Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga attempts to balance mind and body via physical exercises, or "asanas", controlled breathing, and the calming of the mind through relaxation and meditation. Asanas teach poise, balance & strength and are practiced to improve the body's physical health and clear the mind in preparation for meditation in the pursuit of enlightenment.

The practice of Hatha Yoga is easy. By definition, asanas are nothing more than a series of physical postures that are easy to maintain comfortably. If properly prescribed for one’s specific constitution by a well-trained and experienced teacher, Yogasanas are easy and pleasant to practice. Starting Yoga practice early in your life will drastically reduce your risk of developing even small illnesses, let alone major ones such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease so on and so forth. Our bodies, research has proven, readily respond to Yogasanas. Put together, Yogasanas are simple and easy and take only a few minutes a day to practice. The benefits, however, far exceed the invested efforts

The Physical Benefits of Hatha Yoga:

  • Boosts up the immune system
  • Develops balance and ace
  • Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels while encouraging weight loss
  • Increases flexibility and muscle joint mobility
  • Improves body posture
  • Reinforces the strength of the spine
  • Relieves back pain
  • Enhances overall muscular-skeletal conditions, for eg. bad knees
  • Improves body circulation
  • Heals heart conditions and breathing disorders
  • Rouses the endocrinal glands
  • Perks up digestion and elimination
  • Heals conditions like tight shoulders and neck, swayback and scoliosis; increases stamina

The Mental Benefits of Hatha Yoga:

  • Centers attention
  • Increases body awareness
  • Refreshes the body by relieving muscle strain
  • Relaxes the mind and body
  • Relieves chronic stress patterns in the body
  • Sharpens concentration

Medical science is discovering more and more health benefits of Hatha Yoga. Research has already proven that it can ease the symptoms of several common and potentially life-threatening illnesses. These include:

  • Arteriosclerosis
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Diabetes
  • HIV / AIDS
  • Obesity

A lot of professions are of the opinion that it even fends off the ravages of old age.

Practicing Hatha Yoga gives people of all ages the means to get and remain in shape. It helps develop balance and coordination a sense of Self-awareness. The practice of Hatha Yoga restores, refreshes, and heals the human body of all ills.

Through Hatha Yoga you can achieve a balance between the mind and the body. By practicing Hatha Yoga, you can explore your mental as well as physical potential; become more flexible through the physical exercises (asanas) or postures; and, learn to relax through pranayama or breathing techniques and meditation. The asanas in Hatha yoga massage internal organs, flush out the toxins and prevent diseases and tone up the body. You can prevent and cope with diseases like hypertension, arthritis and diabetes. Pranayama also helps in coping with bronchitis and asthma. Hatha yoga can help you de-stress and deal with depression, mood swings and anxiety. Meditation can help you focus and concentrate.

Other Yoga forms: