While its roots stretch back in time to an ancient sage named Vamana Rishi, nearly 80 years ago the Ashtanga yoga system was passed to Sri K. Pattabhi Jois from the legendary yogi, T. Krishnamacharya. Since 1948, this Jois has been teaching this disciplined style of yoga from his Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute, located in Mysore, southern India, instructing many thousands of people worldwide.

Recent research has found yet another entry to add to yoga's long list of attributes. In addition to increased flexibility, strength, and peace of mind, the ancient practice has now been linked to a significant and all-encompassing improvement in cancer patients' quality of life.