What is Hatha Yoga? All Poses and Benefits

Hatha Yoga : Yoga has it beginnings in ancient India but this discipline has invaded the whole world due to the benefits it offers to people who take up yoga. A survey shows that there are billions of people who practice yoga in the world.

What is Hatha Yoga? All Poses and Benefits.

There are various types of yoga and each type has its own methods and purposes. However Hatha Yoga tends to be one of the most popular forms of Yoga in the world. Its popularity is attributed to the fact that the asanas in this form of Yoga are gentle, and it incorporates gentle breathing and meditation exercises.

The origins of Hatha Yoga date back to the fifteenth century. The main text on Hatha Yoga was written by Svami Swatmarama. He wrote the Sanskrit text on Hatha Yoga known as Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Svami Swatmarama stated that Hatha Yoga was a preparatory stage of purification for higher meditation. The origins of the word Hatha are sun and moon, Ha meaning sun, and Tha meaning moon. These two words together according to Sanskrit teachings mean powerful.

In its must traditional form the spiritual and yogic path of Hatha Yoga comprises of asanas, purification procedures, poses, breathing and meditation. The form of Hatha Yoga that is taught in the West is often a more diluted and gentler form of traditional Hatha Yoga. Those that are beginners in Yoga often choose the discipline of Hatha Yoga as it is less strenuous and entails less commitment and time than other forms of Yoga.

In fact Hatha Yoga is probably the most ‘successful’ form of Yoga as it reaches out to all types of people. It is practiced by the elderly, pregnant women and those that are generally looking for a way to lead a more relaxed form of life. Most people that wish to begin Hatha Yoga join a regular class or have individual classes with a qualified Yoga teacher. However, some people teach themselves by purchasing one of the many books available on this subject which include illustrations setting out the asanas and poses to be followed.

Hatha Yoga practice is applied to the body in order to strengthen it and the spirit inside. Its physical techniques are often used by people who aren’t interested in spiritual advancement, but who would like to receive the physical benefits of Hatha Yoga as well. This is the most commonly taught form of yoga, and is thus the type that comes to most people’s minds when yoga is mentioned. Other styles of yoga, some of which are derived from Hatha Yoga, include Kundalini, Bikram, Ashtanga, and Power Yoga.

Hatha Yoga makes use of Yama or moral control, the Asanas or the poses, specific exercises known as Mudra. All the six limbs work together to help the practitioner achieve a higher level concentration and meditation.

Visit Yoga position guide and Practice these Hatha Yoga Poses to embark on a healthier life:

Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose)
Baddha Konasana (Cobbler Pose)
Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend Pose)
Sethu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
Balasana (Child Pose)
Forward Fold
Low Lunge (Right Side)
Low Lunge (Left Side)
Warrior II (Left Side)
Reverse Warrior (Left Side)
Warrior II (Right Side)
Locust Pose (Salabhasana)
Standing Forward Bend Pose (Uttanasana)

Yoga has been referred to as physical yoga because of the use of poses to achieve unity in body and mind. Some people equate yoga with Hinduism maybe because it started in ancient India but it should not really be identified or attached to any religion because it is a universal science that aims to achieve spiritual balance. If you’re being distracted and need some time to relax, Hatha Yoga might be the right solution.

Hatha yoga is a very significant discipline that helps a yoga practitioner to achieve unity of body and mind in order for him to be elevated to spiritual perfection. There are many physical benefits of Hatha Yoga. It improves flexibility and muscle joint mobility. The practice strengthens the spine and helps in building a great posture. All the muscular-skeletal problems are eased away such as bad knees, scoliosis and tight shoulders and neck. The endocrine system also receives a thorough workout and so issues like digestion and eliminations are sorted out. The circulatory system also receives a boost with heart strengthening and immune systems receiving a boost. While different yoga pose can also develop muscles and body form, they are however primarily aimed to achieve a balance in the body systems and internal organs.

Tips for Hatha Yoga

Before beginning your journey into Hatha yoga, you need to be prepared just like with any other form of yoga. There are some basic tips that can help you have an easier, more effective, and safer experience as you begin this original yoga style.

First, remember to breathe normally while you are in and move between each of the poses. Your breaths should be deep and smooth. Try to feel your diaphragm opening and expanding as you switch from one posture to another. Hatha rarely, if ever, uses the shorter and harder yoga breathing, so stay smooth and deep.

Second, do not force any of the stretch positions in Hatha. Start with the easier ones and make sure you are moving easily and naturally into each pose and that you are holding it for 15 to 30 seconds. This will ensure that you get the most out of your yoga and minimize your risk of injury. Be patient with your body and do not attempt the more difficult poses until you are sure you are ready.

Finally, concentrate on your breathing. One of the big focuses in this particular yoga is the breathing which leads to much of the mental health benefits. Use the exercise to relax and become at peace with yourself in the moment. That is what Hatha yoga poses are intended to do for you.

If you start yoga practice early in your life, it will dramatically reduce your risk of developing many disease and other serious illnesses. The body readily responds to yoga postures. They are simple and should take only a few minutes a day. The reward, however, much exceeds invested efforts.