Since the mid-20th century, hatha yoga has become an extremely popular option for people who want to improve their mind, body and spiritual health. This ancient practice is designed to promote balance between those three components. In fact, the word "yoga" actually refers to this union, literally the "yoking together" of spiritual, physical and mental health. The word "hatha" further signifies balance, as it is made up of "ha," or "sun," and "tha," or "moon." Hatha yoga provides a balanced, healing way to release stress, improve physical condition, and increase relaxation for people all over the world.
Hatha Yoga's Origins
This form of yoga is considered one of the major types of yoga practice, along with kundalini yoga, karma yoga and many others. It is the parent of several other kinds of yoga, such as Bikram yoga, which uses a similar structure but adds extra challenges such as a very hot room. All yoga practice originates from spiritual disciplines that started up to 5,000 years ago, though these activities were not the same as today's hatha yoga. Ancient meditative and physical practices eventually evolved into a form that modern practitioners would recognize.
This form of yoga is considered one of the major types of yoga practice, along with kundalini yoga, karma yoga and many others. It is the parent of several other kinds of yoga, such as Bikram yoga, which uses a similar structure but adds extra challenges such as a very hot room. All yoga practice originates from spiritual disciplines that started up to 5,000 years ago, though these activities were not the same as today's hatha yoga. Ancient meditative and physical practices eventually evolved into a form that modern practitioners would recognize.
These were first brought to the west in the late 19th century by Swami Vivekananda. They remained a relatively unknown method of personal advancement until the 1960s and 1970s, however, when interested in eastern practices increased greatly. The rise of interest in alternative therapies led more people in Europe and North America to adopt and adapt yogic practices for their own use, producing the yoga classes we now view as standard.
What to Expect from a Hatha Yoga Class
Every yoga class is a little different, but they all use the same basic philosophical grounding. The average modern yoga class is between 45 and 90 minutes long and starts with a meditative breathing session followed by a physical warm-up. The class gradually grows more demanding, but many offer alternative versions of the poses, or asanas, to allow disabled people or those in poor physical condition to participate. Some variations, such as ashtanga yoga, are quite active, while traditional hatha practice is relatively slow. Another session of meditation finishes the class, allowing participants to "cool down."
Every yoga class is a little different, but they all use the same basic philosophical grounding. The average modern yoga class is between 45 and 90 minutes long and starts with a meditative breathing session followed by a physical warm-up. The class gradually grows more demanding, but many offer alternative versions of the poses, or asanas, to allow disabled people or those in poor physical condition to participate. Some variations, such as ashtanga yoga, are quite active, while traditional hatha practice is relatively slow. Another session of meditation finishes the class, allowing participants to "cool down."
How You Can Benefit from Hatha Yoga
Scientific studies have shown that regular hatha yoga practice offers a number of physical and mental benefits. For instance, people who have eating disorders experienced healthier relationships with food when they practiced yoga than when they did not. This ancient art can produce significant stress, anxiety and depression relief, too. It encourages mindfulness and makes it easier to take even very difficult events calmly and without extreme distress.
Scientific studies have shown that regular hatha yoga practice offers a number of physical and mental benefits. For instance, people who have eating disorders experienced healthier relationships with food when they practiced yoga than when they did not. This ancient art can produce significant stress, anxiety and depression relief, too. It encourages mindfulness and makes it easier to take even very difficult events calmly and without extreme distress.
Hatha yoga practitioners have been shown to have better flexibility, coordination and posture than people who don't engage in this type of exercise. Patients with medical problems may do better with yoga, too. While there's no evidence that yoga will cure heart disease, cancer or other severe ailments, it can have significant positive effects.
Cancer patients in one study had improved psychological health when they practiced yoga, with better, more restful sleep and reduced levels of anxiety regardless of their diagnosis. Doctors have begun to recommend this alternative therapy to their patients in order to help standard treatments work better.
If you'd like to get the benefits of hatha yoga, it might be time to investigate classes in your area or check out an online tutorial. There's more to this ancient discipline than just a few poses; regular use of yoga could lead to a happier, healthier life and greater feelings of fulfillment.
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