To clarify the essence of Hatha Yoga, it is derived from the combination of two bija mantras: “ha” (representing prana, the life force) and “tha” (representing the mind, or mental energy). Therefore, Hatha Yoga signifies the union of these two forces. When pranic and mental energies unite, a significant transformation occurs, leading to the awakening of higher consciousness. Contrary to popular belief, Hatha Yoga is not merely a series of physical exercises for flexibility and strength. Instead, it is a system of techniques designed to balance the lunar and solar energies within the body, fostering overall harmony and spiritual awakening.
BENEFITS OF HATHA YOGA
- Stress Management
Stress management consists of a variety of techniques that aim at controlling a person’s level of daily stress including chronic stress, usually for the purpose of improving everyday functioning. Asanas, breath work, relaxation practices along with meditation are considered important for HPA axis recovery and balance. It further keeps the cortisol levels in check.
- Improves Flexibility And Enhances Physical Strength.
Hatha Yoga helps to stretch and lengthen muscles improving overall flexibility and range of motion. Maintaining a yoga posture along with awareness on the breath lead to increased strength and stability.
- Higher Energy levels – Boosts energy levels through improved circulation and oxygenation in the entire body
- Improved focus – Leads to enhanced focus, more creativity and clarity in the mind.
- Joint health – Improves joint health and flexibility.
- Improvement In Cardio-Vascular Health and Hypertension
- Hatha Yoga: Beyond the Physical – The modern understanding of hatha yoga is oriented with its physical aspect covered by Asanas, shatkarmas and pranayama. Hatha yoga is falsely associated with its several benefits in relation to body and health but we have to understand that Hatha Yoga is more than just a physical discipline; it is a comprehensive system with progressive levels that address different aspects of our being. Our body is made of 5 different koshas, layers or sheaths of existence, the physical body being the most gross.
HATHA YOGA OFFERINGS FROM YOGOMICS
We offer classes that belong to the beginners level and advance level.
Level 1 Yog Sadhana
The practices are designed in such a way that a new practitioner not only understands the technique of hatha yoga but also understands it’s philosophy and spiritual significance. The Yogacharyas leading the class will make sure that each Sadhak is attended and guided to perform the asanas with the right technique. At the end of each session, there will be a short Q & A session to clear any doubts related to the practice.
KAYA STHAIRYAM – The practice of relaxing the body and calming the breath to prepare the mind and body for a successful practice session. Kaya means body and Sthairyam is a Sanskrit word that means “stability” and is used to referred to one of the benefits of yoga, developing physical and mental stability. Kaya Sthairyam provides the yogi with a solid base to sit comfortably and undistracted by the body during meditation and before starting the Yog Sadhana practice.
SALKALP – is a short affirmation or repetition of a positive statement which resonates with the purpose of life of the practitioner or Sadhak.
PAWAN MUKTASANA SERIES 1 (ANTI-RHEUMATIC GROUP) We begin with this group of asanas which releases tensions from the joints of the body. It is excellent for those debilitated by rheumatism, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart problems or other ailments where vigorous physical exercise is not advised. It is particularly useful for eliminating energy blockages in the joints of the physical body, and for improving coordination, self-awareness and self-confidence.
BREATH WORK – We then proceed to practice the pranayamas which include energising, balancing and calming practices
MUDRAS Energy circuits are strengthened with the practice of mudras which include, eye, hand, togue and body positions in a specific way to activate a given pathway of energy.
BANDHAS Bandhas are the locks that are applied in various parts of the body to strengthen the energy pathways by releasing the blockages from the nadis or the channels that carry pranic frequencies.
ASANAS Next is asana practice with complete focus on holding each position with the awareness of breath and posture. We gradually move from easy stretches to prepare the body to intermediate level of asanas, covering the twists, side bends, forward and backward bend, upward stretch, along with inverted series towards the end.
MEDITATION The fundamental Hatha Yoga kriyas are designed to purify and harmonize the energy patterns within the body. Once these patterns are balanced and under control, the mind can be directed towards a single point of focus. Without this balance, attempts at concentration can be challenging. Variety of guided Meditations are conducted from the sacred and ancient texts like Vigyan Bhairav Tantra, Saundarya Lahari, Patanjali Yoga Sutras and other Tantric scriptures.
YOGA NIDRA – Each session ends with an intense Yog Nidra practice which is also called a wakeful sleep practice to clear the patterns and conditionings that are associated with the subconscious and the unconscious mind.