Yoga originated more than 4,000 years ago in India. The word Yoga comes from Sanskrit and means 'unity' or 'bringing together'. In the name Hatha, the Sanskrit words ha (sun) and tha (moon) come together. The sun represents action, the moon represents introspection. In Hatha yoga, these opposing energies come together. By moving your concentration and breath to points in your body, you bring awareness there.
The unity of body and mind is primarily sought through a combination of breathing, physical exercise and concentration. Yoga teaches us to bring body and mind, and mind and consciousness into balance with each other.
The yoga postures (asanas) provide strength and energy and create an overall pleasant feeling of relaxation.
Hatha Yoga is a physical yoga variant, consisting largely of performing body postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (Pranayama) and concentration. Through this you find balance in your body and mind.
The breathing exercises (Pranayamas):
At various points during a Hatha Yoga class, breathing exercises can be performed. These exercises help you be aware of where your breath is in your body. And they give you more energy, support the physical asanas and help eliminate waste. The exercises range from breathing in and out through 1 nostril to a full yoga breath via nose, chest to deep in the belly.
There are also complete exercise sequences, the most well-known being the Sun Salutation.
Meditation is also part of Hatha Yoga.
