Hatha Yoga: A Traditional Approach
 Yoga is becoming an increasingly popular practice in the Western world, and this is especially true of hatha yoga. When most people think of modern yoga, hatha yoga is the form that most people associate with the practice.
Developed by Yogi Suatmarama, a 15th century Indian sage, it was originally founded to be used as a precursor to meditation. While yoga is considered to be a great physical exercise, it is its effect on the mind that it was originally used for. Since many Eastern cultures believe there is a direct connection between body and mind, hatha yoga was (and still is) considered to be a great way to meld the two because it uses yoga positions (asanas) and breathing exercises to balance the body and the mind, one of the many hatha yoga benefits.
In hatha yoga there are six areas of focus, referred to as limbs. These are:
- Pranayama (breathing)
- Asana (poses)
- Pratyahara (detachment of the senses)
- Dharana (concentration)
- Dhyana (meditation)
- Samadhi (mastery of the mind, detachment of the body)
Almost all types of yoga follow these six principles with some, such as Ashtanga yoga, building upon them.
If you are considering hatha yoga as part of your health regimen, it is important that you still consult with your primary health care provider. While it is considered to be safe for a variety of ages and physical capabilities, including prenatal yoga, it is still important to ensure you are healthy enough for this or any alternative treatment before beginning to avoid injury. |
