Yoga is an ancient discipline that has many benefits for both your mind and body. Yoga originated in India over 3,000 years ago, and the word yoga is Sanskrit and means "to yoke" or join. Yoga has several forms, including hatha, ashtanga and bikram. All forms of yoga include poses or postures called asanas. Hatha yoga is the most commonly practiced form in the United States.
Definition
Hatha means forceful and yoga means union, so hatha yoga combined means forceful union. Ha also means sun and tha means moon, so hatha yoga can mean union of sun and moon. Hatha yoga combines the physical exercise of the poses with the mental benefits of the practice.
Physical Benefits
Hatha yoga has many physical benefits. As a form of exercise, yoga can burn calories and promote weight loss. The poses, or asanas, also increase your flexibility and stamina, and may relieve muscle pain and tension through stretching. Yoga can make you more agile, even if you have limited flexibility upon beginning a practice.
Mental Benefits
Yoga has many beneficial effects on your mental health. The meditative nature of yoga practice can reduce anxiety and help you better manage stress and depression. Hatha yoga follows a slow pace, which enables you to control your breathing. Controlled breathing reduces your stress response and can help induce relaxation.
Relief from Health Conditions
Hatha yoga practice can improve your pain tolerance. According to University of Utah research cited by the Harvard Health Letter, fibromyalgia patients showed a greater pain tolerance after regular hatha yoga practice. Yoga can also provide relief from several chronic health conditions, including insomnia, fatigue and depression.
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