Health

     Yoga is a term for a range of traditional systems of physical exercise and meditation in Hinduism.
Modified versions of the physical exercises in Hatha Yoga have become popular as a kind of low-impact physical exercise, and are used for therapeutic purposes. "yoga" in this sense, in common parlance, refers to the physical exercises, i.e. the asanas or postures. Aspects of meditation are sometimes also included.
     Both the meditative and the exercise components of yoga show promise for non-specific health benefits. According to an article in the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine, the system of Hatha Yoga believes that prana, or healing "life energy" is absorbed into the body through the breath, and can treat a wide variety of illnesses and complaints.
     Yoga has been studied as an intervention for many conditions, including back pain, stress, and depression.
A survey released in December 2008 by the US National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that yoga was the 6th most commonly used alternative therapy in the United States during 2007, with 6.1 percent of the population participating.