Hatha yoga

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Yoga is a discipline of meditation that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Through meditation and specialized breathing students could achieve a higher insight into nature, themselves, and their surroundings. Variations on the practice throughout the years have created Hatha yoga – which involves exercises, postures and stretching that most Westerners associate when they hear the word “yoga”

The word “Hatha” comes has Sanskrit origins: “ha” means sun and “tha” means moon. By this definition, the yoga practice is meant to unify two opposite things, which makes it so appealing for students who are looking for physical/mental/spiritual connectedness in their lives. Besides endorsing mental and physical unification, performing postures and poses is a great way to build strength and flexibility.

The postures associated with Hatha yoga are called asanas. Traditional asanas promoted a student’s ability to sit for long periods of time in meditation (statues of the Hindu god Shiva often portray him in this position). Like today, these sitting-positions were intended to improve a student’s flexibility and vitality. The sport became popular in the US during the 1970s when Westerners when enamored with the health benefits surrounding the sport. Since then, it is one of the fastest-growing activities, with a reported increase of 45% participation every consecutive year.

Pranayamas, or breathing techniques, are the other major aspect of Hatha yoga. Transcribed, the word means “lengthening of the breath,” and students who learn to control their breathing claim achieve a physical enlightenment that’s unattainable through regular breathing. The purpose is to bring more oxygen into the blood which, when combined with practicing asanas, is considered the highest form of purification and self-discipline. Studies have shown that pranayama techniques have many health benefits, including: stress relief, reduction of asthma symptoms and improving of autonomic functions. Students also claim that controlled breathing develops a clear mind and strong willpower.

Although there are countless variations of asanas, one Sri Dharma Mittra compiled a list of over 1,300, which is still considered to be a valuable compilation by students and yoga instructors alike. Modern asanas also develop a student’s concentration and willpower because they require an individual to sustain difficult poses for long periods of time. Yoga postures are meant to align a body’s skeletal structure and, when combined with deep pranayama, clear the mind and stimulate emotions. There are more than 60 basic postures but over a thousand variations exist.

Before practicing the many different postures of Hatha yoga, trainers recommend that students drink a glass of water to keep hydrated. Dehydration can result in dizziness or nausea, which may turn beginning students off yoga altogether. Secondly, it’s recommended to practice on an empty stomach; a full stomach can cause discomfort while holding a posture for any period of time. Finally, it’s important to practice on mats because they will prevent slippage and injury.

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