Whether you are channeling your inner warrior, happy baby or finding peace in a child’s pose, the secret is out.

For more than 5,000 years, practitioners of yoga – yogis – have believed it is good for one’s mind, body and soul. Now, modern medicine is proving that correct.

September is National Yoga Month, and Raffa Yoga and Athleta RI are teaming up to celebrate from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Sept. 28. Raffa Yoga is located at 19 Sharpe Drive in Cranston.

“Acts of self-care help to heal the mind and body,” owner Christine Raffa said. “Taking time each day to honor where you are is important as our day-to-day lives become more hectic .... When we take a chance to pause and listen to our inner voice, it opens up the possibility to experience interior healing.”

According to a press release, one study out of Boston University found that MRIs of yogis showed a greater boost in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels than those of walkers. Elevated levels of GABA are associated with improved mood and decreased anxiety.

In addition to this, numerous studies indicate yoga decreases anxiety and increases strength and flexibility. More and more hospitals are facilitating yoga practices with patients as part of their recovery.

The findings have helped Eastern and Western medicine forge a healing marriage and helped lead to September becoming National Yoga Month.

“At Athleta, we believe in the importance of a healthy balanced lifestyle, and for National Yoga Month we really wanted to partner with a studio that shares in this belief,” said Nicole Brodeur general manager of Athleta. “Raffa Studio is that place. As one of the premier studios in Rhode Island, Raffa was an obvious choice as they consistently strive to offer their clientele a balanced approach to a healthy lifestyle through their large, diverse schedule of classes and instructors to their newly added raw juice bar and the one of a kind, Zen-inducing Urban Sweat Lounge.

As part of the celebration, Athleta and Raffa will be giving out more than $600 in prizes along with a trunk show featuring the Athleta line.

“Yoga clothes have slowly been finding their way into the daily wardrobes of the active woman for a few years now. It’s part of her lifestyle,” Brodeur said. “Fitness is an important part of the active woman’s everyday routine, and her clothes need to be able to carry her from her workouts throughout all of her daily activities with comfort and style. Yoga pants are the new denim.”

There will also be goodies for men, too. The goal, while supplies last, is to give a gift to everyone taking morning classes. The celebration is also a way to welcome new yogis and honor those already practicing.