The definition of Yoga: Union 

Yoga originated in India over 5,000 years ago. There are various styles of yoga.  In yoga psychology, we each have 7 chakras (Chakra: Sanskrit word meaning wheels) along our bodies.  These chakras are energy centers that link to the mind and body functions in each anatomical region.

Health Benefits: Yoga aids in reducing stress, improving blood pressure,  improving mood swings (depression), helps with insominia, weight loss, increased flexibility, increased strength, etc. 

A Step By Step Practice of Yoga to prepare yourself for you big day
Provided below is a simplified method for exercising with yoga each day and a step-by-step guide to executing the common therapeutic postures.
 

A Basic Daily Yoga Program

Daily yoga practice is a good investment in health. A few postures a day will help to achieve toning of the muscles and stress and tension leaving you feeling healthy and invigorated. The following exercises will provide a well-balanced program, which should be supplemented, of course, by any other postures that are particularly good for your needs:

1.The Spinal Roll or Rocking Exercise: An excellent yoga technique to overcome drowsiness and stiffness . It leaves you feeling invigorated. It is invaluable for those who are using yoga to combat aging. It also aids with insomnia and strengthens the spine.

Technique: using a yoga mat. Draw up your knees, and bend your head down. Put your hands under your knees.  Keep your spine rounded, gently swing back and forth, imitating the swinging motion of a rocking chair. Don't roll back too far on your neck. Imagine you are a rocking chair in motion. Straighten your knees just as you swing backward and then immediately bend them again as you swing forward. Inhale while rocking backwards and exhale while returning forward.Don’t pause after you have swung back but simply continue the to-and-fro movement. Do this exercise four or six times, then lie down to relax until your breath returns to normal again. Take a few deep breaths while still lying on the floor.

2.The Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana-'All The Body'): This posture is considered one of the best yoga techniques. The breathing aspect is vital in this yoga posture, without this it does not have much therapeutic value.  This technique is sometimes called a "candle" because the body is kept straight as a candle in this posture.

Technique: Lie flat on your back. Inhale deeply while raising your legs and spine until the toes point to the ceiling. The body rests on the shoulders and the back of the neck. The body is supported by the hands, which are placed on the center of the spine between the waist and the shoulder blades. Keep your spine and legs straight. Breathe slowly and deeply with the abdomen. Stay in this position for about two minutes. Retain this position for fifteen seconds to six minutes, adding fifteen seconds per week.

To come out of this posture, just bend your knees, curve your back and slowly return to lying on the floor while exhaling. First bend your knees, put the palms on the floor, then curving the spine, gradually unfold it. When your entire back touches the floor, straighten the knees, take a deep breath and slowly lower your legs to the ground while breathing out.

Caution:
Do not try this exercise if you are suffering from organic disorders of the thyroid gland. Be very cautious if you are suffering from chronic nasal catarrh.

3.The Plough Posture (Halasana): This aids the flexibility of the spine. This is  beneficial for those suffering from back or neck stiffness and it helps to rejuvenate the whole body.

Technique: Bring both legs over your head until the toes touch the floor behind your head. Try to keep your knees straight. Stretch the hands out towards your feet. Breathe slowly and deeply from the abdomen and concentrate on the spine. Stay in this posture for about one minute. Retain the posture for five seconds at first. Gradually increase to four minutes by adding five seconds per week. To come out of the posture, just slowly uncurl the spine. For  beginners, it will be difficult to straighten the knees, but with practiced eventually this will be achieved as your spine will become more flexible.

Caution:
If you have not flexed up with other exercises before, do not attempt right away the final stages of this posture unless you have a naturally very flexible spine. Otherwise, do not try to touch the floor with the toes for a few days. Do not force the toes any lower than the spine will allow comfortably. Please be very careful.

4. The Fish Posture (Matsyasana) This is the only posture in this sequence which bends the spine (including the neck) backwards. This is essential, to counteract the preceding asanas which bend the spine forwards. The result is to give a healthy stretch to the muscles and ligaments of the spine in the opposite direction.

Technique:  Lie on your back with your knees bent and arms at your side. Arch your back as much as you can while raising it off the ground by pushing the floor with your elbows. At the same time, throw your head backwards, resting the crown of your head on the floor. Use your forearm and elbows to support you. Expand your chest. Breathe deeply with the abdomen. Stay in this position for about one minute. Slowly come back to the starting position.  

5. The Lotus Pose - Padma-asana: The symbolism of the lotus points to the purity of consciousness and the journey of transformation from ignorance to awakening.

Technique:  Sit on the floor with the legs stretched out straight in front. Bend the right knee and grasp the right foot with both hands and place it on top of the left thigh bringing the heel as close to the navel as possible. Bend the left knee and grasp the left foot with both hands and place it on top of the right thigh bringing the heel as close to the navel as possible. Both knees should be on the ground and the soles of the feet are pointed upward. The spine is held straight but not rigid. The position of the legs may be switched after a period of time if the posture becomes uncomfortable.