28/08/2015
Hatha Yoga and its benefits
Hatha Yoga is the most popular style of Yoga in the Western world, focusing on physical and mental strength building exercises and postures described primarily in three texts of Hinduism:
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Svātmārāma (15th century),
- Shiva Samhita, author unknown (1500 C.E or late 17th century),
- Gheranda Samhita by Gheranda (late 17th century).
Why do people do Yoga ?
Traditionally it was to explore meditation and the quest for bliss, tranquility and enlightenment.
In hatha yoga, the focus is on work in the poses themselves rather than a flow from pose to pose. It will relieve the tensions in the body in order to unite the body, mind and spirit for health and well-being. Awareness and observation during the poses is an inward journey and a meditation in itself. This cultivation of mental focus quietens the mind, preparing one for deeper seated meditation practices that are the heart of the Hatha yoga tradition.
Of course the practice of Yoga poses (asanas) and breathwork offer wide-ranging health benefits such as:
• a better posture,
• increased flexiblity,
• relief from chronic back pain and neck pain,
• lower stress levels and anxiety relief,
• improved concentration and brain function,
• lower blood pressure,
• a stronger immune system.
