This type of Yoga first brought to the fore by Yogi Swatmarama in the 15th century is regarded as one of the most important type of Yoga. Other types of Yoga like Power Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and even Ashtana Yoga owe their origin to Hatha Yoga. ‘ Hatha,’ the word itself has been derived from the mother of many Indian languages, Sanskrit. It means a blend of opposites, the ‘ha’ meaning Sun and ‘tha’ meaning Moon. It signifies the unification of both the currents – positive and negative and finds its concentration principally in the 3rd and 4th breathing techniques or Pranayams. This Yoga is practiced with the objective of attaining that critical harmony between body and mind by following the physical body postures called Asana, a process of purification called Shatkriyas, some gestures called Mudras, breathing techniques called Pranayams and meditation by learning to relax the mind.

The Asana as well as the Mudras help to provide flexibility to the body and loosen the body muscles such that all stiffness disappears and the person feels the relaxation coursing through his body. Bone strength and muscle density is improved. In addition to the Asana and the Mudras, proper breathing techniques form an integral part of the Hatha Yoga activity. Since ancient times, it has been well known that it is not enough to just have a good physique and one must complement it with a sound and alert mind. It has also been known that the key to controlling the mind is through proper breath control. Hatha Yoga as a package therefore helps you unravel your physical and mental capabilities. Once you are able to control your mind, the meditation process completes the activity enabling you to experience a huge surge in your ability to concentrate and focus on a specific theme or purpose for a long time.

Hatha Yoga has been known to be very effective in providing great relief to persons suffering from scoliosis, which is a muscular-skeletal anomaly. The physical exertions stimulate the endocrine glands and boosts immunity while improving the circulation of blood. Internal organs are fine tuned and bone related conditions like arthritis is combated very effectively. The mental faculties of a person are greatly enhanced through regular Pranayam and respiratory related diseases like asthma and bronchitis are kept at bay.

Hatha Yoga is at the forefront as one of the Yoga types with its spotlight a lot on Asana and Pranayama to infuse energy into the channels or Nadis. In doing this, the focus of Hatha Yoga is primarily on the 3rd and 4th rungs of the 8 – rung structure of Ashtanga Yoga. This enables followers of Hatha Yoga to overcome hurdles that they might confront going ahead with Pratyahara or Withdrawal, Dhyana or Meditation and even Samadhi, which is Balance.

Hatha yoga can be practiced by people of all ages. Through the Asana and breathing techniques, critical and clogged energy channels within the body get liberated. The flow of energy is smooth resulting in a relaxed mental frame of mind free from anxiety and stress. The only discipline that needs to be followed is regularity, patience and perseverance to reap the benefits of Hatha Yoga.

Hatha Yoga is thus a complete exercise package aimed at boosting the physical and mental strengths of an individual.