Yoga Basics - Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga is the offshoot of Raja yoga. It focuses on the mastery of the body and the breath to attain spirituality. Goraknath, a 12th century yogi, is the founder of this form of yoga. This type of yoga is very popular in the West. Etymologically speaking, Hatha (Ha = sun, Tha = moon) yoga is a combination of the opposites. The physical exercises or poses and breathing exercises of Hatha yoga are incorporated in such a way that they help people to achieve harmony with their own self. It improves flexibility, reduces stress, restrains the activity of the mind and gives strength to the muscles, joints and circulatory system. It brings about a systematic change in an individual’s personality, for their own good and self-realization. It is a healthy path to spirituality by integration of body, mind and spirit.

Some Tips for Performing Hatha Yoga
You should approach yoga with an open mind and a positive attitude. It is not a competitive activity, so follow the movements in a relaxed manner. Never force your body into a certain pose, practice regularly and advance gradually toward it. Stop immediately if you have any pain or discomfort while performing any posture. Practice Hatha yoga under the guidance of a professional guru or guide. Start with simple exercises. Stretch slowly, each posture of the Kriya should be followed by reverse posture of the same. This is very important because yoga is all about balance and harmony through conjoining of opposites. If you are bending forward, follow by arching backwards, right side stretch should have a similar left side stretch.

Practice breathing exercises correctly. Concentrate on every breath you draw in, feel it reaching deep into your chest, gradually filling the lower, middle and upper parts of your lungs. Feel the blood cells carrying oxygenated pure blood and nutrients to the deepest parts of your internal organs; then breathe out slowly from the depths of your lungs and chest. Expel the air fully, feel the toxins emptying from your lungs. Gradually the respiratory system will retrain itself to function more efficiently.

End the yoga session with the corpse pose to cool down the body. Lie still on the ground on your back, feet straight, arms by side, eyes closed, breathe deep and gently for 10 minutes. Your whole being will be suffused with unimaginable peace and relaxation. You will get a renewed energy and enthusiasm for the day.

Benefits of Hatha Yoga
Besides physical benefits the other beneficial aspects of hatha yoga are:
1. It works on all the internal as well as external body parts, thus toning up the whole body and increasing stamina and endurance.
2. It improves the flexibility of body joints, muscles and bones.
3. Simple yoga regimen after a hard day’s work drains a person of muscular tension and reduces pain of any kind thereby relaxing him/her.
4. Breathing exercises increase the concentration level and can do wonders to the memory for studies or just focusing on work.
5. Yoga is the best tool for anger management. All the negative emotions are released through breathing while meditation brings about peace and stillness to the mind.

Regular practice of Hatha yoga or for that matter any form of yoga brings about a positive visible change in an individual’s personality and leads to good health both mentally as well as physically.

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