Yoga is an ancient eastern tradition incorporating spiritual and ethical practices as well as a range of physical practices. It is the physical practice of asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing) that yoga is mainly known for in the west. In the Sanskrit language, the root word for yoga is yuj, meaning 'to join, connect, unite, yoke', which has several translations and interpretations, the most common of which is the integration of body, mind and spirit. We may think of the pre-technological farmers yoking their horses to the plough, to harness the power of the horse when preparing the field for planting. In this sense, yoga practice helps us to connect our bodies and minds into an integrated whole, allowing us to discover the power of our true spirit or inner self.