The meaning of yoga comes from the Sanskrit root "yuga," "to join" or "to unite," and indicates the total integration of the individual soul with the supreme or divine soul to obtain relief from pain and suffering. Charaka wrote that yoga is the means of salvation (moksa), which is the end of all miseries (vedana). YOGA is an ancient form of physical movement that has its roots in INDIAN culture and philosophy. The practice of YOGA employs the use of various physical motions that are believed to be essential to achieve a sense of both physical and mental well-being. YOGA is not a religion, but rather it has developed over many centuries as a means of strengthening and energizing the physical body. Yoga includes physical exercises to make you reach the ultimate goal of uniting your soul with the universe. It is a science that affects not only the conscious self but the subconscious as well. It is a practical physiological training, which if practiced can exalt man to the 'supra mundane level'.

History and origin of yoga
Yoga is regarded as a divine science of life, revealed to enlightened sages in Meditation. Stone seals in the Indus Valley which date back to around 3000BC show Yogic postures and this is the earliest archaeological evidence of Yoga's origin. These Yogic postures, resemble Lord Shiva and Parvathi (Indian God and Goddess) performing various Aasanaas (Postures) and practicing meditation. The Vedas - huge collection of ancient INDIAN scriptures - dating back to 2500 BC first mention Yoga. The tradition of yoga was born in India several thousand years ago. Its founders were the Rishis and Maharishis, great saints and sages. Yoga was also mentioned in the Upanishads, the Upanishads, and the Puranas (holy texts of the Hindu religion). Infact the Upanishads provide the main foundation of Yoga teachings.
The short answer is that yoga makes you feel better. Practicing the postures, breathing exercises and meditation makes you healthier in body, mind and spirit. Yoga lets you tune in, chill out, shape up -- all at the same time.
For starters, yoga is good for what ails you. Specifically, research shows that yoga helps manage or control anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, headaches, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, stress and other conditions and diseases.

Yoga is a science as well as a method of achieving spiritual harmony through the control of mind and body. The asanas (yogic postures) and pranayama (breath control) are practices that not only help us to acquire perfect health, but also develop the inner force that enables us to with stand stressful situations.
Between work, home and all of the demands and stresses in between, it's easy to lose touch with who we are, that core essence with which we were born. Rushing around all day it sometimes feels like the "I" inside is simply the result of the things we do all day -- or the effects those things have on our minds, bodies and spirits.