What Is Hatha Yoga?

As a form of exercise, yoga consists of a programme of:

Stretching exercises,(known as asanas) which gently open and stretch the body, increasing flexibility, suppleness and strength.

Breathing practices (known as pranayama) designed to cleanse the body and calm the nervous system and emotions.

Guided relaxation to release body tension and promote a sense of well-being.

Meditation to help calm and focus your mind and encourage you to experience a sense of inner peace and calm.

What Does “Yoga” Mean?

The traditional meaning of the word ‘yoga’ originates from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’ meaning to yoke, union, join together as one. Traditionally speaking, the goal of yoga is to achieve union, connection with the Divine. In more general terms, yoga is seen as a practical way to help you achieve a state of inner balance, wholeness and calm into your life.

Hatha yoga, is the generic term used to describe the different types of yoga and is one the most popular types practiced in the west. Iygenar yoga, ashtanga, Bikram (Hot) and Bhakti yoga are examples of other schools of yoga.

The word “Hatha” is made up of “Ha” - sun and “tha” - moon. So, Hatha yoga literally means sun and moon joining together as one. The sun and moon represents the masculine (sun) and feminine (moon) principles as the opposing polarities of life. For example, black and white, heaven and earth, active and passive, yin and yang. This emphasis on polarising opposites represents the duality of nature and the human desire to seek union, wholeness and balance between the mind, body and soul. When these are in balance, you have perfect health, energy and vitality.

What Are The Benefits Of Yoga?

As a yoga teacher with over seven years personal practice, I too had great apprehension when I first started Yoga. I was recovering from the loss of my dear cousin and my brother and sought yoga as a means of regaining inner balance and peace.

Like you, many of the students who I teach yoga are complete beginners. Initially they had lots of anxieties and worries.

However, after a few yoga classes they feel the practice has made a huge difference to their lives. They feel healthier, more alert and energised. The following five points are some of the benefits told to me by my students.

One: Yoga makes you feel more alive and energised. One student says she used to always feel tired and worn-out yet after her first session she felt like she could run a marathon!

Two: Yoga encourages you to listen and respect your body. Yoga is not competitive. In a class, you are encouraged to take your time and work within your own range of movement. It does not matter what other students are able to do, whether you can touch your toes or do a handstand. The emphasis is for you to be aware of how your body feels in the different poses.

Three: Yoga helps to gently release negative energy and tension in the body. Through the use of breathing exercises, known as pranayama, yoga allows the body to relax. As you relax, you feel calmer and more at ease in your body. A lot of students say this is the main reason why they enjoy practicing yoga.

Four: Yogic philosophy promotes tolerance and acceptance of all. Yoga encourages you to see the best in everyone and to be the best you can be. Some classes include meditation. In meditation, the mind becomes calm and quiet, which helps you to give you a fresh perspective on challenging situations.

Five: Yoga poses develop suppleness and strength in your body. This helps to relieve stiffness, joint aches and pain in the back, neck and shoulders. As your body becomes stronger, more flexible, you feel better and more able to do the things you enjoy.

So, there you go. Next time you pass a yoga centre and you are not sure whether to take a class, why not pop in and enjoy a hatha yoga class. You’ll be glad you did. Email me and let know how you get on. I will be delighted to support you in your yoga practice.

       

These days expectant mothers everywhere are looking for ways to maintain their health and stay in shape throughout their pregnancy. Unfortunately, pregnancy can severely limit a woman’s exercise options. That’s why thousands of pregnant women have turned to yoga as a way to stay active and healthy. When performed properly, yoga is safe for pregnant women and has benefits for everything from flexibility to cardiovascular health.

Here are the top 7 benefits of yoga for a pregnant woman:

* Stretching exercises promote circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body, relaxing both body and mind and promoting a sense of general well-being

* Pregnant women typically shift their pelvis forward in response to the increased weight, which places significant strain on the lower back. Yoga strengthens the core muscles, resulting in better posture and alleviated back pain.

* Yoga strengthens the muscles used in delivery, which will make the entire process easier and less painful.

* Pregnancy can shift the position of the digestive organs, impeding digestion and causing unwanted side effects. Yoga can help reverse this process and restore healthy digestion.

* Practicing yoga will build muscle mass, which will give you more energy and make your pregnancy easier. It will also make it easier to lose the weight you put on while you’re pregnant.

* One of the most important benefits of yoga for a pregnant woman is the practice’s focus on breathing. Concentrating on breathing properly will teach you to relax your mind and your body, even in frightening or high-stress situations, helping your pregnancy to develop healthily.

* Yoga is also a great way to make contact with a community of pregnant women, who will be able to give you support and advice. Enrolling in a yoga class will also give you regular motivation to keep exercising and stay relaxed.

If you’re pregnant and are considering taking up yoga, try to find an instructor that specializes in prenatal yoga. If you already take yoga, accept that your routine will have to change, and consider switching to a specialized instructor. A specialist in prenatal yoga will be able to advise you on which positions to avoid and recommend substitutions, and also recommend exercises that will help alleviate the aches and pains that pregnant women have.

source:-http://yogatechniques.blogspot.com