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Hatha Yoga Brings Tranquility And Strength

By Veronica Tripplethorn

Chakras and Kundalini may be foreign to you, but it’s something that is bringing tranquility and strength to the 30 million Americans who practice Hatha yoga.

The ancient practice of posturing and breathing has been taught by Indian sages to facilitate the quieting of one’s mind, the regulating of energy centers within the body and connection with the Supreme Being.

Whether you believe in God, Buddha or some other omniscient being, you’ll be amazed at the noticeable transformations taking place within.

Finding And Unblocking Energy Centers

Hatha yoga (pronounced "ha-tuh") literally translates to "sun-moon," referring to the two different energy channels within the body. Most Americans know yoga as the combination of breathing techniques and posturing, but in traditional Indian religion, it is one of the paths that leads to Raja Yoga (or the "contemplation of One Reality.")

The practice of this yogic form was widely spread by 15th Century Indian sage Swami Swatamarama and was designed to assist individuals in finding and unblocking internal chakras (or energy centers). Through true understanding and meditation, it was believed that disease and disorders could be prevented and treated in this way.

Opening The Inner Channels Of Communication

The first step is the practicing of the different asanas (poises) to help the mind and body align with one another and open the inner channels of communication. By finding the right posture, one can remain comfortable for long periods of time while meditating.

Secondly, proper breathing techniques (sometimes referred to as "pranayama") are taught. Next, some students may choose to delve more deeply into the philosophical roots. Yoga instructor David Williams (from Hawaii) once noted, "Before you’ve practiced, the theory is useless. After you’ve practiced, the theory is obvious."

Stretch Further And Touch Your Toes

The end result of practicing this style of yoga is markedly noticed almost immediately. Suddenly you can review your options and stretch a bit further and touch those toes. You’re not huffing and puffing carrying laundry up to the top floor of the house anymore.

Your bowel movements are even more regular than usual and you find that stomach aches and head aches rarely occur these days. Your abdomen, legs and gluteus are looking more defined too.

Revitalized Energy Levels

When you’re at work and start to feel stressed, you take a deep breath and reconnect with the relaxation techniques you learned in class, although the anxiety rarely reaches you on a physical level anymore.

Your energy levels are revitalized, your hormones are balanced and a calm sense of euphoria and appreciation for each day takes root in your soul. Life is good, thanks to Hatha yoga, a practice that goes back thousands of years to some infinite source of knowledge the West generally seemed to have overlooked.

A True Understanding Of Oneself

There is certainly something to be learned from ancient Indian religions and yogi sages. The practicality of Hatha yoga appeals to many Westerners who aren’t entirely sure how to go about physically and mentally reaching spirituality and a true understanding of oneself.

While magazines like Vogue may have us believing yoga is for celebrities and athletes, the essential nature of Hatha yoga encompasses a philosophical level too.

"The beauty is that people often come here for the stretch, and leave with a lot more," says Liza Ciano, co-owner & co-director of Yoga Vermont. Check YogaFinder.com to find your class today.

This Article was about Hatha Yoga.

Please Note: All information given on this site is for general information purposes and is not to replace any medical opinion or medical diagnosis given by a qualified medical doctor, a dietitian/nutritional expert or any other medical expert, as individual circumstances may vary. Please see your medical doctor, before any action is taken to alleviate symptoms.

About the Author:
Veronica Tripplethorn is an author of yoga, meditation, health, nutrition, dieting and weight loss articles including Celiac Disease, Holistic Health, Hollywood 48-Hour Miracle Diet, Massage Therapy.
Keep a lookout for more of her articles coming soon.

More Facts About Yoga

There are many different forms of Yoga that people around the world practice. Some use it primarily for its low-impact workout whereas others love the feel of meditation and concentration required in some of the many poses.

Yoga is a great way for those suffering from injury or unused to a cardiovascular workout to begin their path to becoming physically and mentally fit. Exercise is an important part of our daily lives and the added benefit of learning relaxation techniques is enough to entice anyone onto a mat.