The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali is a collection of Sanskrit sutras (aphorisms) on the theory and practice of yoga - 195 sutras (according to Vyāsa and Krishnamacharya) and 196 sutras (according to other scholars including BKS Iyengar). The Yoga Sutras was compiled in the early centuries CE, by the sage Patanjali in India who synthesized and organized knowledge about yoga from much older traditions.

The Yoga Sutras are best known for its reference to ashtanga, eight elements of practice culminating in samadhi, concentration of the mind on an object of meditation, namely yama (abstinences), niyama (observances), asana (yoga postures), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (concentration of the mind), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (absorption). However, its main aim is kaivalya, discernment of purusha, the witness-conscious, as separate from prakriti, the cognitive apparatus, and disentanglement of purusha from prakriti's muddled defilements.

The Yoga Sutras built on Samkhya-notions of purusha and prakriti, and are often seen as complementary to it. It is closely related to Buddhism, incorporating some of its terminology. Yet, Samkhya, Yoga, Vedanta, as well as Jainism and Buddhism can be seen as representing different manifestations of a broad stream of ascetic traditions in ancient India, in contrast to the Bhakti traditions and Vedic ritualism which were prevalent at the time.

Ayurveda is considered to be the most ancient medicinal form. It mainly developed during Vedic times; the origin can be traced back to more than 5000 years. Etymologically it is composed of two words Ayur and Veda. Ayur means life and Veda means science or knowledge.Hence, literally Ayurveda means Science of Life. Ayurveda is not only a medicinal system it is a way of life, a philosophy. Life according to Ayurveda is a combination of senses, mind, body and soul. It deals not only with the physical aspect but also spiritual health too. The laws of the nature govern it. The ayurvedic treatment not only cures a particular disease but also goes deep into the root cause. The concept of ayurveda is to promote health rather than just treat diseas

Ayurveda is an ancient system of natural & medical healing originated in India. Ayur means life and Veda means Science. Thus Ayurveda means science of life. It gives a total approach to health, healing and Longevity. The holistic system of medicine is supposed to be the oldest form of health care system available on planet today. It is believed that other healing systems were influenced by the knowledge of Ayurveda.The unique system of healing believes is not only treating the ailments of body alone but also the mind and spirit. The most amazing part of ayurveda is that it uses almost all methods of healing like yoga, meditation, purification, regime, astrology, and incorporates herbs, gems, colour, massages, diet, exercise etc, which can be individually used to heal a number of ailments in a suffering person.According to Ayurveda everything in nature -the body, foods, season etc are all composed of five elements originally called panchmahabhuts. These are Earth, water, Fire, Air & Space. Practioners or Vaidyas group these five elements into three categories called Doshas.

Yoga is an intrinsically healing practice. The ancient Indian goal of yoga was to maintain good physical health, strength, and flexibility to be able to sit in prolonged meditation — no easy task. In ayurveda, the Indian science of medicine, yoga poses are essential to support health and healing in the face of disease. The modern Western medical establishment remains undecided on the quantitative results and positive effects of yoga, but growing evidence and anecdotal experience certainly supports the given that yoga is good for your health.

On the physical side, yoga practice promotes muscle and bone strength, increases lung capacity, aids circulation and digestion… the list goes on and on. On the mental side, yoga practice can help reduce stress, cultivate patience, and encourage self reflection — all qualities that promote health and healing.

One of the most inspiring stories I’ve found recently about the healing quality of yoga was in Yoga Journal. he journal found three new-to-yoga volunteers to commit to a prolonged yoga regime with personal physical and mental goals in mind. Read the culmination of their experiment here. Of course, Yoga Journal has its own interest in supporting this sort of “research”. For another perspective, an article in the Financial Times tells the story of a cynic with a bad knee and her healing experience in a yoga workshop