Hath Yoga

“The main teaching of yoga is that man’s nature is divine.”

-Swami Rama

An Historical Perspective of Hatha Yoga

• Introduced thousands of years ago by Pantanjali in ancient India in a book called The Yoga Sutras

• Hatha Yoga is one of many types of yoga

Hatha Yoga

• Yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning “union.”

• It refers to the union of mind, body, and spirit.

• Hatha yoga emphasizes physical balance.

Hatha Yoga’s Three Premises

the art of breathing

the art of conscious

stretching

the art of balance

Physiological Effects of Hatha Yoga

• Offers great means to enhance structural balance

• Relaxes muscles that are tense from stress, poor posture

• When muscles are relaxed, the mind and body become more relaxed

• People report that Hatha Yoga improves quality of sleep

Psychological Effects of Hatha Yoga

• Offers great means to promote mental calmness

• Offers potential for better quality of self-image

• Implicit message of yoga practice maintains a sense of inner peace

Hatha Yoga

• Hatha yoga session will begin with the namaskar (Salute to the Sun), which is a series of movements or postures initiating integration of the mind, body, and spirit.

• Asanas are yoga positions– moving into the pose– maintaining the pose– coming out of the pose

Additional Thoughts on Hatha Yoga

• Best not to eat before practice

• Wear loose fitting clothing

• Find a quiet time to practice regularly

• Concentrate on breathing with each asana

Hatha Yoga and Chronic Pain

• Often prescribed to help with lower back and hip pain (e.g., separation of SI joint)

Best Application of Hatha Yoga

• It’s a great way to start or end each day

• Yoga classes help one’s motivation to practice

• Keeping muscles flexible is a metaphor for life