You must have heard about the different forms of yoga that have been taught in the various yoga centres. But among all these types, there is one particular form of yoga that has gained immense popularity. This form is known as the Hatha Yoga that is usually defined as the forceful form of yoga.
Hatha Yoga simply refers to that form of yoga that uses physical postures to stimulate the various parts of the body. It includes the various types of yoga such as Ashtanga, Power Yoga, Iyengar, Vinyasa and so on.
The term “hatha” means “force” or “willfulness” that is required to perform an activity. This yoga deals with the two components of “ha” that refers to the sun and “tha” that denotes the moon. Therefore, it is known as the yoga of balance that is usually practiced to align the body, mind and spirit and calm them in the best possible manner.
You can find a detailed discussion on hatha yoga in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the Sanskrit manual that was written in the 15th century by Svatmarama. It is considered to be the most influential text that provides all the necessary information with regards to this age-old practice.
Hatha Yoga is not just a form of physical exercise. It is a medium through which you can direct the energies of your body and understand its working dynamics. It helps in ascertaining the emotional and mental consciousness of your mind and assists in your spiritual growth as well.
By practicing Hatha Yoga, you can form a strong and deep connection between your mind, body and soul and this is what helps you get a control over the energies that are produced in your body. With the help of the asanas of Hatha Yoga you can get rid of physical problems related to the spine, neck and knees and also avoid the mental problems of depression and dejection. And the energies can deepen your consciousness and enhance your levels of meditation as well.
The hatha yoga postures are practiced at a slow and steady rate as compared to the other forms of yoga. Its main focus is on creating a balance between the breathing and the yoga asanas.
There are many different practices that form the part of a regular hatha yoga class. These are:
Asana - the various yoga postures.
Mantra - Chanting of particular mantras help in attaining the complete bliss of the hatha yoga practice.
Pranayama - The breathing techniques are clubbed with the performing of the asanas to provide you a healthy and fruitful experience.
Mudras - The various gestures that are formed by the hands and the fingers that help in the alignment of the energies.
Shatkriyas - The cleansing techniques that help in releasing the toxins of the body and rejuvenate it in the best possible manner.
Hatha yoga is a challenging form of yoga that can be perfected only with regular practice and unending determination. It starts with breathing, concentrates on yoga poses and ends on the note of upgrading your meditational skills. Therefore, it is very important to learn this yoga and make it a part of your daily life as it will make you healthy and happy within no time.
There are numerous benefits of hatha yoga that can enhance your well-being on a physical, mental and spiritual level. These benefits are mentioned below:
Hatha Yoga helps in managing stress and keeps mental health problems such as anxiety and depression at bay.
It helps in improving the sleeping patterns of a person that provides them peaceful and qualitative sleep.
Regular practice of hatha yoga maintains the body postures and balancing of the body.
It can also help in keeping your joints healthy and thus avoid the problems of arthritis and knee pain.
Practicing hatha yoga stretches all the parts of your body and helps in curing neck pain, arm pain and back pain.
Thus, a regular practice session of hatha yoga can help you deal with the problems of daily life and ensure that you lead a healthy and joyful life.
