asana is the physical practice of yoga poses.
referring to the physical aspect of yoga, asana can also be used to describe a single pose.
asanas are performed to improve flexibility, strength, and balance. The use of breathing and focus can help relieve stress and anxiety.
the poses are not meant to simply be physical exercises but rather used holistically as a mind-body practice to improve physical, mental, and spiritual health.
asana is the sanskrit word for posture or seat.
as interpreted from the archeological record and primary source materials, the first yoga asanas were most probably seated positions for meditation.
they were described in the "Yoga Sutras" of Patanjali, written around the third century.