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Hatha yoga
Hatha yoga is a branch of yoga devoted to the physical processes, and involves
breathing and physical exercises. Hatha yoga incorporates slow stretches, breathing,
and relaxation techniques that result in physical and emotional benefits. The
word yoga comes from the Greek term “yoke,” meaning “to connect,” and when practiced
a few minutes each day, hatha yoga clears your mind, and focuses your attention
inward, helping you connect with your body.
Hatha yoga stretches are referred to as postures, and are performed slowly
and gently, rather than energetically and repetitively. As such, hatha yoga
is an ideal practice for almost anyone, no matter what age or physical condition.
Hatha yoga is excellent for people suffering from arthritis or heart disease
and is highly recommended for pregnant women due to the gentle positions.
Hatha yoga postures, in Sanskrit “asanas,” means comfortable, stable pose.
Asanas are exercises of a special kind whose form is the result of a thousand
years of experience. The yogis have discovered that certain positions of the
body can give human beings qualities that they do not have or are lacking. Asanas
are usually named in honor of their inventors (Matsyendra), certain bodily structures,
tools, birds, or animals, and reflect physical or psychological effects that
these asanas have on a person. For instance, a snake pose makes the spine flexible,
a frog pose helps the body to conserve energy and use much less food and water
(like during hibernation), an action pose develops emotional and physical energy.
Many healers use asanas to effectively treat chronic illnesses and emotional
disorders. If you practice asanas regularly, your body will gradually achieve
greater endurance, your spine will become more flexible, your body will come
to its natural weight and rid itself of toxins, you will breathe more easily,
you will gain energy, your circulation will improve, your blood pressure will
normalize, you will have an easier time coping with stress, you will have more
pleasant thoughts, fewer negative emotions, and your overall mood will improve.
Hatha yoga requires little equipment and only about thirty minutes a day, but
can bring many benefits including flexibility, increased muscle tone, better
posture, reduced PMS, fewer daily aches and pains, more inner peace, and a better
attitude toward life. Practicing hatha yoga is not difficult, as by definition,
asanas are bodily positions that are easy to hold comfortably, and when correctly
prescribed for your specific constitution by an experienced and well-trained
teacher should be easy and pleasant to practice.
Some studies have also shown that hatha yoga, practiced in conjunction with
a low-fat diet and moderate exercise can actually reverse clogged arteries and
coronary diseases.
The stretching and breathing performed in hatha yoga helps improve circulation,
which provides regular nourishment to cells throughout your body. When cells
don't receive enough nourishment, they grow sick and die, causing sickness and
fatigue. After even just a week of practicing hatha yoga, most people feel rejuvenated
and stronger than you have in years.
Frequent computer users and desk sitters should know that Hatha yoga is outstanding
for releasing physical tension, especially in the head, neck, shoulders and
lower back. Doing some stretches at work for the neck, arms and lower back can
help reduce aches and pains received while hunched over a keyboard.
Hatha yoga is a 5,000-year-old philosophy that keeps people looking young and
healthy as they age. The combination of flexibility, cleansing breaths and inner
serenity helps deter aging. Hatha yoga conditions the body for the spiritual
path via physical and breathing exercises, so that the mind can practice meditation
without obstacles.
Hatha yoga exercises release body tension and calm the nervous system and emotions.
Focus, attention and concentration are promoted through mindful movement and
body awareness. The practice of balancing postures builds concentration and
holding yoga postures is isometric exercise that tones every part of the body,
including the internal organs. Hatha yoga exercises the glands, organs and endocrine
system, massaging, toning and increasing circulation to stimulate, heal, and
eliminate toxins from the body. Yoga postures gently stretch the muscles in
the body, increasing flexibility and lengthening muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Slow, gentle movements with deep breathing energize the body rather than tire
it. Hatha yoga’s relaxation and healing benefits allow for daily renewal and
nourishment of the body-mind-spirit.
When starting a hatha yoga program, begin slowly and focus on the technique
and philosophy, being sure to enter and leave postures slowly and gently. Be
sure to breathe slowly and frequently as deep breathing helps you to maintain
focus while bringing more oxygen to your blood stream and muscles. Hatha yoga
should be practiced regularly, even if only doing a few postures a day, as you
will notice an overall increase in health, flexibility, vitality, and positive
attitude toward life. Be sure to stretch as far as you can without forcing the
stretch and maintain comfort. Asanas are best performed in the morning on an
empty stomach.
Hatha yoga originated about 1200 years ago. The bible of hatha yoga is called
the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, a text written about the postures, asanas, and breathing
techniques, however only about 15 postures are mentioned in this 750 page book
as meditation is key and postures were used to prepare the body to be able to
meditate while sitting comfortably.
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