Hatha yoga is one of numerous branches of the larger philosophy known as yoga. Practicing yoga is an entire lifestyle for some followers and just a type of mental and physical activity for others. People in the first group often incorporate principles of yoga in many areas of their life, such as how they behave and eat, while people in the second group demonstrate more limited participation, treating yoga as a method of exercise.
Significance of Yoga
Frequently categorized as a form of alternative or complementary practice, yoga has roots extending back approximately 6,000 years, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. The philosophy emphasizes the connection between the body and the mind, and it uses various practices to accomplish a state of increased peacefulness and relaxation in both. Hatha yoga and other branches of the philosophy rely on different practices to achieve the same goal of enhanced peacefulness within the body and the mind.
Features
Hatha yoga is the branch of yoga practiced most widely in Europe and the United States, notes the National Institutes of Health. Traditional yoga includes eight areas called limbs designed to help guide followers on a spiritual level. Examples of limbs include dhyana, or contemplation; niyama, or healthy behavior; and samadhi, or higher consciousness. Practitioners of hatha yoga practice breathing activities called pranayama and hold postures known as asanas to achieve mental and physical balance. Meditation is an additional mental component of the branch.
Types
Although people frequently refer to hatha yoga to describe any yoga involving physical asanas, numerous styles exist. Common variations include Ashtanga, Bikram and Iyengar. Also known as power yoga, Ashtanga is more intense physically than general hatha yoga. Practitioners perform Bikram yoga in temperatures above 95 degrees to warm up the muscles for stretching and to induce detoxification through sweating. Also physically challenging, Iyengar yoga stresses maintaining postures for extended periods of time with your body in the correct position.
Benefits
As of 2011, researchers had not identified exactly how yoga is able to better your health. Yet, studies indicate hatha yoga and other branches of yoga can improve blood circulation and breathing, relax muscles, and reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure, states the National Institutes of Health. Hatha yoga can also decrease anxiety, increase relaxation and make you stronger and more flexible, whether you practice a gentle or demanding form of the discipline. Such health effects are why some health care practitioners and facilities recommend hatha yoga to help patients become physically fit and manage pain, stress and long-term health problems such as insomnia, depression and cancer.
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