bikram yoga

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.