Yoga is a traditionally a spiritual practice but has now become a popular form of exercise and alternative healing across the world. The word yoga is translated as union between mind, body and spirit, a form of exercise creating a balance between all three. A 2008 study by "Yoga Journal" found that 15.8 million Americans practiced yoga on a regular basis and the industry was worth nearly $6 billion, with hatha being the most popular form practiced.
History
The origins of yoga date back more than 5,000 years; it remains a form of spiritual practice in its birthplace, India. The first known records of yoga are found in the Vedas, the sacred scriptures which form the spiritual basis of modern-day Hinduism. However, yoga was not introduced to American society until the late 19th century. Swami Vivekananda brought his teachings of yoga to the West in the 1890s, but yoga only really gained popularity in the 1960s, when alternate therapies became more widely practiced.
Forms of Yoga
According to "The British Wheel of Yoga," hatha yoga is the most practiced form of yoga in the Western world. The word hatha is made up of the words "ha" and "tha," meaning "sun" and "moon," and it is one of the four main traditions of tantra yoga. Other popular styles of yoga include Ashtanga, which is a more demanding workout with constant movement from one pose to another. Bikram yoga helps purify the body through sweat by practicing 26 poses in a hot room.
A Hatha Yoga Class
The structure of Hatha Yoga classes vary from instructor to instructor, but the main philosophies remain the same. Classes usually last between 45 and 90 minutes and include a warm-up. Some classes are low-impact and relaxed, but some can be demanding and more intense. During hatha yoga, participants follow set exercises known as "asanas" to stretch the muscles while practicing deep breathing techniques. Some of the common asanas include the downward-facing dog, dancer, warrior and tree pose. A hatha yoga class also includes time for relaxation and meditation.
Benefits of Hatha Yoga
Yoga can help improve fitness, and regular practice of asanas helps to tone and strengthen the muscles. Yoga has been known to convey psychological benefits, which include helping to reduce stress and anxiety, improving self confidence and encouraging relaxation. People who regularly practice yoga generally have improved coordination, flexibility and posture. Although not a cure, yoga can be used as a complementary therapy to treatment of cancer and heart disease. According to a study published in "Psycho-Oncology" on the benefits of yoga for cancer patients, it was found to have a positive effect on the psychological well-being of sufferers, encouraging better sleep and reduced anxiety levels.
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