by Toni McKilligan

Created on: August 10, 2008

Hatha (pronounced HAH-TAH) yoga refers to the physical branch of Yoga practice that includes Asana (the poses) that are typically associated with Yoga in the West as well as Pranayama (breathing exercises). Hatha means sun (ha) and moon (tha) and is designed to bring balance to the physical systems in order to facilitate meditation. The idea being that a strong, healthy, well toned and relaxed body will be able to sit still for the duration of meditation sessions, whether they last a few minutes or several hours.

Several types of hatha yoga exist in the West. These include Bikram Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, and many others. It should be noted that these are merely different approaches to a single ancient discipline of physical exercise, each derived from the same root. The various approaches are not unlike the different denominations in Christianity. All subscribe to the same basic tenets. To some degree, they have been personalized by their founders more for the purpose of marketing than for any real claim on authenticity. Each approach incorporates the same Yogic philosophies, but puts its own spin on the way poses are to be performed.

Hatha yoga is one of eight branches of the complete Yoga system for achieving Union, which is what Yoga means. Besides the physical aspects, Yoga requires adherence to the Yamas (restraints), Niyamas (observances), Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) all of which lead to the goal of Samadhi (state of union with the higher self). For the most part, Westerners do not practice the whole Yoga system. Instead, Yoga is seen as a form of exercise and confined to Hatha Yoga either in classes or as a personal practice.

The advantage to Hatha Yoga as a means of physical exercise is that is it both gentle and effective. Anybody can perform within the vast range of poses and postures and benefit greatly in doing so. Hatha Yoga is one of the most healing approaches to physical fitness ever devised. It's benefits include: stress reduction, relaxation, strengthened and tones muscles, increased mental clarity and concentration, enhanced creative energy, higher personal energy levels, improved posture, improved sleeping patterns, greater flexibility, increased self-esteem and confidence and emotional balance. Indeed, there is little that a regular Hatha Yoga practice cannot help in daily life.

Poses range from the simple to the very complex. There are several specific types of postures in

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