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Yoga poses

Yoga poses are known as yoga asanas. They were first described in the Vedas. These were texts which originated in ancient India. They are known as both the oldest form of Sanskrit literature as well as the oldest texts of Hinduism.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are the most influential guides to yoga and yoga poses as they are understood today. The exact date of when these were written is disputed, but most guesses fall between 100 BCE and 500 CE. At this time, asanas referred mainly to the seated postures. However, today there are many standing, balancing, and reclined postures as well.

Many styles of yoga practice specific breathing techniques as well as yoga poses. The breathing exercises are known as pranayama. Styles such as Bikram or Hot Yoga are very particular about the sequence in which poses are performed. Other styles, such as power yoga, are not as particular about order or which exact poses are performed.

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