5 Things You Need to Know About Hatha Yoga

1. Opposites Attract

Hatha is a Sanskrit word. "Ha" means sun and "tha" means moon. Thus, hatha refers to a union of opposites. Hatha yoga brings the mind and body into harmony to promote health and prepare the body and mind for meditation. Hatha yoga is only a small part of the broad philosophical, spiritual and medical system that is yoga, but is the most familiar form of yoga in the West. Hatha yoga involves the yoga postures, or asana, and a series of breathing techniques called pranayama.

2. Strike a Pose

Practice of asana, the yoga postures, is a method of working on the body's anatomy and physiology in order to remove physical obstacles to meditation and spiritual practice. The poses can treat and correct many musculoskeletal problems and prevent others from developing. Additionally, many of the postures apply pressure to internal organs stimulating the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid through the tissue. The physiological benefits attributed to yoga postures are based on theories of Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical system.

3. Breathe for Body and Mind

The breath work of yoga is called pranayama. In Ayurvedic tradition, prana is the life force that flows through energy channels in the body and is controlled by the breath. If prana cannot flow properly in the body, medical problems result. Pranayama is used to correct physiological problems in the body and to still the mind in preparation for meditation.

4. Meditate Away Stress

According to the theory and philosophy underlying yoga, a person is ready to meditate when distractions like physical problems or an agitated mind have receded through the practices of asana and pranayama. Although these ancient practices have spiritual goals, you do not have to be on a spiritual path to benefit from meditation. Meditation helps with stress management and the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Stress reduction decreases the risk of illness and chronic disease, boosts the immune system and promotes a sense of well-being.

5. Something for Everyone

Today hatha yoga is primarily a fitness practice, especially in the West. Practicing the yoga postures is an excellent way to develop muscle tone and increase flexibility. The stretching in yoga is also a good way to reduce the effects of stress on the body. People who want to move on to seated meditation can do so with a quiet mind and comfortable body, whether meditation is for spiritual or physiological goals.