Hatha yoga

'Hatha Yoga' is the traditional nomenclature of the traditional Indian complete exercise form which is popularly shortened to 'Yoga' today.
 
Hatha yoga is the base of all yoga postures.

The Sanskrit word 'yoga' means union. Proper practice of 'Hatha yoga' ensures the unification of the body and mind of the person regularly practicing Hatha yoga.

'HATHA': THE MEANING

The roots of the word 'Hatha' are the two Sanskrit terms 'ha' meaning the 'sun' and 'tha' connoting the 'moon'.
 
Each represents the opposite forces -- positive and negative -- that govern the universe respectively.
 
'YOGA': THE CONNOTATION

The root of the term 'yoga' is the Sanskrit word 'joga' which means 'union'. This has been anglicized into 'yoga'.  Therefore, 'yoga' refers to the best fusion of the mind, spirit and body of the hatha yoga practitioner.

BENEFITS OF REGULAR PRACTICE OF HATHA YOGA

The Hatha yoga practitioner consciously controls the functioning of the various vital functioning of the body through the mind. As a consequence thereof, the hatha yoga practitioner uses the breathing (inhalation and exhalation) as well as the functioning of the heart and mind to obtain the maximum benefits from the regular practice of hatha yoga postures.

HATHA YOGA: MEANS TO CHECK BASE EMOTIONS

As a natural corollary of this unification, the Hatha yoga practitioner becomes a controlled person. All forms of base emotions like anger, hatred, jealousy, etc., are brought under control.

THE PRIMARY TOOL OF HATHA YOGA

The primary tool of Hatha yoga is the control of the mind over the body. As a result, the psychology of the person concerned undergoes a sea change.
 
It is owing to all these positive aspects of Hatha yoga that this age-old proven tactic of physical and mind exercise have commanded a mass-following across the globe.

HATHA YOGA ASANAS: WHAT ARE THEY?

Though the terms 'Asana' and 'Yoga' are used as synonymous words, both are complementary to each other.
 
The Hatha yoga expression 'Asana' primarily refers to particular specialized physical movements that help to make supple the body of the practitioner of hatha yoga.
 
The hatha yoga asanas are a set of the seven other pillars of yoga in general. This is because hatha yoga aims at a wholesome growth of the person who practices these seven integrated regular 'limbs' of hatha yoga.
 
In fact, dedicated use of the hatha yoga asanas ensures physical, spiritual as well as mental (psychological) well-being of a person.