Hatha Yoga Image Home and Garden Center
Google
Web www.fitness-equipment-health.com
Categories

Know More About Hatha Yoga



Some of you may not know it, but the most common practice of yoga in the Western countries is called the hatha yoga. Unlike the original version of yoga, hatha yoga focuses more on the physical regimen that aims to give mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

The History

The history of hatha yoga dates back in the fifteenth century India when Yogi Swatmarama, a sage during those times, introduced it as a form of "a stairway to the heights" of Raja Yoga which is the preparatory stage of physical purification that makes the body fit for the practice of higher form of meditation. Hatha yoga is also known to be called as "hatha vidya" and the word "hatha" is a combination of the words, "ha" which means sun "tha" that means moon and they are said to refer to the prinicipal "nadis" or the energy channels of the body and must be fully operational to attain the state of "dhyana" or a certain aspect of meditation.

Some people may associate that the origins of hatha yoga dates back in the tenth or eleventh century with Goraknath, a yogin during those times but the oldest surviving text about hatha yoga is the Hatha Yoga Pradipika by yogin, Yogi Swatmarama. The text is said to be derived from old Sanskrit writings and personal yogin experiences of the yogin himself. The text tackles about shatkarma, asana, pranayama, chakras, kundalini, bandhas, kriyas, shakti, nadis, and mudras among others.



The Concept

The whole concept of the traditional hatha yoga is a holistic yogic path that includes moral discipilines, physical exercises, breath control, and meditation. The hatha yoga that is mostly practiced and popular in the western countries mainly composed of the "asanas" or posture and other exercises.

Hatha yoga is only one of the two concepts of yoga that focuses on the physical culture and the other yoga is the Raja yoga but both of these are referred to as Ashtanga yoga. The main difference is that the Raja yoga focuses more on the "asanas" or postures to get the body ready for a prolonged meditation that concentrates mainly on the meditative "asana" poses. The hatha yoga on the other hand focuses on balancing the mind and body through physical exercises, controlled breathing, and calming the mind through meditation and sheer relaxation.

Different positions or postures are recommended by practitioners to help alleviate or avoid health problems ranging from constipation through cancer. It was said that it helps to reduce stress, pressure, and other mental worries that people today are mostly exposed to.











More Yoga Articles

Beginning yoga Is The First Step That Can Take You Up Eight Other Levels

The Benefits of Yoga

What Is Bikram Yoga?

Information on the Different Types of Yoga

Know More About Hatha Yoga

History Of Yoga: Then And Now

Why you Should Learn Yoga

A Guide to Namaste Yoga

What You Should Know About Power Yoga

A Guide to Tantra Yoga

A Guide to Tantric Yoga

Studying The Six Branches Of Yoga Should Answer All Questions You May Have About What is yoga?

Dress Right: Clothing For Yoga

Yoga diet Can Complement Yogic Exercises And Further Make The Body Fit, Lean And Flexible

A Guide to Yoga Equipment

A Guide to Yoga Exercises

Yoga For Kids: Teaching Them To Explore Their Innate Abilities

Yoga For Weight Loss: Helps Both The Mind And Body And Effectively Burns Calories Faster

Pointers In Buying Yoga Mats

Yoga music Helps Improve Movement Of The Body, And Promotes Positive Feelings

Tips In Buying Yoga Pants

Practicing Yoga Poses Safely

Sources For Learning Yoga Positions

Yoga positions for beginners can teach you how to take advantage of everyday changes in positions

A Guide to Correct Yoga Posture

Yoga retreat: A Place Where A Lifelong Relationship May Form

A Few Helpful Tips Concerning Yoga shoes

Most Widely Used Of All Yoga symbols Is Om

Yoga Techniques: Avoid Feeling Like A Twisted Pretzel











Yoga Home

Working Out
Bodybuilding
Fitness
Sweating

Exercise
Jogging
Self Defense
Yoga

Exercise Equipment
Bowflex
Cycling
Elliptical Machines
Home Gyms
Rowing Machines
Treadmills

Diet & Nutrition
Antioxidants
Cholesterol
Herbal Supplements
Juice Diet
Nutrition
Organic Foods
Protein Supplements
Vegetarian Nutrition

Health & Wellness
Anti Aging
Back Pain
Cellulite
Heart Disease
High Blood Pressure
Motivation
Self Esteem

Relaxation
Hot Tubs
Meditation
Outdoor Spas
Tanning

Recreation
Backpacking
Bird Watching
Boating
Camping
Camping Gear
Kayaking
Paintball
Sailing
Scuba Diving
Snow Boarding
Wakeboarding
Wilderness Survival

Sports
Bass Fishing
Fly Fishing
Golf Clubs
Skiing

 






legal notices and disclaimers | privacy policy | site map

Copyright © 2007-2008 Fitness Equipment & Health ~ Know More About Hatha Yoga