Basics of Hatha Yoga Poses

 Hatha yoga poses may be said to be the system of postures which most heavily focuses on meditation and it is most definitely an ancient art, the popular form having originated in India, some say, at least a thousand years ago. Not only was it meant to be a form of exercise but also a way to purify the body. Hatha yoga poses place a lot of significance on the union between the spiritual, emotional, physical and mental states and emphasizes ways to achieve a balance between them.

Hatha yoga postures are based on certain ideologies which include but are not limited to: 

• Asanas: the poses themselves, which are similar to those in T’ai Chi
• Chakras: the centers of energy in various parts of the body, of which there are seven.
• Mudras: symbolic gestures used in both dance and meditation.
• Shakti: the sacred, spiritual force.

 Hatha yoga poses typically consist of gentle stretches, making them suitable for individuals of all ages. These postures are also designed to align the body and release tension, thereby allowing a calming of the mind. To aid in this relaxation, poses are carried out in conjunction with breathing techniques. By focusing on one’s breathing, it is possible to learn how to ‘tune out’ the barrage of stimuli that one is usually bombarded with and which tends to be at the root of a great deal of stress.

Any relaxation program that you’re likely to pick up will have some element of meditation included. There’s a reason that most meditation videos will show practitioners in certain poses, one of the most popular being the lotus position. It’s because these are the postures with which the body is most receptive to quieting the mind. This is the basis of the Hatha yoga poses…helping the physical body to be able to block out any distractions so the mind can turn inwards and begin its journey towards self-recognition. It is a way of getting the unconscious and the conscious mind to work together for the benefit of overall health.

As with all forms of yoga, the advantages of practicing Hatha yoga postures are many. They include:

• The release of both mental and muscular tension.
• An improvement in the strength of muscles.
• An increase in the overall flexibility of the body.
• A feeling of well being as a result of a balanced body and mind.
• The purification of many of the body’s internal systems.
• A reduction in stress, or a better ability to handle it.
• A boost in immune functions.
• Increased mental awareness.
• Better skin tone (surprising I’m sure, but many feel this is a result of a more relaxed lifestyle).

Children are naturally curious so if you have kids they might want to go to class with you, or just imitate what you’re doing in your living room. Encourage them. Hatha yoga poses are not just for adults and starting children off early can give them a head start on both their physical and mental development. Those in their senior years may find some of the advanced Hatha yoga postures a bit challenging but that doesn’t mean that they cannot also reap the benefits. Relaxation is for everyone. Classes for seniors are generally taught at a slower pace, with modified poses.

Hatha yoga has been practiced for centuries and it’s still around for a reason. There are few methods which are better for bringing the body and the mind into harmony with each other. Practitioners have often reported a greater feeling of inner peace and higher awareness of both themselves and their surroundings. Hatha yoga postures are one of the gentler forms of yoga and can be taken up by just about anyone.