Yoga, the mind-body discipline based on ancient Indian philosophy that is now practiced the world over, has joined UNESCO's list of intangible world heritage treasures.

The discipline was added on Thursday to the prestigious list in recognition of its influence on Indian society, "from health and medicine to education and the arts", the World Heritage Committee said in a statement.

"Designed to help individuals build self-realization, ease any suffering they may be experiencing and allow for a state of liberation, (yoga) is practiced by the young and old without discriminating against gender, class or religion," UNESCO added in a tweet.