There are many different yoga forms practiced worldwide. However, one yoga form which stands out is Hatha Yoga. It is the most commonly taught yoga form in yoga courses. If you go for the best yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, then you are likely to learn it in the first phase of your training.
But, what is it that makes it so important? Let us find that out.
What Is Hatha Yoga?
Hatha Yoga is an ancient yogic form which has been practiced for years. It is the yogic form, which covers other different styles and forms. Any kind of physical movement-based yoga form is referred to as Hatha Yoga. Many yogis refer to Hatha Yoga as a balancing form of yoga, in which the two opposite forces of that of the sun and the moon unite. Thus, anyone who is practicing this yoga form can avail the benefits of both these forces. You will be able to trace the origins of Hatha Yoga to the ancient scripts like Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Written sometime in the 15th century, it forms the base of Hatha Yoga education.
In recent times, many people assume that Hatha Yoga is a purely physical practice. However, it is not at all true. Hatha Yoga practice involves asana practice, Pranayama, meditation, bandhas and mudras as well. Moreover, most Hatha Yoga practitioners will learn in the 200 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, how to cleanse themselves internally as well. The ultimate goal of Hatha Yoga practice is enlightenment. However, to reach that stage, you have to go through the above. Amazingly, Hatha Yoga has been derived from Raja Yoga. Many yogis will call it a simplified version of it.
How Does Hatha Yoga Help In Channelizing The Energies?
If you break down the word Hatha, into ‘Ha’ and ‘Tha’, they denote the male energies of the sun, and the female energies of the moon. During the practice of Hatha Yoga, both energies merge and start to move through the central nadi, called Sushumna. It has the power to awaken the spiritual bliss in the practitioner. You have to understand the mechanics of the body, to decode Hatha Yoga. It helps in establishing a connection between the soul, mind, and the body. It also involves Pranayama practices, so you may also feel relaxed as a part of the practice. You will get to learn about the scientific basis of this practice, through the yoga teacher training. Any yoga TTC will include Hatha Yoga, as it can be deemed complete only then.
Tools Of Hatha Yoga Practice
In the practice of Hatha Yoga, you will be engaging through various tools. These tools of practice can take your Hatha Yoga experience to another level, altogether. A regular class of Hatha Yoga includes.
- Asana Practice – You will get the opportunity to learn more than 80 asanas in the 200 hrs course. There will be standing ones, seated ones, ones that you do in a supine or prone position, and more. Warm ups are also a part of the course. The teachers at the school will guide you through the postures in a systematic manner.
- Pranayama – Hatha yoga practice gets direction due to this breathing practice. In fact, Hatha Yoga is not complete without breathing techniques. When you learn to control the flow of air within your body, it also frees up the ‘Prana’. The ultimate result is the detoxification of the mind and body. Pranayama means ‘expansion of breath’ and it is rightly so. You will learn a variety of breath control techniques based on the body parts, like clavicular breathing, thoracic breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, and abdominal breathing. Additionally, according to the breathing manner, you can also learn Pranayama like Bhastrika, Bhramari, Ujjayi breath and many more.
- Mantra Chanting – This is also included in the 200 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh. Gayatri Mantra and Aum are the universal mantras which everyone knows and practices. You will learn how to do that more effectively. In the realm of mantra chanting, the pronunciation is extremely important. When done in the right manner, these mantras can instantly sync with the universe and lead to successful manifestations.
- Mudra and Bandha Practice – Although hidden from the general notion about yoga, mudras, which are subtle gestures that you make with the hands can affect the nerve endings in your fingertips. They have the power to send signals to the remotest corners of the human body and bring about positive changes. Alongside, you can perform bandhas or energy locks sitting or standing in any place. They also have the power to bring about life-changing implications. You will mainly read about the four main locks in Hatha Yoga.
- Meditation – By now, you must have come to know that yoga is a journey within, rather than for physical changes in the body. However, it does the latter too, quite well. You get huge results related to your mental and emotional wellness, when you meditate, while in a yogic posture. There are various kinds of meditative practices, from transcendental meditation to mindfulness meditation, which can yield huge results. However, you need to make sure to learn and practice it under proper guidance.
- Internal Cleansing – Better known as Shatkarma kriyas, in Hatha Yoga, it is believed that you cannot aim for higher objectives like Samadhi or enlightenment, without cleaning the organs and systems. Every individual is born with inherent powers that can be tapped into, if the body is free from impurities. There are six such impurities, which you must cleanse through the kriyas like Trataka, Basti, Nauli, Dhauti, and Neti. Then there is the Kapalbhati, which is also Pranayama.
You can learn about all of these in the best yoga teacher training in Rishikesh. Hatha Yoga classes are quite challenging, but once you get into the lifestyle, it will become a part of your life. Hatha Yoga is for all ages and backgrounds, and irrespective of your religion you can practice it.
Conclusion
Only when you have mastered the above, it is suggested that you go for other yoga forms and styles. This yoga practice will make you stable and resilient for life. Hatha Yoga is actually the source of all other forms that are practiced today. So, learning it in detail is very important as a part of professional yoga education.
Want more insights? Keep visiting Lotology for the latest updates and information!
