What Is Hatha Yoga?

The word Hatha is a composite of Ha, which means sun and Tha which means moon. Yoga is the union between them, suggesting that the healthy joining of opposites - in this case, the mind and body - leads to strength, vitality and peace of mind.

In Yoga, the body is treated with care and respect for it is the primary instrument in man's work and growth. Yoga Exercises improve circulation, stimulate the abdominal organs, and put pressure on the glandular system of the body, which can generally result to better health.

Breathing techniques were developed based on the concept that breath is the source of life. In Yoga, students gain breathing control as they slowly increase their breathing.

Hatha Yoga is based on the natural principals of gravity and breath, the aim is to undo tension in the body.  The practice is both gentle and strong and it allows us to move toward the classical postures (asana) with ease and grace. Students are encouraged to go at their own pace and modifications will be given as appropriate. The series of yoga poses called asanas work by safely stretching and strengthening your muscles. This releases the lactic acid that builds up with muscle use and causes stiffness, tension, pain, and fatigue. Over time, the results are a strong, flexible back, a steady, smooth breath and a calmly focused mind.