Q: I’m new to yoga and hear terms like “asana” and “pranayama.” Can you explain what they mean and how they fit into yoga?

– K. Ivanova (Sheffield)

A: Absolutely. “Asana” refers to the physical postures or poses in yoga. The word itself comes from the Sanskrit root ās, meaning “to sit or remain.” Initially, asanas were developed to prepare the body for prolonged meditation by keeping it stable and healthy. Over time, they evolved into the diverse practices we see today, focusing on strength, flexibility, and balance. “Pranayama” on the other hand, combines two Sanskrit words: prana (vital life force or breath) and ayama (extension or control). It’s the practice of controlling the breath to regulate energy and calm the mind. Both are essential limbs of yoga as described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. As a beginner, start with basic asanas such as Tadasana (Mountain Pose) and simple breathing techniques such as Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing).