The most talked about and the most advocated of the four principal disciplines of the Tantra Yoga are the Hatha yoga poses. It is the most popular yoga that was introduced by Yogi Swatmarama in India in the 15th century. Hatha came the Sanskrit words “Ha” or “sun” and “Tha” or “moon”. This explains why Hatha is a union of pairs of opposites.
The balance between body and mind using the third and fourth or the Asana and Pranayama Meditation steps in the Eight-fold path of the Ashtanga Yoga are achieved in the Hatha yoga poses. Asanas refer to the body positions which were actually meant for meditation. The goal is to know and master the one Asana that will work best in achieving meditation. The more Asanas that can be perfected, the better it will be in achieving inner meditation techniques. With the continued practice, the asanas help in improving flexibility, strength and health. Similarly self awareness and power of the mind are enhanced with the discipline that goes with Hatha yoga. On the other hand, Pranayama refers to the breathing techniques that are believed to be the secret in controlling thoughts and in releasing the body’s inherent energies. This sets the second goal of Hatha yoga poses which is to direct the energies through the nadis or the bodies subtle energy channels.
Children, the elderly and those who are pregnant can also practice Hatha yoga poses because they are easy, simple and slow stretches and breathing techniques. Meditation techniques are good to be integrated in these Hatha yoga poses. Mental and physical benefits are among the benefits that yogis can enjoy. Physical ailments are shown to be better managed if the right poses can be practiced, and ther are over a hundred to choose from. Pranayama, which are breathing techniques, can work well against asthma and other respiratory problems. Mental stresses, anxieties and depression are similarly relieved. With meditation, the mind is cleared of many stress-causing troubles.
Hatha yoga poses is a great way to keep the body and mind balanced and functioning with vitality. What else can we be looking for in an exercise?