Simple Health Cures

   This would be the most popular form of Yoga as practiced in the western world. Yoga Swatmarama introduced this system of yoga in India in the 15th century. The main purpose of Hatha Yoga is to condition the body which makes it easier to condition the mind on it’s way to the spiritual path. However in the west we use it aminly for all the magnificent physical benefits practicing this form of Yoga can bring you. The main feature of Hatha Yoga is the combination of two extremes.

   In fact the word “Hatha” comes from the “Ha” or the sun and the “tha” of the moon. The sun denotes the positive current and the moon the negative one bringing together two extreme in one. “Ha” tends to work on the prana or the physical body while “Tha” works on the chitta or mental energies. Again this involves bringing together the power of both extremes to bring about harmony in our lives. it is akin to the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang.

   The practice of Hatha Yoga involves doing “Yogasana” or yoga postures. Then the “Six Shatkarmas” which may be seen as physical and mental detoxification techniques. Next come “Mudras and Bandhas” which are energy releasing techniques and last but not the least, “Pranayam” which involves breathing exercises to awaken your prana. Since this is the most commonly followed system of Yoga in the west it is easy to access and learn this yoga system at a place close to you.

   The Yogasanas that you will do as part of the Hatha Yoga system will help you to regulate your bodily functioning better. The meditation that you you do will bring you serenity and as you progress you will be able to experience the state of super consciousness, which is the closest you can come to nirvana while being alive. The more you do your asanas the better control you will have over your prana or vital life force.

   Do take care while you do the asanas to follow the routine with grace and full control over your limbs. Remember your mind needs to focus inwards when your body is performing the asanas. Do not push yourself too hard physically. Remember not to complete with others in your class for doing the maximum number of asanas. The true benefit comes from doing a few asanas well rather than by doing a lot of them with no inward awareness or focus.