Yoga and yogatherapy.

Abstract

The scope of this article is to succinctly describe Yoga’s history, since the beginning, and to bring forward the schools of thought that influenced its development, especially describing the metaphysical bases found in Samkhya Philosophy. We pointed out the most important kinds of Yoga, described in relevant ancient texts. The basic principles of Yoga are well marked, as well as the development of the thought over time influenced by the new ways to understand Yoga, especially after the emergence of the Tantra movement. We pinpointed the theme of imprisonment and liberation as Yoga’s main focus, as it preaches that latent impressions or experiences accumulated through daily experiences are the main cause of attachment, generating the constant rebirth and consequent imprisonment. Finally, we discuss the use of yoga as a therapy, more modernly, using purification and breathing techniques, postures and meditation exercises to treat physical and mental illnesses. Studies in integrated physiology with multidisciplinary groups should allow Yoga techniques to be more widely used as complementary in physical and mental illness treatments expanding the positive results already demonstrated in studies performed in major world centers.