We have tended to view Yoga (瑜珈) as a kind of foreign religious exercise. But in fact from a medical standpoint, the age-old set of exercises known in the west as "yoga" offers a (47) variety of proven health benefits. It increases the (48) of the heart and slows the breathing rate, improves fitness, lowers blood pressure, (49) relaxation and reduces stress and anxiety. It also serves to improve posture, flexibility, (50) , sleep and digestion. It is not, in itself, a cure for any medical illness. A typical session includes three disciplines: breathing exercises, body postures, and meditation (沉思). Each session usually begins with a set of (51) warm-up exercises. The teacher will then ask you to (52) on your breathing, and may take you through several breathing exercises. At the very least, you will be asked to breathe through your nose evenly. Then it’s on to the yoga postures, a series of poses that is (53) designed must be held for periods of a few seconds to several minutes. As you assume the various postures, you will be asked to move gently. Breathing techniques remain important in the movement. (54) , as you hold certain postures, you may be (55) to breathe regularly. You will be allowed to rest after every three or four postures, and at the (56) of the exercise, there is usually a period of rest or meditation.