The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ meaning ‘Union’. In the context of Yoga, it means union of Mind, Body & Breath (Soul). Soul is a little deeper concept, hence we shall focus on Mind & Body and substitute Soul with breath
To understand this lets us take an example of when our mind & body is not in union –
A healthy body always gives signals to the brain when something is wrong with it. When we are about to fall sick, the body would show symptoms so that mind recognizes it and takes necessary measures. Likewise in day to day activities.
For example, when we are hungry it gives signals to the brain. However, when we are under stress, we ignore these signals and carry on with the tasks which we feel are more important. If we keep on repeating this, slowly our mind stops recognizing the bodily signals altogether. Thus, we lose connection with our body and this slowly leads to unhealth and we say mind and body is not in sync/union
When we do Yoga asanas we stretch our stiff body and feel the pain, automatically our mind becomes aware of the pain. Its focus shifts from other thoughts to its own body. Slowly we start regaining that mind and body connection. It is like any normal relationship, the more you pay attention to the person, the better the connection is developed.
During the practice we are also asked to focus on our breath. Thus, during the yoga practice, we are actually working on bringing our mind, body & breath in union. Hence, the word “Yoga”.
Health benefits of Yoga –
The function of blood is to provide oxygen to all organs & cells of the body and to remove toxins/ impurities. When we practice Yoga asanas, each part of our body moves. This enables the blood circulation in all parts of the body. Pranayama helps in intake of more oxygen Thus, yoga helps in removing the toxins out of the body. Once toxins are removed, the body and mind automatically starts regaining its health.
Curiouspirits 
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