Posts Tagged ‘Hatha yoga’
Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga is a type of yoga that was introduced by
Yogi Seatmarama. This was a yogic sage that lived in
India in the 15th century. This is the most popular
form of yoga.
Several other styles of yoga originated from this type
including Bikram Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Power Yoga and
Ashtanga Yoga. The word “hatha” comes from two
Sanskrit terms: “ha” which means “sun” and “tha” which
means “moon”. Thus, the Hatha branch of yoga unites
pairs of opposites.
Hatha Yoga strives to achieve balance between the body
as well as the mind. It tries to free the spiritual
elements of one’s mind through Asanas or physical
poses, meditation and breathing techniques or
Pranayama.
Asanas are different body positions that are designed
to improve one’s health and remove diseases in the
body. These positions were originally meant for
meditation because these postures tend to make you
feel relaxed for long time periods.
By regularly practicing Asanas, you will gain muscle
flexibility, bone strength, the development of
concentration, will power and self-withdrawal.
Pranayama is the science of breath control. This is an
integral part of Hatha Yoga. The yogis of ancient
times believe that in order to control one’s mind you
had to control the breathing. This practice can also
help unleash any dormant energies that are lying deep
within your body.
When you practice Hatha Yoga, you are able to
recognize your hidden mental and physical potentials.
As you continue your performance of Asanas, you will
gain more strength and flexibility and learn to stay
relaxed during stressful situations.
Which Type of Yoga is Best for You?
There are different forms of yoga. This type of exercise can leave you toned and supple or you may even be spiritually enlightened according to some teachers. Yoga is the latest thing.It has reshaped some of the greatest stars all the way from Madonna to Sting.
Some forms of yoga are more physical and some are highly spiritual. Yoga is extremely good for fatigue, depression, arthritis, aging, stress-related illness, migraine, PMS, back pain and mobility problems.
You must first decide why you wish to start yoga and then go about choosing the appropriate form for you. The principles of yoga are quite simple – relax, tune out everything and stretch and you will feel better.
If you are looking to get fit these types of yoga are for you:
Hatha yoga
This type of yoga is based on controlled stretching.
An emphasis is placed on developing a flexible spine.
This type of yoga is excellent for all levels of
fitness.
Vini yoga
This type of yoga is gentle and safe and is very good
for older people. It is taught by a teacher called a
Desikachar and is usually taught on an individual
basis.
If you really want to get physical then you should
choose these types of yoga:
Lyenger yoga
This type of yoga focuses on correct postures. It
often makes use of ropes and blocks to maintain these
postures.
Sivananda yoga
This type of yoga is suitable for every age and covers
a wide range of poses which range from simple to
complex.
Ashtanga yoga
This type of yoga is known
as power yoga. It is very demanding and is only
suitable for those people who are very fit.
For those of you who want to get spiritual, then you
would want to choose from these types of yoga:
Raja yoga
This is often referred to as royal yoga. It is
concerned with the mind.
Dru yoga
This is group yoga which concentrates very heavily on
breath work.
Jnana yoga
This concentrates on the philosophical aspects of
youga and is very spiritual and meditative.