Although generally viewed as another form of physical fitness in the West, yoga is actually an ancient practice from India that incorporates six main paths or disciplines: raja, or mental discipline; bhakti, or devotion; jnana, the study of scripture; karma, or good works; nada, the use of sound and vibrations; and hatha yoga, or physical movement. Hatha is the path of yoga which most of us are familiar with. Hatha yoga incorporates asanas, or postures, which are used to help move energy in the body.
Definition
Hatha yoga comes from the Sanskrit words ha, meaning sun, and tha, meaning moon. The word yoga itself means to yoke, or unite. Hatha yoga literally means unity of the sun and moon, but its deeper meaning implies universal balance and harmony. The goal of hatha yoga is to balance the differing forces of energy within the body itself, and to harmonize that energy with the energy around us in nature. Each path of yoga seeks to help the individual transcend the physical self and achieve unity or oneness with the universal divine.
Practice
The ancient sages taught hatha yoga as a daily practice. It includes asanas, or postures; pranayama, or breathing exercises; and meditation and relaxation techniques. There are literally hundreds or asanas, but the core of the hatha yoga routine is a series of 12 postures built around surya namaskar, or salutation to the sun. It is generally practiced first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, and is designed to stretch all the major muscle groups and energize the body. Other daily hatha yoga practices incorporate ujjayi breathing exercises and prayer or meditation. Both disciplines help to focus the mind and relax the body.
Benefits
Traditionally, hatha yoga was part of a lifestyle which included proper diet, meditation and study, along with codes of conduct for ethical living. In modern times yoga has been employed therapeutically, and is used as a form of complementary medicine to treat a wide variety of health related issues. Meditation and yogic relaxation techniques are used to alleviate stress and anxiety, and even to combat depression. Asana practice may help relieve arthritis pain, tone muscles, strengthen the heart and improve bone strength. Pranayama exercises may help to alleviate bronchitis and help asthma sufferers improve lung function.
Philosophy not Medicine
Although yoga has been used therapeutically in the East for centuries, scientific study of its benefits continues in the West. You should not use yoga as a replacement for traditional medical care. Hatha yoga may be used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment for health problems such as arthritis, hypertension and asthma. However, check with your doctor before beginning a yoga practice or any form of exercise.
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