Hatha Yoga - A Crowd
Favorite
By
Rebecca Prescott
Increasingly, you may hear
about your companions enrolling in Hatha classes at the
local gym. In terms of pure popularity, Hatha yoga is number
one in the yoga world. As a result, the poses are known well
by both beginners and experts.
Hatha yoga poses are called
Asanas. The Asanas are used in combination with meditation
and the breathing techniques known as Pranayama. Together
they work the body to improve strength and flexibility as
well as overall health, which is one of the reasons it is so
popular. Hatha is a hybrid of the Sanskrit words "ha" which
means "sun" and the word "tha" which means the "moon."
Together, they refer to the way that Hatha's yoga poses
often bring together opposites currents in the system.
Of the eight limbs of yoga,
Hatha focuses mostly on the third, which is Asana, and the
fourth, which is Pranayama. These pose and posture
techniques coupled with the breathing patterns are used to
clear out your body's energy channels, known as the Nadis.
This, in turn, removes obstacles that could hamper other
limbs helping to improve your well being.
Hatha History
Hatha has been around since
15th century India when a yogic sage, Swami Swatamarama,
detailed Hatha Yoga Pradipika, one of the most important
yoga texts. The original intent of this form of yoga was to
help support relaxation of the body and to support the
"contemplation of one reality." Many of the classic Hatha
yoga poses that were used at its inception, in fact, are
still in use with it today. According to those first
practitioners of Hatha, the postures can lead to the best in
not only physical well being, but also the best state of
mind you can possibly attain.
Your Hatha Path
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.
Hatha has been in practice
for over 600 years. Longevity like that is rare even in
yoga, and can be a sign of success and true belief. If you
are considering this form of yoga as for yourself, then
remember: never strain, take the time to make sure you are
ready for a given pose, and to concentrate heavily on your
breathing. Following these tips will help you to attain the
superior mental and physical well being that Hatha is said
to provide.
About the
author:
I have studied computer programming, shiatsu and various
natural therapies including herbs, macrobiotics, oriental
healing and swedish massage.
http://www.vitaminstohealth.com.
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I wish you all the best on your yoga adventure!
To your health,
Thomas T :)
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