Hatha Yoga: Discover the Benefits, Essential Asanas, and Precautions

Hatha had spiritual significance in ancient times. This yoga was known to connect the body, mind and soul. Apart from this, Hatha Yoga is known as developing physical health. Hatha is made up of two words 'ha' and 'tha'. In this, 'ha' means sunie heat and 'that' means moon i.e. cold. This means that Hatha Yoga helps in maintaining a balance between these two energies in the body. In this, the body is made strong and flexible by doing some yoga asanas.

At the same time, Hatha means energy in Sanskrit. Classical Hatha Yoga was developed in the 15th century. In this, importance was given to yoga, asanas, pranayama, mudra and meditation for personal spiritual development. Today Hatha Yoga is practiced for physical and mental health as well as spiritually. Hatha Yoga requires hard practice to learn.

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By doing Hatha Yoga, the body can get countless benefits. Hatha Yoga is beneficial for both physical and mental health. Its regular practice increases strength, flexibility and balance. Along with this, the body and mind get peace. The benefits of doing Hatha yoga are as follows -

Swami Swatmarat, a disciple of Guru Gorakhnath, wrote Hatha Yoga Pradipika. In this, Hatha Yoga is divided into four parts - Asana, Pranayama, Mudra and Samadhi. 15 yoga postures have been described under Asana, which are as follows -

• Swastikasana
• Gomukhasana
• Veerasana
• Kurmasana
• Kukkutasana
• Uttana Kurmasana
• Dhanurasana
• Matsyendrasana
• Paschimottanasana
• Mayurasana
• Shavasana
• Siddhasana
• Padmasana
• Singhasana
• Bhadrasana

Similarly, Surya Bhedan, Ujjayi, Sitkari, Shitali, Bhastrika, Bhramari, Murchha and Plavini are included under Pranayama. At the same time, the mudra includes Mahamudra, Mahabandha, Maha Vedha, Khechari, Uddiyana Bandha, Moolbandha, Jalandhara Bandha, Viparita Karani, Vajroli, Sahajoli, Amroli, Shakti Chalana.

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Many yoga asanas are done in Hatha Yoga. In this, every yogasana is changed frequently. Therefore, not everyone can do Hatha Yoga easily. In such a situation, it would be better to do it only on the advice of an expert. Let us know about some precautions related to Hatha Yoga -

• Pregnant women should not practice Hatha Yoga at all. Breastfeeding women should also do it only on the advice of a yoga guru.
• If there is pain in any part of the body, such as the back, shoulders, neck, hands or feet, then Hatha Yoga should not be done.
• People who have recently undergone any surgery should avoid doing Hatha Yoga. One should avoid practicing Hatha yoga during menstruation and when there is pain in the stomach.
• Apart from this, people who have serious diseases related to heart, liver and kidney, etc., should practice Hatha yoga only on the advice of an expert.

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Hatha yoga is an ancient practice, which people have been doing to maintain better health and fitness. Practicing Hatha yoga regularly can provide many health benefits. Doing this yoga increases immunity, brings glow to the skin and also relieves stress. At the same time, sensitive people should avoid practicing Hatha yoga. If you are also going to include Hatha yoga in your lifestyle, then do it only under the supervision of a yoga guru.