. When imbalance is experienced the organs, muscles and nerves no longer function in harmony, yoga (through a series of postures that stretch, strengthen and balance the body) aims to bring the different bodily systems into perfect coordination so that they can work at an optimal level. As this balance is cultivated, more mental clarity, calmness and well-being is achieved. Ultimately, yoga aims to create perfect union of body mind and spirit.

There are many branches of yoga, meeting different needs of practitioners all over the world. Hatha yoga is probably the most well known and widely practiced of the systems, which is the style of yoga taught here at Sanctuary. Other popular forms of yoga such as Iyengar and Bikram are derived from Hatha Yoga.